Meet Tracy, she has live in Kelowna for more than 5 years. Tracy owns two of her own businesses, the main one is a daycare and her passion project is
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
Spending time with my 18-year-old daughter. She's at the age where I still get to guide her into adulthood, but I can easily call her my friend as well.
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
One Big Table. This small co-op grocery store carries fresh locally grown or made foods. It completely supports the community and has an amazing daily menu of freshly prepared lunches and deserts. The staff are amazing!
Describe yourself in one word.
Adventurous
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Probably Portugal. I've never travelled over there and have always wanted to go.
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
I have so many! I have a small group of friends (I think of them more as a family) who play on various sports teams with me. Volleyball, softball, curling, and the latest activity is Mudd Sweat and Tears. I also enjoy riding my motorcycle through the Okanagan.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
Falling off a treadmill in front of friends and getting the BIGGEST black eye EVER!
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Camping every summer with the family. Some of my favourite memories include catching fish off the end of the dock with my brother, pigging out on junk food around the campfire, putting pennies on the railroad tracks near our site, stomp around in the bush looking for just the right marshmellow sticks, eating salmonberries, crowding under the tarp and playing board games because the day got rained out, helping to chop wood and collect kindling and falling asleep at night to the smells of campfire and bug spray. Ahh, I love camping.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I volunteered for a few years with Urban Rec as an Event Coordinator for Volleyball. But most importantly, I provide quality, affordable, child care in Kettle Valley. I've become very close to the families I care for and I'm continuing to do everything I can to support the needs of families in the neighbourhood.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
Hmm… I can think of a few foreign leaders that need to go!
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
Well, I can really answer this question because then everyone will know where to find me! Let's just say I've found a few beaches that are kinda off the map.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
Affordable housing. I don't mean cheap housing, just affordable! It's remarkable the rent one has to pay in this city. I realize it is one of the best cities in B.C., so yeah, one should have to pay to enjoy it. But I have friends that rent here, and I'm always blown away at the cost for the roof over their head. I do see that there have been steps taken in the right direction, I just hope rent prices freeze in the meantime.
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
The people. I've moved around quite a bit through life, and I can honestly say that the friends I've met here are truly family. I'm never leaving.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
- I've put playing my guitar on hold for a while, so I'm excited to get back to that soon.
- Travel to Europe.
- Learn to scuba dive (I'm a horrible swimmer so this one could be the most challenging.)
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I co-own a company called Sweet Bitters. Botanical bitters for fine foods and cocktails. Plus it helps with digestion, headaches and muscle cramps. I try and keep the daycare and my bitters very separate.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
People can find me and Sweet Bitters on Facebook. The daycare info can be found through the Child Care Resource and Referal program in Kelowna.
What is the name of your business/organization?
Sweet Bitters
Why did you get into/start this business?
I had a conversation with a mixologist down in Seattle. She explained the science behind creating balance in a cocktail. After I researching Bitters, I found that they actually hold a lot of medicinal qualities. It kinda took off from there.
What is the goal of your business?
To educate and bring flavour; balance and health to those with sophisticated palates. And also show them the joy of recreating their favourite recipes.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Balancing both work and life, being a mom, a business owner X2, a friend, a girlfriend, and a teammate, all require my undivided attention. Not sure how I do really? I must look insane!
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I think they'd be different. There were times I hesitated on my next move when I should have jumped at the chance. Sometimes when you put things off, it makes it harder to backtrack and still get the desired results. Next time I jump!
What do you always find yourself saying?
Well, okay. Just ONE glass of wine.
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Don't worry, or work so hard to gain 'stuff'. Instead, work hard to be present with the people in your life who love you. They're the 'stuff' that's most important.
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
I feel like I'm supposed to name someone super over the top here. But really I'd love to spend the day laughing with Ellen, or Fallon, or Colbert.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
To keep the small business owners a part of this community and to recognize the hard work that goes into their dreams. Also, it's nice to know where your food etc. comes from.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
After raising an incredible daughter… When I lived up North for a few years, I worked with a non-profit organization and built a large child care centre for 58 kids. From beginning to end, it was hard but extremely rewarding.
My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Sasha Carter
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In Focus is our gift to the community. A way for us to help show our recognition of the people, businesses, and organizations that help make our city great. Thank you, Kelowna!
