Meet Tricia! She's all about encouraging fitness to be fun rather than something that is a daunting task.
Photo Credit: Tricia Chrzanowski
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
My husband, Dave, and I moved to Kelowna with our son from Calgary in May, 2018.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My husband! He is the kindest, most genuine man I have ever met.
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
Okanagan Lifestyle. It is refreshing to see a company embrace its roots and establish a brand on community pride while actively giving back to the city that has been the backdrop for its success.
Describe yourself in one word:
Passionate.
Photo Credit: Tricia Chrzanowski
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment, where would you go and why?
At this exact moment, I would say Costa Rica – warm, tropical weather and visiting great friends who moved there to start a luxury travel company.
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Wakesurfing in the summer and skiing in the winter.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
Honestly, there are far too many to count!
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
The most inspiring thing that has ever happened to me was self-realization and embracing who I am physically, mentally and emotionally. Self love has inspired me to do things that I would have never done before and push myself out of my comfort zone.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Every weekend my parents would take my sister and I swimming, then for dim sum and to visit my grandparents. I think my husband is tired of me saying that I want to go for dim sum after we take our son swimming!
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
We strongly believe that community involvement is an essential aspect of a sustainable business. Even in our relatively short time in Kelowna, we have had the opportunity to give back to the community through sponsorship and support of a number of amateur athletic organizations as well as school fundraisers.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
For all of us to be more kind and try to see the world from another perspective.
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
Anywhere by the lake or with a view of the lake.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
Kelowna is a great centre for active living but I would love to see continued development to support healthy lifestyles for all.
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
The people, hands down!
Photo Credit: Tricia Chrzanowski
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
(1) Travel the world; (2) have dinner at a Michelin-star restaurant; and (3) learn to surf (in the ocean).
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I practiced law for close to 20 years, almost exclusively in the oil and gas industry in Calgary.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
@icequeentc
Photo Credit: Tricia Chrzanowski
What is the name of your business/organization?
9Round Fitness
What is the goal of your business?
My husband and I have always been involved in athletics, whether competing or coaching, and fell in love with 9Round when we were living in Calgary.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
To make fitness accessible to everyone and something that is fun, rather than dreaded. It can be a very daunting experience to walk in a gym for the first time, particularly with boxing/kickboxing as it is not an activity that the average person has ever tried. We want to create a welcoming, positive experience for everyone who steps foot in our gyms and, when they complete a workout, to have a sense of accomplishment that only comes from being comfortable with the community of members and trainers to push beyond their limits.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
Honestly, I wouldn't change a thing. Everything that has happened in my life has led to where and who I am today.
Photo Credit: Tricia Chrzanowski
What do you always find yourself saying?
I'm hungry! When you work in a gym, you burn a LOT of calories!
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
You always have a choice. Choose to be positive, choose to be kind, choose what's hard.
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Michelle Obama. I think she is one of the most fascinating, strong, thought-provoking women of our time. She exhibits all of the qualities I admire in a leader – she is authentic, resolute, compassionate, and gracious.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
Supporting local businesses not only creates a sense of community pride but also economic growth and prosperity for those who live here. Almost as important is that you are helping to make someone's dream a reality.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Giving up the financial security associated with a corporate career to start a small business in a new city and more flexibility to enjoy time with my family.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Victoria Schmermel – Victoria is a member at the 9Round Pandosy location and just completed the Mt Kilimanjaro climb to raise money and awareness for the Central Okanagan Journey Home Society, which is a coalition of community partners that are strategizing to end the homelessness crisis in the Okanagan. All money raised went directly to the Journey Home Initiative – The Upstream Project.
We encourage you to leave your comments and words of support below and submit your own nomination by clicking HERE. You are also welcome to submit a form of your own by clicking HERE.
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!
