In Focus is our gift to the community. A way for us to help show our recognition for the people, businesses, and organizations that help make our city great. The team at KelownaNow.com is passionate about this community and the people that make it amazing. We want to show our friends, neighbours, family and colleagues that we notice them and the fabulous things that they do.
What is your name?
Kaitlyn Ellis.
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
Originally, I was born in Williams Lake, BC. We moved to Kelowna about 12 years ago.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My husband, hands down. He’s not only the love of my life, but my best friend. Together, we can be content staying at home and watching a movie, or impulsively decide to travel around Europe for a month. We also don’t get to spend a ton of time together, since he works away two out of three weeks, so I will take any time together!
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Tough one, my husband and I are in the midst of planning a trip to Southeast Asia. The culture is so intriguing and I think it would be the perfect combination of adventure and relaxation.
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
Impossible to name just one. I can narrow it down to three: Blonde, Olive & Elle and Krafty Kitchen + Bar. Blonde I love because of their unique selection of clothing. You can find something comfortable or something elegant. I also love that they don’t bring in mass amounts, so you know the item is a bit more unique. Olive & Elle just has the sweetest home décor. You instantly feel warm and cozy as soon as you step inside. Krafty Kitchen + Bar is so innovative with their menu, and frequently switches it up.
What is your favourite activity?
I’m pretty simple. My favourite part of the day is walking with my dog, Cofy. We go once in the morning and once in the evening.
If you had to choose: pizza, tacos, or burgers?
BBQ Chicken Pizza.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Over two years ago, I attended the Trouvaille Workshop in Grand Rapids, Michigan. My career as a wedding planner never felt like a long-term plan, until this moment. Spending time with a community of creatives who shared their passion, knowledge and encouraged one another was indescribable. After this workshop I knew that starting my own wedding planning business was a possibility and I left completely inspired and ready to take things to the next level.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Every year, my nana and papa took us camping in Lac La Hache. I was either on the water trike, playing in the park or roasting marshmallows over the campfire. If it happened to rain, my papa and I would stay in the trailer and play Beetle Adventure Racing on the N64.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
Remove the idea and feeling of hate.
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna? In the summer, biking and boating.
During the winter, skiing.
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
The Hot Box Yoga.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
Access to youth mental health and substance abuse services. I have a personal relationship to the matter and it just seems impossible to intervene before the situation becomes unmanageable.
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
Being able to experience all four seasons to the absolute fullest.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1) Donate blood
2) Road trip across Canada
3) Go skydiving
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I am very much an old soul. My favourite place is at my nana and papa’s cabin, where we drink tea and play board games.
What is the name of your business/organization?
Kaitlyn Ellis Events – a wedding planning and floral design company focused on curating intentional celebrations worthy of the first moments of marriage.
Why did you get into/start this business?
Starting my own business was somewhat of an accident. My husband and I got married in June 2014 and I found wedding planning to be a natural extension of my personality, but also challenged me creatively. Shortly after the revelation, I was hired on by a local event planning company. Unfortunately, after a year they declared bankruptcy. I remained the wedding planner for couples that had already booked in the Okanagan and slowly started building from there. You could say I’ve done things a bit backwards.
What is the goal of your business?
It’s been really important to dig deep into the heart of my business, since it all happened so quickly. My goal and purpose is to lessen the stress involved in wedding planning, and replace it with knowledge and creative support. Ultimately, so my couples can revel in the excitement and focus on the purpose, which is their marriage.
What has been your biggest struggle either in work or life?
Balance. I currently work as a rehabilitation assistant, attend Okanagan College and run a business. There is little time for myself or to tend to important relationships.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I would do things the same. Things happen for a reason, and this is my journey.
What do you always find yourself saying?
'Okie Dokie Artichokie'.
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
My husband.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
It’s important to support our community and continue to encourage and empower what makes us so unique.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
It was when I was 12-years-old. Growing up, I was a competitive swimmer. In this particular moment, I had just competed in nationals and placed 8th overall. Upon returning home, I received two awards from the mayor.
My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Lisa Kulcheski of Lillian Wild Bridal.
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. Thank you, Kelowna.
