Meet Alicia. Alicia was born and raised here in Kelowna! She enjoys spending time gardening in her backyard and sharing her passion of sustainable fashion with the community.
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
Born and raised in Kelowna.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
C.J. Wilkins. He is the most positive and intelligent human I have ever met.
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
Mine of course!
Describe yourself in one word.
Authentic
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Spain. Warmth, history and fashion!
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Gardening.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
Submitting e-forms before they are complete.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
I don't believe inspiring things 'happen to you'. Instead I think we are the makers of our own success by being open to experiencing the fullness of life.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Growing up with the Okanagan lake was amazing! Splashing around in the water with my sister on the hot summer days.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
The global community would significantly increase respect of human rights and environmental responsibility.
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
My yard. It is in my garden that I am able to disconnect & reflect. Nothing better than getting dirt under your nails!
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
I would like to see a greater commitment to mental health support & programs. I believe this would positively benefit everyone- from the most vulnerable; people sleeping rough on our streets to the highest earning and functioning. As a community we need to value, proactively, everyone's well being.
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
The natural beauty of the valley. Mountains, orchards, forests and the lakes, It's Gorgeous here!
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
Travel to the Yukon to see the Northern Lights.
Raise sheep.
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I have popcorn for dinner weekly.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
Instagram
What is the name of your business/organization?
Textile Apparel
Why did you get into/start this business?
Being personally passionate about sustainable fashion was great, but I wanted to share it with the community. Offer people better- more meaningful products.
What is the goal of your business?
Provide quality, fashion forward, sustainable clothing to Kelowna. I want to shake up how people think and consume clothing.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Choosing to leave a steady job with people I care deeply for in order to create the life I wanted.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I would shorten the time between fearing failure and striving for great success.
What do you always find yourself saying?
What would Bob do? ....Bob Dylan that is!
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
"Accept that meaningful change can be uncomfortable. The grit it takes to overcome the challenge is character building!"
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Bob Dylan, obviously. I don't think he's a great conversationalist but I would love to go walking with him in a big city. Observing.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
Choosing to spend your hard-earned money in a locally owned & operated business means you are contributing to the vibrancy of your community.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Owning my own business at 30 years old. Believing in my own capacity for success.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
A shout out to the generation of business women in Kelowna who blazed the path of success and equality in business.
My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
C.J. Wilkins.
Some general comments I would like to share are:
I have immense gratitude for the Kelowna community. I had no idea how many amazing people were/are routing for my success until I took the plunge into self-employment.
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!
