Meet Bree! Bree is originally from The Pas, Manitoba and has lived in Kelowna for 3 years now. On her free time, she enjoys spending quality time with her mother (her biggest motivator) as well as going golfing and hiking here in the beautiful Okanagan.
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
The Pas, Manitoba I have lived in Kelowna for 3 years now.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
This is a difficult question, as I do have a select few amazing people in my life. My Mother. She inspires me to be the best version of myself. I'm so motivated to accomplish everything because of her.
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
There's a few: Kelowna Women's Shelter Thrift Store, Georgie Girl, Breadco, Joon's Kitchen, QB Gelato and Parlour Ice Cream.
Describe yourself in one word.
Tenacious.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Gili Trawangan, Indonesia - No motor law, horse + buggy or pedal bikes. Beyond peaceful and has been my favourite place in all of my travels thus far. There's just something above that island that makes you feel grounded and grateful.
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Anything and everything outdoors. Golf has to be my favourite. Hiking would be second.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
Gracefully face planting on an International Stage during comparison rounds at The North American Championships in Pittsburgh for Women's Figure (Bodybuilding).
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Being surrounded by more than a few individuals who have overcome great obstacles in life. You never know what true strength is until you see a loved one go through tough times but come out on the other side guns blazing with a smile to boot.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Spending quality time with my grandfather. I had a great childhood growing up at our lake house during summer break at Clear Water Lake, Manitoba. My grandfather was always tinkering, he was always on the go. He taught me how to skate, ride a bike, whittle a stick, pick buckets of berries and to use my imagination so that I was too busy to ever be bored.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I have donated to In From The Cold, The Kelowna Women's Shelter and BCSPCA. I always tend to have a supply of goods in the back seat of my vehicle, therefore if I come across someone in need I can offer assistance. I think it's always important to be kind to others, wear a smile you never know what someone is going through.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
Basic economic education from middle school and up. Understanding the production, consumption, and transfer of wealth at a young age would invigorate more people to find ways to go into business for themselves.
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
Probably a trail.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
One of the underlying issues that needs positive reinforcement is to assist the homeless. There have been multiple instances downtown where patrons do not feel safe and I believe there could be a more efficient shelter solution to rectify the Leon Street crisis.
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
Everywhere you go, there's a view. Greenery, mountains, water, city lights, the intricacies of downtown, the boardwalk, the wineries, the people. Kelowna is breathtaking everywhere you go, there's never a bad view.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1.Build a successful business I’m proud of. But more importantly, a business that my customers are proud to own a piece of.
2.Branching off from bucket list item #1 -develop our own viable charity.
3. Acquire acreage, build an animal rescue ranch.
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I care very deeply about people and their well-being. Even if they don’t always reciprocate.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
Facebook: Bree Balaski Instagram: @breebadasski Linkedin: Bree Balaski
What is the name of your business/organization?
Hardbody Hippie
Why did you get into/start this business?
Passion for fashion. There was a time in my life when I was accepted into a prestigious fashion school in Los Angeles & finances didn’t allow me to attend. With Hardbody Hippie, it’s a culmination of the things that are important to me:Quality,Materials,Design,Leisure.
What is the goal of your business?
To provide high-quality apparel for Kelowna and our worldwide customers. But just as important, it’s to do something good. 1% of our total sales go to my commitment through the Upside Foundation. Mydonationswillbegoing to The Sick Kids Foundation.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Making sure I have the right team around me to help me get to where I need to get to. It hasn’t been easy, but I think I’m finally there.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I think it's important to learn from your past mistakes, so I would definitely have to do things the same so I could get to this point and be better.
What do you always find yourself saying?
Great things never came from comfort zones.
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
There are some blog posts on my website written by myself and members of my team that help encapsulate how I feel about life and how I would advise. Check them out! hardbodyhippie.com/blog
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Blake Lively, just an absolute stunning woman with an even bigger heart. She is an iconic role model and has leveraged her fame for the greater good. Her Child Rescue Coalition stance pairs technology and aid to protect children from abuse. Being a bit of a tech junkie myself (background in Computer Science), I would love to learn some brief analytical breakdowns as well as future initiatives that she has in store. Not to mention, if her husband was around for a laugh or two I wouldn't be complaining. Every woman loves a good sense of humour!
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
Supporting your local community is like supporting a family. What happens when you support your family? They will support you. Give you strength emotionally, sometimes support you financially, but most importantly, they are your best critic.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
1. Joining forces with an amazing team to make my dream, Hardbody Hippie come true.
2. Moving to the beautiful Okanagan.
3. International Gold Medal win for Canada in Women's Figure (Bodybuilding)
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Can't miss this opportunity to shout out Michael Oduro + Amy Bridgeforth from Winnipeg. Solid
My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Artix Custom Screenprint - John + Chantel are absolutely fantastic at what they do!
Some general comments I would like to share are:
I’m honoured to have an opportunity to be a part of KelownaNow in Focus. Highlighting local Kelowna entrepreneurs and people of interest is why I love being a part of this community. There is so much support here, and I think we are the jewel of BC. I’m appreciative of all the people picking up their apparel at Hardbody Hippie and I want them to know that we’ve got some new Collections coming later in the year that they’ll love. Our garments are made responsibly and are ethically sourced. If you haven’t checked out the website, check it out - and know that if you pick something up, you’re also doing something good!
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!
