Meet Brittia! She's the brains behind the annual Great Okanagan Beer Festival!
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
I am actually not based in Kelowna, but rather in Whistler. I am originally from Calgary Alberta, lived in the states for a while, and then went to university at the University of Victoria before moving to Whistler where I've been for 6+ years.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
The Gibbons Festivals & Events team of course! We always have such a great time together and so many laughs.
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
I love BNA Brewing. I haven't spent a huge amount of time in the shops or shopping as I am usually working when I am in Kelowna and on a schedule.
Describe yourself in one word.
Dynamic.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
To a sunny beach to drink some pina colada's, soak in the Vitamin D, and relax.
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Drinking beer at the breweries and pubs of course :)
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
Way too many embarrassing things to count, plus lots of stories that are not suitable for the public.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Inspiring things happen to me every day so it's hard to choose just one - but what I find truly inspiring is when your leaders and team believe and empower you - which I get every day at Gibbons Whistler.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
I grew up on an acreage outside of Calgary so really some of my favourite memories are running around with my brother on the acreage creating a bunch of imaginary games.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I give back to the community through organizations such as Women of Whistler, or through events that empower females such as at International Day of the Girl. I also try and do small random acts of kindness each day as they add up to a larger change.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
The discrepancy of wealth/poverty.
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
I'd go to the lake - out on a boat would be nice.
Where would you like to see a positive change in Kelowna and why?
We absolutely love Kelowna. Beyond getting Uber or Lyft (which is a province-wide thing) as it would just be convenient, I am not immersed enough to comment on change.
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
The culture, the vibe, the people
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1. To travel far and wide - my bucket list destinations continually change.
2. To live a life that I am proud of
3. To be a role model and inspiration for other people.
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
This is a tough one because I am an open book, and things that are kept secret probably are secret for a reason.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
I keep my Facebook and Instagram private, but if you want to connect work-related reach out via Linkedin or just email me at brittia@gibbonswhistler.com
What is the name of your business/organization?
Gibbons Whistler - Festivals & Events
Why did you get into this business?
I have always wanted to work for Gibbons Whistler. I had the opportunity to contract my services out for social media and that grew into a larger opportunity and I could not be more stoked!
What is the goal of your business?
To make people happy.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
One of my biggest struggles was in university and realizing that I get to plot the course of my life and could change that course at any moment. I didn't have to follow what anyone else wanted. It took a while for me to figure out what to do with that great knowledge and I struggled through my degree as I was exploring various options, as well as getting to know myself.
If you could start all over again, would you do things the same or would things be different?
I wouldn't be the person I am today if things were different and I am very proud of who I am today.
What do you always find yourself saying?
This changes weekly. Our office has lots of different sayings and they catch on.
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Know your truth & don't stop until your proud.
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Oprah - she is so inspiring and I would love to pick her brain, have some cocktails, and hear her stories.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
Local business owners care about the community and giving back to the community and are invested, whereas larger companies are so far removed from the communities they are interacting in.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
There isn't one big one that stands out for me as I'm proud of a lot of the experiences I have had in my life, and a lot of the opportunities I have created for myself.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Katrina Frew - Director of Festivals & Events. She is a badass boss lady who inspires and empowers our team everyday.
My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Train Station Pub - David Lindsay is awesome over there.
Some general comments I would like to share are:
Come say hi to our team at Great Okanagan Beer Festival Main Event on May 9th! We'd love to see ya onsite.
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!
