In Focus | Carla McKenzie

Meet Carla. Carla is originally from Grand Forks and has been living here in Kelowna on and off for about 20 years now! She enjoys running and exploring the city, browsing the local goodies at the farmers' market, and spending some quality time with her family and friends.


Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
I was adopted from India when I was 2, raised in Grand Forks, and have lived on & off in Kelowna since 1998 (permanently here now).

Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
This is a tie between my 2 children and my closest running friends (the spuds).

What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
I really, really like to eat. I love QB gelato and the farmers' market. I also like Leo’s Videos and Mosaic Books.

Describe yourself in one word.
Stubborn (or determined, depending on how you look at it).

If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Hawaii, to run.


What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Running and exploring our city on foot. I also love going to the farmers' Market.

What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
Apparently, I don’t get embarrassed easily because I can’t think of a single thing!

Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Climbing trees, riding bikes, walking to school, drinking from the hose - all with no worries!

Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I am always trying to teach (& encourage) my children to volunteer and give back. Our favourite volunteering activity to do as a family is delivering Christmas presents for Kelowna Santas. With my daycare, we do Thanksgiving food hampers and Christmas presents for several families. I love watching children as young as one-year-olds, get involved!

If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
That all children in the world have a (safe) home.


Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
Alone time? What’s that?!!

What do you think makes Kelowna great?
The weather, the people, the restaurants and especially all of the amazing activities we have for children!

What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1. Bali marathon (I LOVE Bali and marathons so it would be great to be able to combine them).
2. Ironman
3. To take my kids on an African safari.

Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I hate coffee.


How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
Facebook & Instagram

What is the name of your business/organization?
Glenmore Educational Daycare

Why did you get into/start this business?
I love working with children and I have two small children of my own.

What is the goal of your business?
To provide quality childcare and build lasting relationships.

What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Balancing it all: work, my kids, me.


If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
Exactly the same except I would have started saving money when I was a child.😂

What do you always find yourself saying?
Go big or go home. However, according to my daughter, I’m always saying: you’re the best!

Tell us your best piece of life advice.
"You didn’t come this far to only come this far."

If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Ellen DeGeneres

What has been your proudest accomplishment?
The past 5 years: my business, my children, my running, and the friendships I have made.

Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
My mom. She adopted me when I was young and I would have a completely different life without her. She has also taught me a lot about determination and perseverance.

My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Brandie Cridland-FFSBfitness

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!