Meet Cheryl! Cheryl is originally from the Yukon and has been living here in the beautiful Okanagan for eight years. She enjoys exploring the entertainment that Kelowna has to offer and spending some quality time with her family.
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
I consider myself from the Yukon as that is where I spent my formative years and it had an influence on me as a person. We moved to Kelowna in 2011.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My husband and sons. Despite driving me crazy they always make me smile and laugh.
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
It’s not a store but a community of vendors, the Farmer’s Market. After living in the Rockies for five years it is amazing to buy fresh produce and other goods all created within 100 km of my home.
Describe yourself in one word.
Determined.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
I have been dreaming of islands in the North Atlantic where sheep and the fibres from the fleeces they produce have impacted the landscapes, history, and knitting traditions of communities.
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Taking in hockey or performances in the entertainment district in downtown Kelowna.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
My boys were at a swim meet in Golden one summer. It was the first race of the morning and I was cheering my youngest on with coffee in hand. I misstepped and fell into the pool. I managed to jump out quickly, save my coffee and keep cheering!
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
It’s not what has happened to me but the influence of my patients and their families when I worked as a cancer care nurse. Their courage and strength in the face of the challenges a cancer diagnosis can bring grounds me and reminds me to always appreciate every moment.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Girl Guide camp, where we experienced things I ordinarily wouldn’t do with my family: tenting in the snow and rain, travelling to camps across the country, hosting members from around the world, and representing Canada at a conference in Mexico on the rights and roles of women in society.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
At the store, we collect Knitted Knockers. The “knockers” are a replacement for the heavy silicone breast prosthesis women wear post-mastectomy. The cotton is less irritating to sensitive skin and lighter making them more comfortable to wear.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
For government officials at all levels to consider the health impacts of policy when they are decision making. Focusing on developing truly walkable communities would be a good first step to combating obesity, heart disease, and cancer.
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
The spa. Nothing beats chilling during an aromatherapy filled massage or having my feet and hands pampered.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
Social isolation is connected to poor health outcomes for individuals. We need to be designing communities and programs that make social interactions between individuals who are house-bound and the local neighbourhoods easier. Once I finish my Master of Nursing, my goal is to create a program to help housebound crafters connect back into a community of like-minded individuals to decrease social isolation.
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
Access to year-round recreational activities in the outdoors and the weather.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1. Tour the historically significant wool/sheep regions of the world
2. Breed Burmese cats
3. Open a dye studio and workshop in Kelowna
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I’m addicted to learning. I have a BSc (ecology), BSN, and currently working on my MSN at UBCO. Planning what to take when I retire, maybe something to do with the history of knitting.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
Facebook: Kelowna Yarn Instagram: @Kelowna_yarn
What is the name of your business/organization?
Kelowna Yarn & Needlecrafts
Why did you get into/start this business?
The prior owner mentioned they were closing if no one purchased the shop. Owning a yarn store was on my bucket list and my career was not as satisfying as it once was. In January 2017 I took possession and haven’t looked back.
What is the goal of your business?
We are dedicated to creating a welcoming, diverse community of fibre lovers. People can come to the shop to learn and share, no matter what their experience level. We just want people to share our love of fibre.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Taking time to recharge myself has always been a struggle. I tend to pick up projects, immerse myself and then realize I have too many things on the go.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I might take a different path, but I am certain I would end up at this same place no matter what.
What do you always find yourself saying?
My customers will recognize the phrase, “If anyone is looking that close at your work, poke them with your needles” when they are pointing out all their “mistakes”.
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
"Always do the best you can in the moment."
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Carson Demers. He is a physiotherapist and knitter who has made a career of helping knitters work more ergonomically to prevent or heal from injury.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
Besides the economic benefits, they are a part of the social fabric at the heart of our community. Online businesses can’t offer the same expertise and social engagement that a local business can. Our customers are our extended family.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Establishing Yarn Okanagan, a fibre festival, with my partner in yarn, Karla. On June 1, we will be offering a vendor market and workshops with amazing guest teachers.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Elaine, my amazing friend, who is finishing up a web and graphic design program this month. She’s such a great friend who never fails to pitch in when it gets crazy and be an ear for me as I worked through so much over the last two years.
My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Nikki Bose, Curator of Collections at Kelowna Museums and creator of Fat Marmot Knits hand-dyed fibre.
Some general comments I would like to share are:
We invite anyone who stitches, or wants to learn, to drop by the store, where they’ll find a warm welcome and plenty of assistance from like-minded staff.
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!
