In Focus | Colleen Hanson

Meet Colleen! Colleen is originally from Red Deer and has been living here in Kelowna for two years. She enjoys being outdoors in nature and spending quality time with her loved ones.


Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
I am from Red Deer and have lived in Kelowna for 2 years.

Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My sons Gabriel and Justin. They moved here from across Canada to be with me after the loss of their brother.

What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
Dannburg Flooring. Because I work there and am not part of the Dannburg family.

Describe yourself in one word.
Strong.

If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Bali. I went there with my youngest son for a few weeks about 15 years ago. It is paradise on earth.

What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Kayaking and being out in nature.

What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
My multiple bad hairdos.

What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
As a grieving mother, I have been able to realize that God is in control of everything in our lives. I am able to share my story of losing a son to a fentanyl overdose and know that by sharing it, I will be helping to inspire others in a way I don't even know.


Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Camping with my family around the various places in B.C. that my parents loved to take us to. Life was much simpler back then.

Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I give back to my community through attending mental health events and giving to their organizations (such as the Foundry).

If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
The war on drugs.

Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
Knox Mountain summit.

Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
I cry every time I go down on to Leon street to visit with and drop off supplies for the homeless and drug dependent people of our city. It is all so sad. If I had any influence or money, I would create housing for the homeless that helps integrate them back into the workforce with the help of social workers, doctors, and mentors to help lift them up again.

What do you think makes Kelowna great?
The vibrancy of the economy, the forward-thinking cultural society and the number of things to do here in Kelowna!

What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1. Build and stage a home that I would sell, to show the public what kind of a designer I am.
2. Help my boys in any way I can.
3. Travel to Bali with my partner to show him why I love it there so much.

Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
That I am a grieving mom.


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

What is the name of your business/organization?
Dannburg Flooring.

Why did you get into/start this business?
I am an interior designer and wanted to work for the best flooring store in Kelowna.

What is the goal of your business?
To create beautiful and timeless spaces.

What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
My biggest struggle would be the death of my son.

If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
Yes, I would marry the right person first.

What do you always find yourself saying?
This too shall pass.

Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Don't let anyone put you down. Stand up. Be strong. Have faith that things will turn out ok. Be patient.


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

Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
To keep the economy flowing here in our city.

What has been your proudest accomplishment?
My 3 sons.

Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Scott Munt from Dannburg Flooring. He is calm, optimistic, and knows how to run his flooring business.

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!