Meet Corinne! Corinne radiates creativity. Her knack for anything crafty has led her to start her own small business that promotes upcycling and cheery comfort.
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
Born in Prince George, BC. My husband and I moved to Kelowna 24 years ago to raise our beautiful daughters here.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My family. They are so much fun and we laugh!
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
Any thrift store!
Describe yourself in one word.
Energetic.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Eastern Canada.
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Walking along the boardwalk downtown.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Wow! So many things, but probably listening to my mom public speak about her life living in India with my dad and two older sisters.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Family fun nights. My parents would set aside a few Fridays a month and we would gather with another family and horse around in the gymnasium where my dad was principal. Dairy Queen ice cream afterwards was always a big treat too!
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I have volunteered at homeless shelters, sang in community choirs, worked at the Samaritans Purse headquarters in Edmonton creating shoe boxes.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
For people to be less about themselves and treat others the way they would want to be treated.
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
Hiking the trails of Telemark on the Westside.
Where would you like to see a positive change in Kelowna and why?
More parks, more bike lanes.
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
The lake, the orchards and the mountains. It’s absolutely the prettiest city to live in.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1. Travel via RV across Canada.
2. Visit Thailand.
3. Live in a cabin on the lake.
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I sing when I’m alone almost nonstop (and sometimes really loudly!)
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
Instagram @hairloomscrunchies @warmwoollys
What is the name of your business/organization?
Warm Woollys and Hairloom Scrunchies.
Why did you get into this business?
I have to be productive doing something in my spare time so my mitten business started about 10 years ago. I love to thrift shop and the idea of creating something useful and adorable from an old wool sweater. It makes me feel good! I started Hairloom Scrunchies only one year ago. I have two daughters who love wearing them so I thought it would be fun to make a few for them. A few has since turned into hundreds, and I have even shipped some to eastern Canada. Instagram has been a fantastic platform to showcase both my mittens and scrunchies.
What is the goal of your business?
I’d love to be able to sell my products in local stores at some point.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
I struggle with sticking to one hobby or project at a time. I have too many things going at once and it can become overwhelming.
If you could start all over again, would you do things the same or would things be different?
I may change a few things...but that’s what life is...having choices and making decisions based on your knowledge or maturity at the time.
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Slow down and take your time.
What do you always find yourself saying?
”Seriously?” I try not to use the word “like” before I start a sentence-a pet peeve of mine.
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
I would love to meet Barbra Streisand. I’ve been a fan of hers since my teens - her music, movies, love of animals and philanthropic work and her raw honesty in interviews. I just think I’d get along with her quite well.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
It helps the local economy, far less packaging and better for the planet, the food is fresh and it’s fun!
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Raising my daughters, hands down.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
My mom! She’s 88 years old and inspires me daily. She lives in a different city and we chat at least once a week... I don’t take that time for granted anymore.
My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Melissa Ummard.
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!
