Meet Hannah. Hannah is Okanagan born and raised! She enjoys practising yoga, hiking the many scenic trails here in the Okanagan and spending some quality time with her family.
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
Kelowna, moved away for 10 years to Toronto, but back to Kelowna to raise my kiddos.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My family. They fill my heart with so much joy.
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
I am such a foodie, so Bean Scene Coffee Works, for hanging out, chai lattes and amazing baked goods - never disapoints.
Describe yourself in one word.
Yogi.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Maui - love the weather there, how easy it is to travel, the beaches, the food. And it's a great place for yoga and families.
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Yoga of course (year round). But also hiking when it's warm, snowboarding when it's cold.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
Not sure about most embarrassing. But I find answering the door with my boob out after breastfeeding pretty embarrassing for the delivery person and myself!
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
I lived in Toronto for a short while, and I got to go to many inspiring events. One talk stands out to me, it was with Dr. Chris Barnard, the first person to perform a successful human heart transplant. His passion for life and dedication to try anything stood out to me. We are all on this planet for a reason, and I find people that live with passion and go for their dreams, no matter how impossible or difficult, change the world in a positive way.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Growing up in an Orchard in Kelowna, BC and picking cherries with my brothers. We would sit in different cherry trees for hours during the summer months, eating as many as we could.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I love teaching Mom & Baby Yoga to the women in recovery at Karis Soceity. They are so dedicated to make a change in their lives for their babies. Also, I often do an all levels yoga class for raising funds for the Kelowna Women's Shelter, lately that has been difficult though with a 3 year old and 4 month old.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
That all mothers have the support they need for their children.
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
Sparkling Hills Spa - always!
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
More bike lanes. In Toronto, I biked everyday to work on safe bike lanes, right to downtown Toronto. The climate here is WONDERFUL it totally makes sense to support safe cycling routes to major hubs like UBC and the hospital.
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
The people and the climate.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
- Go on a family trip to Spain
- Host a Yoga Retreat in Hawaii
- Create a MOGA™ Women's Retreat Centre in the Okanagan inclusive of a yoga studio, art gallery, salad and smoothie bar (like Urban Herbivore in Toronto) where I could teach yoga classes, & teacher trainings. And MOGA™ could faciliate birth educators and postpartum mental health talks with experts from around the globe.
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I speak fluent German and lived in Berlin.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/happydayyoga/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/happydayyoga.ca/
What is the name of your business/organization?
Happy Day Yoga (locally) & MOGA™ (locally & globally)
Why did you get into/start this business?
Because moms need a place where they are seen, heard and valued.
What is the goal of your business?
To empower mothers (in birth and motherhood) and to educate Yoga Teachers how to do the same.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Balancing being an entrepreneur and a mother to a 3 year old and 4 month old.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
A few things I would do differently, but the direction is the same.
What do you always find yourself saying?
Movement is Magic.
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Live with passion. Do what fuels YOUR soul.
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge. Because she is an amazing mom and leader. Plus I love England, it's one of my favourite places to travel to.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
Because it impacts people right here in your own community. I personally know a lot of amazing business owners in Kelowna and they hustle so hard to support their passion and family.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
2 home births.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Ruthy Penner, Founder of Nooks Design. Because she is an amazing mom, always hard a work, gifted crafter and business woman.
My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Jenica Frisque, UBC Equity Facilitator
Some general comments I would like to share are:
That sometimes the bravest thing you can do, is be true and honest with yourself. Only you can make any positive change in your life. Also, what I tell my yoga students in class. If your mind is busy or life is overwhelming simply go back to the breath and repeat: "I breathe in. I breathe out."
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