Meet Holly, she was born in Saskatchewan but has lived in Kelowna since 2016. Holly travels quite frequently working as a fitness model, but she when she is back in the Okanagan she is the partial owner of Cosmetic Culture in Lake Country and the owner of Anytime Fitness in Salmon Arm and other locations in B.C.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
Brett Barker, he's my best friend.
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
The Extensionist, because they make me feel and look like a rockstar!
Describe yourself in one word.
Light
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
LA, I wish to be where I am. I am here now.
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Hiking
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
Way too many... I fall or trip a lot and it's usually when I'm trying to look bada** or super cool. :)
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Every day is inspiring to me. Knowing that I have the ability to create the life I live and the days I adventure, that will never get old. I learn and grow on a larger and larger scale as I continue to adventure through my life.
Tellus your favourite childhood memory.
Playing. I played a lot... with friends, with family, my sisters, my cousins, my animals... I loved losing hours swinging on the swings, jumping on the trampoline, running the gravel roads... I loved getting lost on my own. I loved every year on my birthday walking in the valley and picking the fresh bloom of crocuses.
I loved planting asparagus with my grandma, I loved taking suppers out to my dad during harvest, I loved riding my bike a little too far, I loved playing dress up and putting on fashion shows from my closet... So many amazing memories that translate into the woman I am, the girl I will always be.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I influence and inspire, so I give back every day. I help, educate and contribute my writing. I give back through our gyms, my staff take care of the community constantly.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
To change the perception of what a life should look like. Social acceptance and the abundance of normalcy.
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
The hiking trails, or a Netflix and sweat at Cosmetic Culture.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
Lessen the abundance of drug abuse and the homeless. It's crazy to see more homeless in Kelowna than I do in LA or Mexico or anywhere... It's sad to not feel safe in such a small community.
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
It's landscape 100%.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
- Travel the world
- Create impact
- Leave a legacy
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I am a finance graduate who wanted to be a certified financial analyst because I dislike social settings and love numbers, they never lie :)
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
Holly Barker on FB @hollsbarks
Twitter @hollsbarksfitness
IG Holly Barker Fitness (the app on your app store)
hollsbarksfitness.com (website)
What is the name of your business/organization?
Cosmetic Culture Sport and Spa
Why did you get into/start this business?
Because everything is possible through health and fitness, the ability to scale it and provide it for others to enjoy is the purpose of everything.
What is the goal of your business?
To inspire healthy people and enable them to live their lives optimally, every day and at every age.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Finding my ultimate purpose and focus.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I would not allow others to tell me I can't... and believe them.
What do you always find yourself saying?
Get to. I live my life through get to's... we get to choose to live the life we get to.
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Don't wish for an image or perception. Live it and pivot if it does not serve you.
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Myself. I love learning who I am.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
Support people with original minds and encourage their creative to thrive.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Becoming myself and continually growing my voice and an audience to share it with.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Brett Barker - he has inspired me into the woman I am today.
My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Colleen Nolin
Some general comments I would like to share are:
Don't focus on what you are not or what others are. Learn, grow, become and never stop repeating that...we become new every day. We are never too young, too old, to be the version of who we are meant to be. Don't give up.
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!
