In Focus | Julia Garner

Meet Julia Garner. She's a BC girl and has lived in Kelowna for just over 11 years.

Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
That's a tough one, I have a great circle of friends that I love. Probably my girl, Apple, she's my number one confidant. She's absolutely bonkers and makes me laugh the most.

What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
Okanagan Spirits on Bernard Avenue. What is not to like in there?

Describe yourself in one word.
Loyal.

If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
I love Mexico. It's easy and quick to get to, and the hospitality of the Mexican people is incredible.

What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Anything lake and wine related. We also have spectacular hiking here. Myra Canyon Trestles is a must do.

Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
We used to have a family cabin on a lake in northern BC. It was a chilly lake as northern BC tends to be, but a cute little cabin with a wood burning stove and a hammock out in the trees of an untouched forest. I loved that time in my life, despite the bickering between my only sister and I!

Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
We are supporters of the Kelowna and West Kelowna food bank. It is vital to our low-income families. No one in this country, this province, or this town should be hungry.

If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
Hate and prejudice is horrendous human behaviour. I think most of us would like to see much more peace.

Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
Shhh but Quails' Gate has the best fireside seating in the dining room. Alone or with a friend for a glass of wine in the late afternoon is my favourite thing.

Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
Like many communities, our homeless population needs help. Mental health needs more attention and funding. I don't know the answer but we are all touched by it on some level.

What do you think makes Kelowna great?
Aside from the climate, the lake, the wineries, the farm fresh produce, and the abundant outdoor recreation? The options available for higher education are amazing also.

What are 3 things on your bucket list?
Mine would be a travel bucket list:
1. To get back to Vancouver Island to Ucluelet and Tofino for some late fall or winter storm watching
2. Road tripping along the Oregon Coast with my favourite guy
3. And who doesn't want to explore Greece?

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

What is the name of your business/organization?
Tourism Kelowna.

Why did you get into/start this business?
Fate has a funny way of getting us where we need to be when we need to be there. It was just great luck. I love what I do; I am a big fan of all that is Kelowna.

What is the goal of your business?
To encourage and promote overnight visitation to our community resulting in more money being spent here on accommodations, attractions and services.

What has been your biggest struggle either at work or life?
Time is such a sweet and limited commodity. I need more hours in most days.

If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I would do it all over again but differently.

What do you always find yourself saying?
'It is what it is.'

Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Something my son always brings me back to 'be kind, always.'

If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Blake Shelton, one hundred percent.

Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
Kelowna is such a huge entrepreneurial town; there is such talent and most of what makes Kelowna great, interesting and unique is available because of the genuine passions of our small, local businesses.

What has been your proudest accomplishment?
I am in the midst of raising the kindest, most respectful and deliciously compassionate boy. There isn't a prouder Mom than I.

Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Kristi and James at Caldwell Heritage Farms are such an interesting couple with a passion for family and for Kelowna. They are a ton of fun to be around.

My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Kristi and James Caldwell.

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.