Meet Julie. She has lived in Kelowna for 15 years. She is a talented musician and is also quite the humanitarian. She has has volunteered at many charity events in the valley, serves Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter dinners at the Gospel Mission in Kelowna and has produced six successful Prostate Cancer fund raisers here in Kelowna.
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
I grew up in friendly Manitoba, but have lived in Kelowna for 15 years.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
I have several favorites! My son who is extremely intelligent and makes me look at life in a different way, and he makes me laugh. My sisters who always have my back and my partner Steve who I create music with.
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
Nature's Fare, lots of healthy choices
Describe yourself in one word.
Creative
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Anywhere tropical! I love sun, sand & water!
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Hiking & snowshoeing
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
I have too many to count!
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Working on music with amazing producers such as Daniel Lanois, Michael Beinhorn, David Foster, John Oats. Then singing with singers like Angelique Kudo, Annie Lennox and Sarah Mclachlan all at the same concert at Roy Thompson Hall in Toronto.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Growing up and working on my parents farm in southern Manitoba.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I have volunteered for Rock 4 Kids at Whiskey Jacks, I have walked for my Mom in the breast cancer walk 14 years in a row, Tiny Tims charity breakfast 4 years in a row, served Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter dinners at the Gospel Mission in Kelowna, I have produced 6 successful Prostate Cancer fund raisers here in Kelowna.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
Famine, hatred, greed & violence.
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
On a boat in the middle of Lake Okanagan, turn the motor off and drift!
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
More special care given to elderly in our community and more opportunities and help to the homeless.
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
the people, the location and all this region has to offer.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
Italy, France, Greece.
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I'm a Leo.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media?
Text, email, FB.
What is the name of your business/organization?
Le Mo Nay.
Why did you get into/start this business?
It's my passion
What is the goal of your business?
To make music that touches people.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
In life to over come the loss of family members.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I would not worry about the small stuff!
What do you always find yourself saying?
What Can We Do?
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Never give up on your dream!
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
My son Lucca.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
To support the small businesses who have to make a living in our wonderful community.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Have my son, 5 Juno Awards, 3 gold records, 1 platinum record
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
My partner Steve Soucy, a talented musician, producer, writer who works hard at his craft
My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Bonnie Gratz owner of New Vintage Theater in Kelowna.
Some general comments I would like to share are:
A big thank you to all those who support live music in our community. Where would we be without music in our lives? It means a lot to those of us who want to share our music with all of you!!!
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!