Meet Katie Truscott! Katie was originally from Kelowna, then spent 10 adventurous years in South Africa, and is now back to settle down here in the beautiful Okanagan. She loves exploring the food and wine scene here in the city, as well as spending some quality time with her two daughters.
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
I am originally from Kelowna. In 2008, I moved to South Africa where I spent 10 adventurous years. I am extremely happy to be back and finally feel ready to establish my roots in the Okanagan!
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My two little girls, Isla and Piper.
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
Cask and Barrel in West Kelowna. They have an awesome and diverse selection of local and international craft beer and wines.
Describe yourself in one word.
Creative.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
I would tour and sip my way through the Loire Valley in France. Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc are two of my favourite grape varieties.
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Exploring the growing unique food and wine scene.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
I was on safari at Londolozi Game Reserve in South Africa when our group encountered a herd of over 100 elephants. I was sitting in the back of an open air vehicle and came face to face with a large matriarch. She stood only a few metres from me. At that moment I decided it was time to come home to Canada and rebuild my life.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
I remember always feeling so inspired by my parents and their entrepreneurial drive. As I grew up I watched them take a huge risk to create and build The Jammery from the ground up. Through all of the ups and downs our family stuck together and worked hard to make it a success.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
My heart lies with environmental and animal conservation. I would love to give back and volunteer in that area.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
Free, fair and accessible education for everyone.
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
Whenever I need time for myself I go for a run along the Greenway by Mission Creek. The exercise and time outside brings a lot of peace and clarity.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
Kelowna is a wonderful community that offers so much to both locals and tourists. I would like to see the efforts continue and grow to help local residents in unfortunate circumstances off the streets and into safer living situations.
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
Kelowna has an incredible sense of community and locals love to support one another.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
Hang with the mountain Gorillas in Rwanda.
Hike the West Coast Trail.
Write and publish a book.
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I'm a classically trained pianist (a little rusty though!)
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
Instagram is the platform I use most.
What is the name of your business/organization?
Okanagan Cellar Selection and Design
Why did you get into/start this business?
I saw a gap in the wine market for cellar consultants and decided to give it my best shot!
What is the goal of your business?
To help clients manage, maintain and stock their wine cellars with fantastic local and international wines. To educate my customers on a wines' lifeline and age-ability.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Finding a healthy balance between parenting my daughters on my own while remaining career driven and focused.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I don't look back with regret and I don't believe in changing or wishing to alter the past. Every experience (good or bad) crafts us into who we are!
What do you always find yourself saying?
Let's grab a glass sometime!
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Slow and steady wins the race.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
Local supports local. If we all continue our efforts to support local businesses we can keep up the already fantastic local support and originality!
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Building and growing a successful business in South Africa, Green Leaf Alternative Solutions.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Shanyn Ward from Cask and Barrel. She is a brilliant wine writer and her knowledge in the subject is incredible!
My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Julia Ouroumis (aka Protein Snack Queen aka The Legend of Jules)
Some general comments I would like to share are:
Thank you so much for asking me to take part of In Focus Kelowna. I'm so happy to be back in this wonderful community!
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!
