Meet Kristin. Kristin was born and raised here in Kelowna! She enjoys paddle boarding early in the morning when the lake is calm, and spending quality time with her loved ones.
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
From Kelowna, 36 Years with 5 of those years in Alberta.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
There is no way I can pick one person. I am eternally grateful to have inspiring, strong, empowering, people in my life. I love every minute with every one of them :)
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
I have many favourite stores in Kelowna. At this moment I am loving Georgie Girl downtown. My New Year's resolution for 2019 is to buy all of my clothes used or upcycled. They have a great selection of brands I love at a fraction of the price for new.
Describe yourself in one word.
Brave.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and
Huatulco, Mexico. It is a magical place. They have a pristine national park, their electricity is generated through wind power, and you won't see a disposable straw. It is heavenly.
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
If I had to pick one it would have to be paddle boarding. There is something spiritual about being out on the water in the quiet hours of the morning.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
I had been hospitalized with a kidney infection. I was so out of it from the fever, I walked down the hall with my bare butt showing for all to see.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
In 2016, my husband and I decided to live our lives fully on our own inner compass and do away with living within social norms. We sold our house in the suburbs and designed and built our dream home on 10 acres in the forest. We knew this would be a stressful time but had no idea how hard things were about to get. I had already been fighting a long battle with a disease called rheumatoid arthritis. It is considered to be one the most painful diseases in the World. The stress of the huge life shift caused my disease to explode into every part of my body leaving me bedridden for 70%-80% of the time. I was so thin and weak the people around me were fearful I wouldn’t survive. That time in my life was pure torture, physically and mentally. When we finally settled into our house I took time to recover, except everything I did to regain my health failed. In February of 2018, an idea came to me in a flash, Mason Jar Lids. Seeing as I was restricted to my bed I decided to use that time to search out the best solutions in sustainable products with the main focus centred around the mason jar. I brought in over 400 items to test (less than half passed). Last September Mason Jar Lids was ready but my body was not. At that point, I couldn’t stand or walk for longer than 5 minutes. I decided that I would move forward anyway and set the intention that the Universe would bring me answers for my health. Mason Jar Lids launched October 1st, 2018. Two days before, I came across a registered Nutritionist that had cured herself of an autoimmune disease. It felt right. That day I made an investment in myself I will never regret. Alongside the launch of Mason Jar Lids, I started another journey, one towards health. Day by day, Mason Jars Lids’ message spreads and day by day, I am gaining my life back. I know this is my second chance. I'm not going to waste a moment.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
My Favourite childhood memory was the day I discovered my love for public speaking. I was in grade one at the time. There was a public speaking competition at my school that I enrolled in. I remember being so nervous but something within me urged me to do it. I won third place. The sense of pride that I felt in my little six-year-old self was exhilarating. That day created a secret dream within me to one day become an inspirational speaker. Before my disease took over my body in 2016, I had the opportunity to live out that dream. Travelling all over North America speaking in front of crowds of up to 3000 people. Speaking about leadership, entrepreneurship, self-love and personal empowerment.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
My heart connects with the superheroes at Mamas for Mamas. Last Christmas we were able to donate gifts to help give Moms and their kids have a Merry Christmas. Looking to the future, there are some events coming up that I have the privilege to be involved in that will bring light to some special peoples' lives. Stay tuned ;)
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
This is a tough one. If I could choose anything it would be that every child is raised in a nurturing and supportive environment. I believe when you allow someone to thrive they will want to show up as their best self.
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
Raymer Bay off Westside Road. It is usually quiet, it is the perfect place to sit on a chair with your feet in the water. It's so peaceful.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
I am honoured to be part of a growing community of Entrepreneurs who are community-minded and environmentally conscious. Positive change in our environmental impact, how we look at personal health, and how we raise others from despair is underway and growing fast. Many people of the Okanagan area are showing up with determination to make a massive change for the betterment of not only our area but also our world.
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
What makes Kelowna great is the accessibility to nature and the wonderful people that this lifestyle attracts.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1. Create a permaculture garden
2. Learn how to raise bees and chickens
3. Go on a spirit quest
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
My education is unorthodox. I have a PhD in Metaphysical Science which uses the scientific method to study spirituality and the human soul.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
Instagram: @masonjarlids Facebook: facebook.com/masonjarlids
What is the name of your business/organization?
Mason Jar Lids
Why did you get into/start this business?
To do my part in helping the Planet and those who live upon it.
What is the goal of your business?
To aid in ridding the World of disposable waste.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
A long-term battle with an autoimmune disease.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I wouldn't change a thing. Whether perceived as "good" or "bad", every experience you have ever had has lead to this moment. I am grateful for every one of those moments.
What do you always find yourself saying?
Together We Can Change... EVERYTHING
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Just because you can doesn't mean you should. You will be very good at many things in life. If you have to drag yourself to work or an activity, it's not right for you. From someone who has looked death in the eye, regret is much scarier than change.
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Danielle LaPort. She is an amazing human being from Vancouver. She has written many books, my favourite being "the Fire Starter Sessions". She is a successful entrepreneur who also lives as her authentic self. She teaches others to do the same.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
Shopping locally is wonderful in so many ways. When you buy from a local business you are supporting a real person in their passions. You are helping their kids go to college or pay a mortgage. On top of that, it also helps create sustainability.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Overcoming a disease using natural means. A disease I was told was incurable and that if I didn't take the recommended medication I would be in a wheelchair by the time I was 35. I'm 36 and walking better than I did three years ago.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
A wonderful human who is one of our communities unsung heroes. Naomi Miller, gave up a thriving company to become a foster parent. She is giving kids their best chance. It is an honour to call her my friend.
My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
There are two humanitarian business owners in Kelowna that are doing amazing things. Amanda Worms of Little Owl Academy and Jaye of Farm Bound Organics and Farm Bound Zero-Waste Grocery Stores.
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!
