In Focus is our gift to the community. A way for us to help show our recognition for the people, businesses and organizations that help make our city great. The team at KelownaNow.com is passionate about this community and the people that make it amazing. We want to show our friends, neighbours, family and colleagues that we notice them and the fabulous things that they do.
What is your name?
Lisa Burke.
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
I was born and raised in Winnipeg but back in 2011, I left my hometown to follow my dreams in Southern California. I uplifted my life, moved to the United States, went to school and began my hair journey apprenticing and working in Beverly Hills until I was 28.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
I love hanging with my dogs Jackson, Charlie, and my beautiful friend's pig, CeCe. I love surrounding myself with all my amazing friends in my life.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
My heart is telling me to go back to Beverly Hills. I actually just booked a trip to Los Angeles for this November which I’m beyond excited for! I can’t wait to reconnect with friends, eat the best vegan food, and go to the beach!
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
For all of my local clothing needs you will find me at Frock and Fellow. When I am craving dessert I love visiting Parlour Ice Cream Shop, and when I am starving during fast paced days at the salon I can always count on Naked Cafe or Central to fuel me up!
What is your favourite activity?
During the fall and winter months I love dancing at Femme Fatale Burlesque studio but once summer rolls around you can catch me wine touring with Cheers Okanagan Tours.
If you had to choose: pizza, tacos, or burgers?
Well I love all food so all of the above! But, if I was stranded and there could only be one type of restaurant open in all of Kelowna I would have to say pizza.
What is a hidden gem you enjoy in the Okanagan?
I honestly love grabbing my puppies and taking some quiet time down by the docks at Manhattan Point.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
To be honest, embarrassing things happen to me on the daily! Most recently I just flew home to Winnipeg for a wedding and accidentally stole some poor girl's luggage. I didn’t actually realize until a few hours later when I opened the bag and found a jar of honey on top of some clothes that definitely were not mine. I had serious deja vu from a Seinfeld episode.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
I made my first vision board back in February 2012 with the most outrageous dreams on it. Since then I have witnessed one by one all of them come true or are on their way to coming true. The fact that Burke opened just a year ago has been pretty surreal. I feel so lucky to be around such strong, positive and hard working women every day! Without the support of the local community Burke Hair Lounge would not be where it is today.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
That’s a tough one to answer.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
Arion Therapeutic Farms is a centre that I hold near and dear to my heart and during the Christmas season, the hair salon works closely with H.O.P.E Outreach Okanagan to fundraise.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
That the hair and beauty industry would stop testing products on animals. Technology has become so advanced that it is just unnecessary to do anymore.
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Wine tasting. I love discovering and supporting all of the smaller vineyards like The Hatch winery, Off The Grid Organic Winery, and Vibrant Vines. You can feel their knowledge and passion when you walk through their doors.
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
Anywhere near the lake because that is where I can find peace.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
I would like to see more outlets and safe spaces available for the youth of Kelowna. People that are dealing with anxiety, depression, bullying, and addictions.
If you were granted one wish for work or in life, what would it be?
To work on the set of Game Of Thrones! Don’t worry though, it’s on my vision board so hopefully the wish will become a reality.
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I dislike wasabi more than you will ever know.
What is the name of your business/organization?
Burke Hair Lounge.
What does your business do?
We cut, colour, style all kind of different types of hair. We do all the things hair salons do but we also try our very best to hold space for men and women to feel safe to show up and be their authentic selves.
How do people connect with you through social media?
Instagram
Why did you get into/start this business?
I never truly felt like I fit in anywhere. There are so many salons but there was just not one that fit with who I was and what my values were. So, I decided to take a leap of faith in a new city where I knew almost nobody and I decided to start to do my own thing. I wanted to create a space that was cruelty free. A place where people can come and feel safe, where products are environmentally friendly and are not tested on animals, and where even pets can come say hello!
What is the goal of your business?
Be better to the environment, promote cruelty free beauty alternatives and drive change through acceptance and fight against bullying.
What has been your biggest struggle either in work or life?
Balance has been the biggest struggle. I am not sure if I even know what balance looks like as a business owner, however I am definitely working to find it slowly.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
Now where would the fun be in that? This adventure has been such a rollercoaster of events from the beginning. It hasn't been easy and I have had to grow a lot along the way but I wouldn’t change any of it.
Why do you think it is important to shop local?
The local vibe and business support is my favourite thing in Kelowna. Shopping local business is important because it shares the love!
Give someone that you think deserves it a shout out and explain why!
BNL media! Megan is our the boss behind all our social media. I phone Megan on the daily with 'Megan what should we do for this or that. BNL has played a HUGE part in helping Burke become a part of the local conversation here in Kelowna and I am so grateful for the first day she wandered into my salon and in my chair for the very first time.
My nomination for the In Focus spotlight is:
Megan Shallow from BNL Media.
Other information you would like to share:
Adopt, don’t shop. Cruelty free hair!
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. Thank you, Kelowna.
