Meet Lynda Norman. She is born and raised in Kelowna.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
I'm a people person, so I enjoy time spent with pretty much everyone but every second spent with my husband, children and grandchildren bring me joy!
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
I love Opus Art Supplies! When I walk in the door I see possibilities for so much creativity and every person on staff is knowledgeable and friendly.
Describe yourself in one word.
Resourceful.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
I'd go to the British Isles. It's where some of my ancestors came from and I'd love to get to know the people and explore the land.
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
I spend as much time as possible taking in all the wonderful things our local artists have to offer. We have some of the best musicians, singer, songwriters, visual and performing artists, writers, spoken word, artisans, and craftspeople!
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I regularly volunteer as a judge in the Dragon's Den competition for young entrepreneurs. I am also one of the adjudicators in the Okanagan Music Group Singer Songwriter Competition, quest judge at the Inspired Word PoetryKick-Offf Classic, Mentor for Global Citizen Kelowna's Youth Sustainable Development Challenge, am a member of the COLIP Council. Also, as the Executive Director of Kelowna Arts Council, most of my volunteer hours are spent on the day to day operations, providing resources and opportunities to the creatives of Kelowna. I've been with the organization since it began as Artists for Creative Alliance in 2012. I also sit on the Board of Directors for Festivals Kelowna and assist with COHS projects and events.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
Hard to choose just one thing, but I'd like to start with having enough food that no one in the world has to go to bed hungry.
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
A cabin on the lake.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
I would like to see more workspaces and less restriction on allowable uses for farm properties. I see many great opportunities for multi-use operations that could combine agriculture with arts, culture, and other businesses. Our farm owners need options and we don't have enough creative and cultural spaces to meet the needs of our community.
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
The people.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1. Explore Canada from coast to coast
2. Write a novel
3. Design and build a tiny house
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
My fear of water is only slightly less than my fear of heights!
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
Facebook and Instagram.
What is the name of your business/organization?
Ban Draoi Studio and Kelowna Arts Council.
Why did you get into/start this business?
I’ve always found much joy in painting, playing music, writing, and cooking. Last year, with my husband’s encouragement, I began building my business around creating and teaching art.
What is the goal of your business?
To create art for myself and others to give them an opportunity to experience the joy of creating through classes and workshops.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Finding the time to do everything I want to do!
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I really love where I'm at right now, and I realized a long time ago that day to day happenings, celebrations and challenges build character and help us learn. So, other than remembering to take a bit more time for me along the way, I wouldn’t change a thing.
What do you always find yourself saying?
I’ve always said, 'every day is Lynda’s big adventure!' I look for adventure in every day, and you know, I usually find it!
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Be kind to yourself and others.
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Michelle Obama.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
Local businesses are the heart of our community and purchasing from them has a ripple effect that contributes to the growth and health of our city. When it comes to our food, supporting local farmers means a shorter field to fork journey for the food that we consume.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
My three amazing children, of course, and the development of Kelowna Arts Council.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
My husband, Bob Norman. He is my biggest fan and supports everything I do.
My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Sheila Dyer.
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 organization that help make our city great. Thank you, Kelowna!
