Meet Sara Wallis. She grew up in Vernon and moved to Kelowna six years go!
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
Definitely my beautiful grandmother! She’s 94 years old and she amazes me every single day! She’s such an optimistic person and has so many stories to share. She’s always believed in me and supported me on my journey towards my dream!
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
Bia Boro or Mavazi apparel! It’s awesome to be able to walk downtown Kelowna and find quality clothing that’s in fashion. Right in our own city!
Describe yourself in one word.
Motivated.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Central America, I would love to pack my bags and take off for a few weeks on a backpacking trip! I love scuba diving and it would be a dream come true to spend some time diving and sightseeing while learning about the languages and culture.
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
In the winter I love skating at Stuart Park, in the summer beach volleyball all the way!
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
It might be back in high school, which seems like forever ago, I kissed this girls boyfriend. She and I are still best friends to this day! I tell you, honesty makes everything better!
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
In the last two years, I have been given the opportunity to become an educator for a hair colour company and an eyelash extension company! This has inspired me to help educate the stylists of tomorrow, and to show them the importance of giving back.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
My favourite childhood memory would have to be our family vacation to Australia, we went for six weeks, and that was where my love for travel came from. We went all over the country and rented an RV. We even explored the outback and climbed Ayers Rock! The real highlight was snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
In the past, I have donated services and makeovers to the Kelowna Women’s Shelter, the Kelowna Gospel Mission, and have helped give haircuts to children with the Victory Life Fellowship. I look forward to a few new volunteer experiences this coming year also.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
If I could change anything, it would be the negativity surrounding diversity. I truly believe that diversity is a positive thing and that any person who may look or be different should be accepted for that. Whether it’s race, gender, disability or belief, being different is what makes the world such an amazing place. I love being Canadian because we are so accepting of the diverse world we live in, and I think other countries should be more like that.
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
I love heading out to Paul’s tomb with my dog, I definitely need to make time to get out there more.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
Small businesses need more opportunities to come together and create a community that will stand strong through all the changes coming to downtown Kelowna.
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
Kelowna is great because of it's a small town with a big city feel. You sort of get the best of both worlds and I absolutely love that having done both the small town and big city living in the past. It’s what truly made me fall in love with Kelowna.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1. Open a brand new, upscale salon in Kelowna
2. Live in another country for at least a year
3. Rescue a puppy
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I am adopted.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
You can find me on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
What is the name of your business/organization?
Sara Elizabeth Hair Lashes and Makeup.
Why did you get into/start this business?
Actually, I never thought I would, I realized university wasn’t my thing and decided on hair school. I fell in love with hairdressing and the rest is history! It’s taken a few years but I have zero regrets, it’s been an amazing ride!
What is the goal of your business?
Growth! Hopefully, soon enough we will have our own independent salon, offer ongoing education and have a beautiful place for all people to come and be pampered.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
My biggest struggle was definitely learning that you can’t be perfect. You may not be the stylist or eyelash technician for everyone, but to thrive with and hang on to those people who do appreciate what you do.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I would have to say I might have answered this differently before, but looking at the way things are now, I am pretty excited and happy with how it’s gone and wouldn’t change a thing.
What do you always find yourself saying?
Be yourself, that’s all you can be.
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Be confident in your decisions, if you’re confident, it will show.
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
I would love to spend a day with Anthony Mascolo of Toni and Guy Salons, I had the luxury of apprenticing at Toni and Guy in Vancouver, and I would absolutely die if I could see a day in his life, I would ask so many questions!
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
The local businesses help maintain a sense of community, Kelowna wouldn’t be Kelowna without our local businesses. They make us unique.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Definitely becoming an educator, I used to want to be a teacher. When I realized it wasn’t for me, I found hairdressing and that changed my life. Now that I can educate other stylists and lash technicians I feel as though I have finally found my calling.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
I’d love to give a shout out to Warren Saretsky, he gave me my first educators opportunity.
My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Now Beauty Supply.
Some general comments I would like to share are:
I am so honoured to have been nominated for this feature!
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!
