Meet Sarah Bauer. She was born in Vancouver and brought up to Kelowna at the impressionable age of five. She's lived in Victoria and Vancouver in her twenties but came back to Kelowna in 2013.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My sister Elise just got back from a backpacking trip and the novelty of hanging out with her again has not worn off. Everything with her is fun.
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
Leo’s Videos, Sturgeon Hall and Trout Waters. Everyone is so damn nice.
Describe yourself in one word.
Gigantic, in the grandest and multitudinous sense.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
In a helicopter with my guy Sam to somewhere quiet and beautiful.
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Right now, drinking cider and playing games at Red Bird Brewing with my dad, Sam and whoever else is sitting at our table that day. As well as getting out of Kelowna to go camping, fishing and skiing if I’m lucky.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
Any time I’ve ever professed aloud to know what life is all about and complete understanding of who I am. This started at around age five, so it’s been a long and embarrassing road.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
All of the hard stuff has been the most inspiring. The downswings and challenging periods so far have contributed to the foundation for my sense of humour, depth of experience, and ability to empathize. I’ve learned so much so now I try to run into the fires.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
When I was in high school, I didn’t drink. I had a handful of friends like me, and we would put on these huge dance parties in my parent’s basement and at my friend Keith’s. My dad would buy a couple flats of pop President's Choice Cola for the fridge downstairs, and we would shake around to David Bowie and The Cars for hours, completely sober and having the best time. I miss that basement and my buddies.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
There is a local non-profit called Courage for Youth which runs school programs for young people. I volunteered last year in their Voices program, which sets facilitators up with a classroom of grade 5 students to work through activities focused on building healthy relationships and self-esteem. It was so challenging for me. I am even more in awe of teachers than I was before and I probably learned more or as much as the ten-year-olds I was working with. I also volunteer at the Kelowna Women’s Shelter a couple of times a year, helping out with representing the shelter at events.
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
Running is good alone time, in my neighbourhood near the water. I’m on the same page as Haruki Murakami: “When I'm running I don't have to talk to anybody and don't have to listen to anybody.” That’s the closest to heaven I’m gonna get.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
Rental construction is booming right now in Kelowna, so that’s good news. The sooner the better. Renters need more options.
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
Lots of my favourite people are here and Latin Fiesta.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1. Write every day
2. Ride bikes in Copenhagen
3. Hike the Chilkoot Trail
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
On Saturday I am becoming a puppy-mother to a dachshund we have named Schwartzy, in honour of a seasoned fishing guide from the Charlottes with the best moustache and laugh. I am so excited.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
Instagram.
What is the name of your business/organization?
Navigator Multimedia Inc.
Why did you get into/start this business?
I’ve worked for Navigator in some capacity since I was nineteen. My dad started the business in 1993 and so it’s a second generation family enterprise. When I moved from Vancouver to Kelowna in 2013, I joined full-time as the project manager!
What is the goal of your business?
Our goal is to help people achieve things that matter to them and their audiences online through high-value digital marketing, web design and development services. My goal as a project manager is to make each client feel exceptionally well taken care of.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Office attire. I am trying to find my thing. Shopping for work clothes is agony. Someone, please tell me what to wear.
What do you always find yourself saying?
'Ah jeez'
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
I am too terrified to meet any of my idols on purpose. But if I was seated on a plane next to Joni Mitchell, I would probably try to buy her a tequila and tell her all my secrets.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
For the stories. The worn-in hardcover you bought at Pandosy Books is much more interesting than the same book ordered and shipped overnight with Amazon.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Living through insomnia, at least enough to tell the tale in an essay that was published in The Globe and Mail.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Julia at Mint Hair Salon is passionate, kind and strong as hell. She deserves bluebird days only at Big White for the rest of her life!
My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Lisa Maloney at Canadian Jewelry Exchange. She is so smart and manages a lovely team and her new store is gorgeous and makes you feel special.
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!
