Meet Shaun! Shaun has lived in various places but has called Kelowna home since 1972. On her free time, she enjoys golfing at the beautiful local courses, sampling the delicious wine made right here in the Okanagan, and spending quality time with her son.
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
We moved a LOT but Kelowna has been home off and on since 1972.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My son - he is the best of everything I've ever done or seen. I'm soooo proud of him and am honored to watch him grow into such a beautiful human.
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
Lakeview Market. Nostalgia probably, I remember shopping there as a little girl and the people are still the friendliest locals around.
Describe yourself in one word.
Resilient.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
There's nothing like an Okanagan summer, so right NOW, I'd be here... failing that, I'd like to see the bronze doors of the Baptistry in Florence Italy!
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Golfing at Black Mountain
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
This shouldn't be hard to answer, but I fear I don't embarrass easily!!
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
I am stumped by this question. I am inspired on a daily basis by the kind and humble people around me doing small and wonderful things to make the world just a little more bearable for someone. They make me strive to be a better person.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
One of my favorite things was floating on big inner tubes off Rotary Beach during thunderstorms with my little sister.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I've been known to spend a few hours volunteering for many organizations in this wonderful community over the years - currently, I am a part of a committee fundraising for Foundry Kelowna with the annual Chicks with Sticks golf tournament. My life would be a whole lot different without the youth mental health services they provide.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
Injustice.
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
I like to walk down to the beach with my coffee in the wee hours of the morning. It's calm and quiet and truly my favorite place.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
It's not new news, but there are far too many people living on the streets in Kelowna. We need mental health resources and affordable housing. It's endemic and heartbreaking. There has got to be an answer. Safety for all our citizens would be a positive change for sure.
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
Our lake, wine, golf, and people.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
Jeep trip with a travel trailer, surfboard and golf clubs down the West Coast of the US, taking a long and winding road back home.
See as much of the world as I can possibly travel to.
And... break 80 on the course!! Hahaha!
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I had a brain injury that makes it very difficult to remember the names of people and things - it's nothing personal ;)
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
Facebook or Instagram
What is the name of your business/organization?
The Clinic Medical Aesthetics + Wellness
Why did you get into/start this business?
I love helping people - people who feel good about themselves and are healthy and well are happy people.
What is the goal of your business?
To help people feel good, healthy and comfortable with themselves.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Truthfully... making time for myself.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
Definitely things I'd love to give a miss, but ultimately I'm a product of all my experiences, so here we are...
What do you always find yourself saying?
Go big.
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
"Be kind."
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?
When you buy from an independent, locally-owned business, significantly more of that money will be used at other local businesses which can only serve to strengthen the economic base of our community and help us thrive.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Becoming Nathan's mother and the honor of winning Kelowna Woman of the Year.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Shout out to Karen Mason. She has worked tirelessly with the women's shelter and it's programs. She and her partner have also been doing amazing research work with the connection of traumatic brain injury and intimate partner violence. She is the face of the SOAR program and is truly inspiring.
My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Tara Godwin
Some general comments I would like to share are:
Thank you so much for the opportunity to share a little about myself in this wonderful forum. Stay shiny side up and have a prosperous year everyone!
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!
