Meet Sheila Dyer. She was born in Rimbey, Alberta, and has lived in Kelowna now for 7 years.
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
I was born in Rimbey Alberta but my journey to Kelowna has taken me to Zambia, Boston, Calgary, Kingston Ontario, Toronto, Vancouver and Wales. My family and I have been in Kelowna for almost 7 years now and feel very much at home.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
There are so many people I love spending time with but I treasure my time with my husband and two sons the most.
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
Second hand and charity shops are my favourite places to go because they are full of surprises and gently used treasures.
Describe yourself in one word.
I asked my friends to help describe me in one word and was overwhelmed so at the moment I would say “loved.”
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
I would grab my family and whisk us all away to see my dad in Australia, not only because it is warm there and I miss him, but because it would be lovely to give the boys a great life and family experience before they head off to College and University.
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Walking in its surrounding nature and hanging out with the many creative, talented people I have come to know in this city. It doesn’t matter where.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
As I get older I get less embarrassed because it has happened so often in my life that I kind of expect it! I do have trouble remembering peoples names, however, and that gets me in trouble sometimes. Thank goodness the people who know me just laugh.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
My children are my inspiration. I had them when I was 40 and 41 so I was a late starter. They have taught me so very much, kept me grounded and many times have said or done things that have changed my outlook on life.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
The first that comes to mind is the smell of baking bread in the house when I come home from school. This was always followed by my mother shouting “don’t slam the door, it’ll make the bread fall!” Other memories that come washing in are those of cutting wood with my dad at the old farmhouse we had just outside of Calgary (no running water, electricity or indoor toilets) and long hot summers on Lake Windermere, BC.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I am lucky enough to be President of the Kelowna Arts Council which is all voluntary. I host OUR Coffeehouse twice a month, encourage and coach young people with presentation skills, teach storytelling so folks can tell their own stories and represent the Kelowna Arts Council in as many projects and events as I can fit in. It is such a pleasure to be part of this incredible creative community.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
So many things come to mind, from stopping world hunger to creating renewable resources, but I have decided that it is too much responsibility. So, I will change the world from a place of kindness and hope that others will do the same and pass it on.
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
I would find a quiet spot on a local beach with a good book, a bottle of water and the sun!
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
I would like the growth of Kelowna to slow down a little and some greater infrastructure put in place. We have monster houses and high-density buildings popping up everywhere and little thought to how people are going to afford what is being built. We need proper roads and sidewalks, schools, shops, gas stations and most importantly appropriate public transit to create alternatives to car traffic. Designating large park-land in and around Kelowna would also make for a very progressive and unique city indeed!
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
Its natural beauty, we are so lucky to live here. I am also so happy that it is becoming a city where artistic, creative and musical people can find community. There is an incredible amount of talent here in Kelowna.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1. To go to Paris with my husband
2. I would like to go back to the area in Zambia where my family lived. The smells, rhythms and sounds from there are still a part of who I am today.
3. Hike the West Coast Trail
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I worked in medical education for over 30 years, Created the UBC Standardized Patient Program and for something completely different… I toured Canada as an actor and professional puppeteer for 10 years! Yup, the older you get the more crazy things you do…
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
Email, FaceBook, LinkedIn, Text and Phone
What is the name of your business/organization?
Sheila Dyer (Drama Teacher for mainstream education, special needs and adults; Story Teller; Workshop Facilitator; Tutor; Educational Assistant; Actor; Painter; Mum and partner)
Why did you get into/start this business?
I am a resourceful, creative, caring person and my background is in Theatre, Art and Education. I have always sought ways to celebrate creativity and the work I have done in my life is a result of saying yes and embracing what feels right.
What is the goal of your business?
To reach out to children and adults of all backgrounds and through drama, create a safe fun place to learn, blossom, discover strengths, communicate emotions and grow in confidence. To collaborate with creatives and celebrate its positive impact.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Both my sons are on the Autism Spectrum and much of my energy for years has sought to create recourses, support, advocates and understanding for them. I also have family members with physical and mental illnesses. We all have struggles in life...
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I often think about the directions I could have gone in my life but would not change a thing because the road I have taken has given me the family I have and I can’t imagine my life without them.
What do you always find yourself saying?
“Awesome!” “It will be what it will be”
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Breathe
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
I would spend it with my mom even though I do get time with her it is rarely just us and I would relish the chance to talk about art, life and the life she has led.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
Small local businesses are the backbone of our economy, so why not? We keep our footprint small, we get to know our community, it stimulates the economy and promotes innovative, creative thinking!
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
My children and finding positivity throughout adversity.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Pam MacRae because she is always giving of herself, caring for others and kindness and generosity is rarely acknowledged. Cheers, to you Pam!
My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Gareth Eckley
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!
