Meet Stella Brown. She was born in England but has been in Kelowna for 19 years.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My friend Anne, she has an infectious joy for life experiences.
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
Mediterranean Market, best to-go sandwiches EVER!
Describe yourself in one word.
Feisty.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Vietnam. Its beauty is amazing, I drool over pictures of this place and I will go before I die for sure!
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Wine touring with girlfriends.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
When I first got email, way back, I thought it would be cute to send a sexy email to my boyfriend but accidentally sent it to all my contacts, yes work contacts too! I got so many funny replies but couldn't look anyone in the face for a long time.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
That 'AHA' moment when I learned to be grateful for all I have, the people, the experiences I have and are still to come, as well as seeing the beauty in everything.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
When we moved from England we lived in Northern BC, my best friend's dad was a trapper so we spent weekends at his cabins, hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, and cross country skiing. It was magical for a young girl who had never experienced anything like this before in her life!
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I organize the Sugar Plum Fair with an amazing team. It is a community family fundraiser event supporting the Food Bank and Inn from the Cold.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
I would cure cancer.
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
Top of Knox or any other trail overlooking the valley, it's so zen!
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
I would positively love to see a second bridge so people would have less to complain about.
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
All the hard work of the amazing people who live and love it here!
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
Travel to:
1. Vietnam
2. Australia
3. Italy
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I'm an avid gardener.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.
All the above but I prefer old fashioned face to face chats.
What is the name of your business/organization?
Quails' Gate Winery.
Why did you get into/start this business?
I love everything about Quails' Gate. Bringing all my out of town guests there so I told them they must hire me as I was their biggest raving fan!
What is the goal of your business?
To create great memorable moments.
What has been your biggest struggle either in work or life?
Loosing my aunt, she was my mentor.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
Same, I love my life!
What do you always find yourself saying?
'Let's just roll with it'
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Embrace the chaos. Life goes on regardless and there's no sense in stressing about what you can't control.
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Elton John, oh the stories he could tell!
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
To support our neighbours. I don't shop at big box stores and make a conscious effort to go out of my way to keep my money in our town.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
My children, nothing beats motherhood!
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Julia Garner, she is Kelowna's biggest fan!
My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Julia Garner.
Some general comments I would like to share are:
Be proud of where you live, this is an amazing city and we are very lucky to live here and be surrounded by beautiful views. If you ever need the perfect spot for your out of town guests, send them my way to stay at the beautiful waterfront homes here at Quails' Gate, simply breathtaking!
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 for the people, businesses, and organizations that help make our city great.
