Meet Tara! Tara is originally from Calgary and has been living here in Kelowna for about 13 years now. She enjoys cruising down the road on her bike, actively volunteering in the community and spending some quality time with her family.
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
I am originally from Calgary and have lived in Kelowna since 2006.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
I love to spend time with my son. He reminds me to be present. Sometimes I catch myself wandering, and I remind myself to re-center and pay attention to him. it's such a short time that they actually want our opinions!
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
I love the Mediterranean Market! It's a small enterprise and they've made such a success of being a little grocery store in a world where the big box store rules. They've carved out a niche, faithful market for themselves and they provide great service.
Describe yourself in one word.
Busy.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
I would travel to Australia. My Mom toured there for 6 months and it would feel like sharing an experience with her even though she's gone.
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
I enjoy road biking. It's challenging and I've made some great friendships.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
I don't embarrass easily, but once while fine dining, I spilled a glass of red wine all over the table (white tablecloth) and myself (wearing a gown). Then about 15 minutes later, I did the same with a cup of coffee.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
I can't pin down one great 'aha' moment, but I take inspiration daily from wherever I can get it. Like there's this guy at my gym, who had a fall from a three-story building some time ago and broke his whole body. He's there all the time. When I think about my aches and pains I think of him. Or when I see an elderly person out with their walker or cane, I have such an appreciation that even though they need help just to walk around, they don't stop living their lives to the fullest. I take inspiration from people with big ideas that aren't afraid to go after them and I try to find out a little about what drives them and take the ideas that resonate with me and incorporate them into my own life. I have surrounded myself with people who strive to be the best in their fields, and I am always impressed by what each of them has accomplished and their levels of expertise. I take inspiration from my husband, who has an amazing work ethic and is kind and patient.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
My favorite childhood memories always feature my mom, so rather than trying to choose one, I'll tell you the most important lessons she taught me. She always took the time to explain things. She made the most of what she had to work with and never allowed anyone to change her spirit or outlook on life. She taught me that you are the one who is responsible for how you feel about something and how it affects you. My mom was a big part of all my favorite childhood experiences.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
My list has recently gotten much shorter. I was heavily involved for the last 7 years in volunteering at my son's elementary school. I participated in or led many committees and created a number of regular programs and annual events there. My son moves to middle school in September, so I finalized my commitments to the elementary school in June. I will do some volunteering at the new school but I am committed to dedicating time to building my business now, so I will keep that to a minimum. I continue to be very involved with my community association. I have been the President since 2013. I organize the FireSmart program in our community. Groups of volunteers collect fire fuel from the forests surrounding our homes in an effort to create a fire break. Last year we took over 100,000 lbs of fire fuel to the dump and this year we're almost halfway to that again. I always manage my son's hockey teams, I sit on the board of the Home Inspectors Association British Columbia HIABC, and I like to be a poppy fund collector and work the kettlebells at Christmas.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
Kindness. We need more kindness.
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
I like to ride my motorcycle when I need to decompress. I just look for a windy road and follow it. I don't make nearly enough time for this activity, but I've seen a lot of our beautiful city this way.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
I can't pretend to know the intricacies of city planning, or how to even begin to implement changes or planning on this scale, but I'd like to see better traffic flow and control and the creation of alternate routes. I also feel like there should be more of a stepped approach to waterfront develoment. Tall buildings should not be erected right on the waterfront. Smaller buildings in front, increasing in height as you move away from the water. This city will continue to develop rapidly because of the beauty that surrounds and if careful consideration isn't involved in planning and urban design, the result can't be undone.
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
Location, location, location.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
I want to finish renovating my house!!
I want to be wildly successful in business
I want to travel extensively
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I did not graduate.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
I'm social media inept. Facebook and LinkedIn are the only platforms that I sometimes use.
What is the name of your business/organization?
Attic To Alley Home Inspections Inc.
Why did you get into/start this business?
It really checked all the boxes for me. I had a lot of experience with renovations and an interest in learning about all of a home's components. I did not want to have a storefront, carry inventory, or have employees, so it is really a great fit.
What is the goal of your business?
On a day to day basis: to provide unbiased information to my clients to help them make what may be the biggest investment of their lives. In the longterm: to build a business with a great reputation that I can sell to retire.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Finding enough time!
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
In life: I would dedicate the same enthusiasm for learning early in life as I enjoyed later. In business: I would have contracted more with other companies to gain greater experience early on.
What do you always find yourself saying?
"That's good enough" is NOT good enough.
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Whatever you put your mind and hands to, do it to the absolute best of your ability.
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Barack Obama. He is always cool under fire, eloquent and carries himself with dignity and he has a quiet strength that commands respect. All traits that I would love to embody.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
I am a huge supporter of local talent and products. We all really need to support and appreciate the people, shops, and talent in our own back yard to make our community truly thrive.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
My son, hands down. Raising a polite, well behaved, and caring human being is a lot of work. I get tired of hearing myself, but the effort is so worth it.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
I can't choose one. There are three women in my life who support me unconditionally and always have the right thing to say. To them, I am ever grateful. In the order in which I met them: Carol Gossel, Gailyn Swan, Tracey Hawthorn. Thank you, ladies.
My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Tracey Hawthorn
Some general comments I would like to share are:
I've lived in a few different provinces, and a number of different cities, but always knew I wouldn't grow roots. When I arrived in Kelowna I knew I was home. It's been a great place to start a family and raise a kid and I can't imagine living anywhere else. I've found a supportive community of people to spend my time with and I love where my life's decisions have landed me.
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!
