Meet Andrea! She's originally from Calgary and moved to Kamloops three years ago. Tourism has always been a big part of her life; she spent her early years travelling and living abroad!
What is your preferred method of social media? (Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, etc.)
Instagram and Facebook.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My son Caden and my husband Cam, they are my " why," my purpose, my heart.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Nepal or Patagonia. That is so hard to decide. Both have been on my bucket list since I was in high school
What is your favourite local store in Kamloops and why?
So many to choose from but Makeshift Kamloops is my favorite. Not only are they an upcycled, but vintage store. They also offer amazing "crafty" workshops.
What is your favourite activity?
Hiking, climbing, mountaineering, skiing, running, mountain biking, wine drinking, basically anything fun!
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
I try to forget those moments haha. I'm literally having a hard time right now remembering any significant moments. I'm a true " go with the flow " kind of gal.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Since becoming a mother, I have had the opportunity to meet other women with similar age children. I am consistently amazed and inspired by these women in our community. Kamloops truly has an immense amount of caring, loving, hardworking badass mothers!
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
When I was eight, my family went on a tiger safari deep in the Bengal jungle in India. We were fortunate enough to say at Rajard Kipling's' plantation- he was the author of ' jungle book .' Riding on the backs of elephants we saw Bengal tigers up close and personal. After the safari, we were able to play in the river with the elephants and bath them. Truly a remarkable experience I will never forget. I hope to provide similar experiences for my children.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I'm the community director and founder for 'Wild and Tiny yka." It's an outdoor adventure community for parents interested in learning new skills and connecting with others in nature.
If you could change one thing in the world, what would it be?
The invention of plastic. It's devastating to see the impact it is having on our world.
What is your favourite activity in Kamloops?
Mountain biking! My second love besides my family.
Where would you sneak away to in Kamloops to spend some time alone?
I'm a huge fitness fan, so I get "me " time when I go to the gym at F3 fit.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kamloops and why?
I would love to see more people interested in protecting and preserving our natural spaces. There are far too many places I hike where I find garbage or illegal fire pits. We have such a unique, beautiful space.- Why ruin it by dumping garbage?
What do you think makes Kamloops great?
Our diverse community!
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1) Travel with my family to Patagonia
2) Build a successful life full of experiential gifts for my family.
3) Bring my boy back to Alaska.
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I grew up in Bangladesh and England. Before I was 14, I had visited over 12 different countries.
What is the name of your business/organization?
My passion project- Wild and Tiny YKA. My other passion is working at Tourism Kamloops.
Why did you get into/start this business?
Tourism has been in my blood since my early years spent travelling and living abroad. It became such a passion that I attended university in Calgary where I acquired my degree in Business and Tourism.
What is the goal of your business?
Connection. Experiences. Living life fully.
What has been your biggest struggle either in work or life?
To slow down and take downtime. I'm always on the go. I love pursuing outdoor activities, crazy ideas, and diverse work opportunities. Having a child has forced me to slow down- I'm getting used to it.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
The same. Life is beautiful and hard but uniquely yours!
What do you always find yourself saying?
Totally!
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Brene Brown, she is amazing.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
Kamloops is built on community. Without daring entrepreneurs, we would not have the opportunity to purchase quality, handmade goods and services. Often these folks do not do it because they make tones of money, they do it because they love it. It's so important to support each others passion.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Raising an independent, loving, caring, adventure-loving son!
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
My fantastic network of mama's. Without them, I wouldn't survive.
My choice for the KamloopsBCNow In Focus spotlight is:
Dylan Methot from Mostly Mental Shuttles
Some general comments/thoughts I would like to share are:
Be kind. Be honest. Be you. Not everyone will like you, but it's your life. You love YOU!
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. Thank you, Kamloops.
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!
