Meet Ashly Narula. Ashly was born and raised in Kamloops. She is a photographer who loves spending time with her son and exploring nature.
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kamloops?
Kamloops born and raised Brock.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My son because he’s my whole heart.
What is your favourite local store in Kamloops and why?
The Golden Buddha because I’ve been going there since I was a little kid as my dad's office was on top of it and I remember going down with my sisters and getting white rabbit candies.
Describe yourself in one word.
Real.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
India. I’ve always loved India since I was very young and I lived there for a few years and I just love it there!
What is your favourite activity in Kamloops?
I love wandering around with my son at different places like Tranquille Creek, getting ideas for photoshoots and exploring nature.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
hmmm, that is hard to say I don’t really get embarrassed I just laugh at myself! I do silly things all the time!
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
I think following my dream of being a photographer. I never thought I was “smart” because I didn’t excel at school and it took me a long time to gain the confidence to pursue my hearts calling. I worked at the Women’s Shelter for 7 years and I believe that working with such amazing woman who are overcoming so Many obstacles truly helped me develop the strength to pursue my own dreams which we’re moving to India and becoming a photographer.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
I love to think about simple things like my mom and me
Gardening together, or my sisters and me picking apples and swimming. Those simple things that have the best nostalgia.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I worked at the YMCA Emergency Women’s Shelter as a Crisis Support Worker for 7 years and before that, I worked at Victim Services in the lower mainland as a court Support worker assisting survivors of domestic violence thru the court system. Now I give back by trying to do free photography for people who can’t afford it whenever I can, and trying to help people that I know could use a hand. I hope when my son gets a little older we can start to volunteer together regularly.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
I would wish that people could feel more love and suffer less...
Where would you sneak away to in Kamloops to spend some time alone?
I love to go to Aviation way when the river isn’t too high and walk down the rocks and sit on the sand at dusk.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kamloops and why?
I would like to see more help for women fleeing violence who have to face their offenders in family court.
What do you think makes Kamloops great?
It’s such a wholehearted, artsy, kind and humble town!
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
Travel to India again solely for photography with my son when he is older.
Help someone randomly with a major life goal like funding their education.
Buying an RV and living on the road for a year.
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I speak, read and write Punjabi and I’m a Buddhist.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media?
Ashly Narula Photography on FB. Instagram is ashlythephotographer.
What is the name of your business/organization?
Ashly Narula Photography.
Why did you get into/start this business?
I’ve always loved photography since I was a child but finally had to courage to pursue my hearts calling. I was a plus-sized model in my 20s and I always just want to be the Photographer that makes my clients feel like the radiant amazing human they are!
What is the goal of your business?
To promote authentic self-love and self-acceptance.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
I am extremely empathic and I feel so much.
What do you always find yourself saying?
I’m always saying quotes haha and I have so many favorites but I often tell my clients that what they perceive as a weakness can be turned into a strength if looked at with the right perspective.
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
To take your biggest obstacle or challenge and turn it into your greatest victory or strength.
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Micheal O’Neil, he’s a remarkable photographer who the documentary “on yoga” is about I would love to spend a day with him!
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
Yes! I support local shops and artists as much as possible.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Honestly, just being a good person. I don’t focus on huge accomplishments but I think we all can be proud if we smile and make people feel good that are around us.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
My Mother Diane Gillis. She’s the most amazing person and she survived a massive stroke leaving her with severe aphasia and paralysis and every day she still tries. Love you mom.
My choice for the KamloopsBCNow In Focus spotlight is:
Elizabeth Beeds.
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!
