Meet Kate McBratney! Kate is from Kelowna but has lived in Kamloops for two years. She is an ambitious woman who practices the art of freelance makeup!
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kamloops?
I'm originally from Kelowna, lived in London (England), Vancouver, and finally landed in Kamloops! I've been here for 2 years now.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My husband! He's my best friend and we can laugh and talk about just about everything. I love him to bits.
What is your favourite local store in Kamloops and why?
"Far + Wide" has to be my favourite! I love the boho vibe and its mix of new and vintage, but most of all that it supports other local brands. I've loved picking up pieces from there to decorate my studio.
Describe yourself in one word.
Ambitious.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Ireland, to visit my in-law's but it just so happens to be one of my favourite countries!
What is your favourite activity in Kamloops?
If eating counts, then I love going to check out local restaurants and coffee shops around Kamloops. Otherwise, I love hiking and exploring out in the bush, or wakeboarding on Kamloops Lake in the summer.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
I tend to not look where I'm going and I trip... a lot.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
I think the people in my life are a constant inspiration for me. They've taught me about myself or how I can grow to become better. I don't believe in accidents and I think that everyone that I come into contact with is for a reason.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
I think I had the best childhood ever, so I don't think I could pick just one. I loved going over to my grandparents' house and playing in the garden with my brother, going to the beach with my mum, and going out in the bush hunting with my dad.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I donate my services in giveaway's and to raise money for benefits such as the Pink Ribbon Ball. I try to donate blood as often as I can. And, now that wedding season is finally wrapping up, I'll have time to volunteer with "Look good, feel better" to do workshops with women affected by cancer.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
For people to be more open-minded and accepting of each other's differences. I remember taking philosophy in university and the quote "It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it" by Aristotle that's always stuck with me.
Where would you sneak away to in Kamloops to spend some time alone?
I love going to Mara Loop to go walk our dog. It's so peaceful and the landscape is gorgeous, overlooking Kamloops Lake.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kamloops and why?
I would love to see more programs and resources to get people in off of the street.
What do you think makes Kamloops great?
I'm sure everyone says this, but the people here are amazing. I appreciate how Kamloops still has the feeling of a small town and the people are so down to earth and friendly. It's something I really appreciate, especially from living in larger cities.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1) Have kids(and more dogs).
2) Build our dream home.
3) Keep travelling the rest of the world.
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I loveeee tattoos & it surprises a lot of people how many I have.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media?
Instagram - @_beauty_by_kate, Facebook - Beauty by Kate, Website - www.beautybykate.online/.
What is the name of your business/organization?
Beauty by Kate - Microblading & Makeup Artistry.
Why did you get into/start this business?
I love art/creating, and I love helping people. I started my business to be more available to my clients to do freelance makeup, particularly for weddings! I started microblading this year to offer a different style to what was already being offered.
What is the goal of your business?
To make people feel confident and beautiful. I love teaching my clients about products and application, to make makeup easier and more attainable. And I love microblading because it restores the eyebrows and makes life easier for my clients!
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Balance! I'm trying to get better with having more of a work/life balance, but sometimes it's difficult. When you have your own business, you're never really "off," but I often don't notice how much time I spend working because I enjoy it so much.
What do you always find yourself saying?
"I forget" - I have too many things going on sometimes that if I don't write it down, the information goes in one ear and out the other.
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Life's too short, so do what makes you happy!
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Liam Gallagher from Oasis.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
Because you know you're helping support individuals and families directly within your community. Keeping business within Kamloops benefits everyone and I've become even more conscious about this now having my own business.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
My business is a huge accomplishment for me, as it continues to grow! I have an overwhelming amount of support from my husband, family, friends & clients, to help me get this far.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Cassidy Watt, without a doubt. Not only is she incredibly talented and inspiring, but being new to Kamloops and getting my business off the ground, she has been such a massive help. I'm so lucky to know her!
My choice for the KamloopsBCNow In Focus spotlight is:
Melissa O'Regan - Bespoke Photography.
Some general comments I would like to share are:
Thank you so much for featuring me and allowing me to share a bit about myself with Kamloops!
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!
