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. The team at KamloopsBCNow.com is passionate about this community and the people that make it amazing. We want to show our friends, neighbours, family and colleagues that we notice them and the fabulous things that they do.
What is your name?
Krista Faraday.
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kamloops?
29 years.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My son Cole and my daughter Cassie. They make me laugh, relax, have real conversations, and keep teaching me life lessons that I think we easily forget once we become adults.
What is your favourite local store in Kamloops and why?
Castles and Cottages, they have such a variety of items in their store. I love walking through, easy place to create my Christmas list.
Describe yourself in one word.
Caring.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Monaco, my idol is Grace Kelly and I have always wanted to go visit.
What is your favourite activity in Kamloops?
Rib-fest in the summer.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
I am inspired by those around me who are passionate about what they do, no matter what it is! Their stories and connecting with them keeps me striving for more.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I try to find ways every year to give back to the community in a different capacity. I did a few years working with RIH for the Dancing Like the Stars. I have also worked in fundraising for the Boys and Girls Club with their Power Start Breakfast Club program, something I feel is so important in our community. Currently I am working on a project to give back to families who have lost a parent in the past year (I can't give too many details out yet).
Where would you like to see positive change in Kamloops and why?
I would like to see our community support the arts more. We are in need of a new facility to provide businesses like mine, with more options and to give us the ability to draw more into our community for the arts.
What do you think makes Kamloops great?
The people and the sense of community that Kamloops has.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1. Travel doing motivational workshops and talks for children and teens
2. Get into event planning
3. Learn to be fluent in Spanish
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I went to French Immersion school as a child.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
Facebook and Instagram
What is the name of your business/organization?
Academy of Dance.
Why did you get into/start this business?
I starting dancing at age 4 because all I wanted to do was Tap. Which wasn't allowed back then, at that age, so I took Ballet and the rest is history. I never stopped dancing!
What is the goal of your business?
To provide a safe and fun environment for Kamloops youth, a second home where they can come and do their extra curricular activity and feel part of a community that is there to support them.
What has been your biggest struggle either in work or life?
Biggest struggle has been finding the balance between work and home life, and not letting work life take away from my family time. It has taken me years to sort this out and it is still a work in progress.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I have enjoyed every step of starting up my own business including and mistakes or hard times. I wouldn't do anything differently, and would do it all again.
What do you always find yourself saying?
When teaching choreography, I am always saying "oh wait I lied" and then I change the steps, my students bug me about it always
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Always love yourself, stay true to yourself and let the rest go. There will always be outside pressures and bumps in the road, and you don't have to change who you are to get over them. You need to be your biggest cheerleader.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
To keep our local businesses in business! It is so important to shop locally it keeps our community going and growing!
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Proudest accomplishment is my 2 children. They do such amazing things everyday.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
My Husband Jesse for deciding to leave his career this past year and go back to University at TRU. You inspire me and it has been amazing to watch you rise up against fear and questioning and just go for it!
My choice for the KamloopsBCNow In Focus spotlight is:
Lynn Aylward from Breath Integration Coaching.
Some general comments I would like to share are:
To my team at the studio, I am so grateful to work alongside all of you. You lift me up when I need, inspire me and have supported me as we have made this business become a family.
To my customers, I am forever grateful that so many families have allowed my studio to be a big part of their child's lives. I have met so many inspiring families over the years and I am thankful for all the stories you have shared with me.
To Jesse, Cassie and Cole, I love you and thank you for your constant support and encouragement. Thank you for letting me know when I need to take a minute to relax and for always being by my side... and maybe a thank you for sometimes having to put up with 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. Thank you, Kamloops.
