Meet Michelle Urquhart. Michelle was originally from Kamloops but lived in Scotland for 12 years before deciding to move back. She loves hanging out with her boyfriend and dog when she's not hitting the slopes of Sun Peaks.
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kamloops?
I grew up in Kamloops as a kid. When I was 12 I moved to Scotland and lived there for 14 years before moving back to Kamloops 2 years ago.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My boyfriend and dog! I'm none stop all the time and he's more relaxed, so he helps balance me out.
What is your favourite local store in Kamloops and why?
Oronge Boardshop and Pirate Palace Tattoos. Oronge is your one-stop shop for most outdoor activities. I'm a little biased when it comes to Pirate Palace as my brother owns it.
Describe yourself in one word.
Clumsy.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Oh man, maybe Iceland. The landscape looks so rugged, I think it would be an amazing place to explore.
What is your favourite activity in Kamloops?
Snowboarding at Sun Peaks, hiking and kayaking.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
Ha, I think that's gonna stay a secret for a bit longer.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Being able to travel and experience different countries and cultures.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Building igloos and sledding with my brother.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I will hands up admit I don't have a great answer for this. I have thrown myself in to building Mara and work that when I do get free time I dedicate it to spending time with my friends and family.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
Climate change.
Where would you sneak away to in Kamloops to spend some time alone?
I would take my dog for a hike.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kamloops and why?
Better parking options downtown. People don't want to have to constantly pay to park. It drives people away from spending time downtown.
What do you think makes Kamloops great?
Kamloops is the perfect hub for outdoor activities. Drive in any direction and within 30 minutes you'll be at a lake. Hiking is on our doorsteps, and not to mention Sun Peaks is only 45 minutes away.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
-More road trips! I'd love to get a truck and camper so we could do some more winterized camping.
-Learning to split board, which will hopefully be happening this winter.
-Grow my business.
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I love winter more than summer.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media?
Instagram: @michelleurquhart4, @mara.clothing.
Facebook: Michelle Urquhart, Mara Clothing.
Website: www.maraclothingco.com.
What is the name of your business/organization?
Mara Clothing Co.
Why did you get into/start this business?
I started Mara when I was living in Scotland. The weather there is so unpredictable and windy so I ended up making myself a hooded scarf to block the wind. Friends saw them and loved the idea so it all kinda started from there!
What is the goal of your business?
To produce products that people can use in the outdoors that they are stoked on. As well as make a living by doing what I love.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Not having enough time in the day!
What do you always find yourself saying?
"Frick," I have a terrible mouth and I'm working on it.
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Just go do it. You can find every excuse not to do something, or you could already be in the car getting after it.
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
I would love to spend the day snowboarding with the ladies from Full Moon Film. They are crushing it out there for women's snowboarding and they look like they have such a blast.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
It's important to put money back into our community. By supporting local businesses it allows for variety, without them every town would be the same.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
I think that moment is still yet to come. However, customer feedback is huge for me. It makes my job so rewarding.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
My friends and family for always supporting me! My boyfriend for always going on adventures with me and my bosses at Oronge Boardshop for supporting me and Mara.
My choice for the KamloopsBCNow In Focus spotlight is:
Kyle James Images.
What is their e-mail address?
[email protected].
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!
