Meet Tammy. Tammy is a proud born and raised Kamloopsian. She is a physiotherapist, fitness app developer, social media influencer and volunteer coach. She can be found at soccer sidelines most spring weekends cheering on her three boys and their team.
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kamloops?
I was born and raised in Kamloops! I left to complete my university studies but returned to start my family here.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My kids and husband. I admire and am inspired by each of their special talents and ways of interacting with the world around them. It's like living life with surround sound/experience!
What is your favourite local store in Kamloops and why?
My husband's (and his business partner's) salon/spa - La Dolcevita Day Spa and Salon! Davide and Shelley brought their passions and talents together to build a successful business and old and new staff and guests are like extensions of our family.
Describe yourself in one word.
Grateful.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
I'd take my kids to Japan. They know their Italian heritage, family, and country well after multiple visits to Italy, but have not experienced Japan or much of its culture yet.
What is your favourite activity in Kamloops?
Watching my boys play soccer! The Slurpee Cup weekend in May is always a highlight of spring for us. I'm always proud of what a well-organized event KYSA puts on and of the facilities/fields that the City of Kamloops maintains for our kids and visitors.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
I was walking towards a bus stop in high school when I turned to look to see if the bus was coming. When I turned back around, I walked straight into a signpost and gave myself a vertical bruise straight up and down the left side of my face!
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
When I developed and launched my FitSpark fitness app in 2014, Kamloopsians were so incredibly supportive. From local businesses like Kamloops Innovation Center to individuals that I knew and didn't know, people were incredibly generous with their willingness to help me, support me and cheer me on. It was so motivating to have this wave of positivity behind me and I am grateful to this day for every single person that downloaded the app or contributed in any way to making that crazy idea a reality.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
My favourite childhood memories are that of the many hours and hours of play with family and neighbourhood friends in our backyard swimming pool. Marco Polo, Shark!, mermaids, dolphin training, and cannon bomb competitions kept us busy for the whole long, hot Kamloops summers. When we were absolutely water-logged, we'd jump out onto the hot wooden decks and enjoy sweet, juicy peaches plucked straight off our tree next to the pool as we dried off. Good times!
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
Some of the volunteer work I do now revolves around my three boys and their activities. I have been volunteering as a judo coach at the Kamloops Judo Club for the past 8 years and with my sons' soccer teams doing sideline physiotherapy and injury prevention sessions. I also gladly volunteer with Junior Achievement of British Columbia as a mentor and keynote speaker with their annual Economics for Success conferences for the district's Grade 10 students and School District 73's Open Doors in STEAM conference for high school girls.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
Less greed, more empathy, and kindness.
Where would you sneak away to in Kamloops to spend some time alone?
Chapter's bookstore - an endless supply of inspiration, knowledge, and adventure with the smell of coffee making my brain smile.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kamloops and why?
1. Upgrades/new builds for schools in Kamloops and area to better serve our present Kamloops students and to draw young families & teachers to our district.
2. A central hub for business, arts/entertainment for year-round community interaction.
What do you think makes Kamloops great?
The level of community support in this city is fantastic! Whether you are part of a small business, sports club, school activity - whatever - Kamloopsians are amazing at supporting one another and cheering each other on.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1. To take my kids to Japan, ideally with my dad who grew up there.
2. To learn Italian fluently enough that I could have a decent conversation with friends and family in Italy.
3. To live to be old enough and healthy enough that I can enjoy and be an active part of all of my future grandchildren's lives one day.
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I bake a mean s'mores cupcake!
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media?
IG: @tinkam.
FB: @fitsparkapp.
Twitter: @tammyuyeda.
LinkedIn: Tammy Uyeda.
What is the name of your business/organization?
FitSpark Health, Inc.
Why did you get into/start this business?
I have always felt the positive effects of physical activity on my life and want to help empower people so that they can live their lives at a healthier level.
What is the goal of your business?
To inspire and share knowledge/ideas with people to motivate them to a more active life.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Keeping blinders on to minimize shiny ball and squirrel distractions!
What do you always find yourself saying?
Let's do this!
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Get comfortable being uncomfortable - don’t be afraid to take that step forward. Preparation, having an open mind, and not being afraid of being a newb will invite many cool opportunities and people to your doorstep.
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Especially since I lost my mom last year to cancer, any time I get to spend with my dad is precious to me. It is ironic that since he moved to the Coast, I get more one-on-one time with him when we do see each other now than we ever did when he lived in Kamloops!
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
Local business owners are our friends and neighbours and are the backbone of our communities. They are the visionaries that work with such passion to offer something unique and personal to both our city and its visitors.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Having my three amazing boys!
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
I'm giving a huge shout out to all of the volunteer coaches across all sports in the city! Thank you for your time, your effort, your organizational skills, and your dedication to our kids and our sports. You are very appreciated!
My choice for the KamloopsBCNow In Focus spotlight is:
Shelley Battistella - co-owner of La Dolcevita Day Spa and Salon.
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!
