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 KelownaNow.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?Lucy Valnicek.

Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?I was born in Saskatoon but my family moved to Kelowna when I was five. I've lived in Kelowna for 18 years, to me Kelowna is home.

Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?My favourite person to spend time with is my best friend Noora. You know that feeling when someone just gets you and you feel like you can be completely yourself? That's how it has always been with us. I think friendship is one of life's greatest gifts.

If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?Anywhere with large-scale natural beauty excites me! I'd love to spend some time hiking and camping in Patagonia.

What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?Nature's Fare Markets. I love all things health, food, and sustainability related. I really believe in what Nature's Fare stands for in creating healthier, happier communities through good wholesome food.

What is your favourite activity?Yoga, it's really changed my quality of life. Ever since I began to practice it regularly I have had so much more energy and just feel more relaxed as a person.

If you had to choose: pizza, tacos, or burgers?For a food-lover this is a very difficult question, but I have to say, I've never had a slice of pizza I didn't enjoy! So I would say pizza with cashew cheese and arugula.

What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?I still remember one time at my grandmas house when she had someone come to clean her windows, I was using the washroom when I heard a squeegee noise. I looked up and the window washer was right above me cleaning the skylight. I jumped right into the bathtub!

What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?I attended a conference with my sister on creating content on social media. One of the panelists said 'Dont think, create.' To this day that has been something that has helped me to get past my own doubts and insecurities and share.

Tell us your favourite childhood memory.My grandparents had a cabin outside of Saskatoon in a place called Waskesiu. I loved going there so much because my Grandma (Babi) would let us kids run free by ourselves to the park and the shops, something my parents didnt let us do. There was also a family of foxes that lived in the forest next to us and loved to come and visit.

Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?Ive always loved the quote by Frederick Buechner: 'Vocation is the place where our deep gladness meets the worlds deep need.' For me personally, I feel the greatest gift I can give to others is my presence and joy. Theres nothing that warms my heart more or make me feel more purposeful than to change someones day for the better. Be it through a simple smile or hello, or to take the time to connect with someone new through conversation and bring that sense of 'were all in this together.'

If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?I think I would want everyone to know how beautiful and important they are. I think its only when we forget that simple truth that things go a bit awry. So I guess teaching people to love and value themselves so they know how to love and value each other.

What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?I love to hike and get outside and explore. We really are so blessed to live in a place where nature and outdoor activities of almost every kind are so easily accessible to us.

Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?There is a forest near my house that I hike in with my dogs. For me, this is my happy place. I love spending time in solitude and Ill often just find a nice rock to sit on somewhere out there and meditate.

Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?I would love to see more bike paths like the one on Abbot Street, and gathering spaces like our outdoor skating rink all around Kelowna. Places where people can get outside, meet friends and just have fun!

What do you think makes Kelowna great?The more I travel the more I see just how unique our little city is. Kelowna really facilitates being active and living a healthy lifestyle with our mountains and the lake. Its pretty easy to feel lucky to live here, all we have to do is look around.

What are 3 things on your bucket list?1. Learn to surf (Ive been a few times but would love to get better).2. Write a book on self-love, and empowerment.3. To never stop learning new things.

Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.I spend am embarrassing amount of time reading epic-fantasy/sci-fi novels. I just love getting lost in a good adventure. One of my favourites is 'The Name of the Wind' by Patrick Rothfuss.

How do people connect with you, personally, through social media?My favourite form of social media is definitely Instagram. I love seeing other people's creativity and getting a peak into their lives. I find it very inspiring, I love to share and connect with people through Instagram.

What is the name of your business/organization?I have a Youtube channel called Purely Lucy.

Why did you get into/start this business?My life has changed so much since I began to eat more plant-based, meditate and take care of my body. I really wanted to share what Ive learned with others too.

What is the goal of your business?To help people realize their beauty, power and goodness. To empower people and help them know that they are worthy of their dreams.

What has been your biggest struggle either in work or life?Probably caring too much what other people think. I wanted to create a Youtube channel for many years before I actually took the leap. Over time I learned that the more I am able to share without caring how its received, the more fun and success I have!

If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?Im still very much in the beginning stages but I wouldnt change a thing. Every misstep has taught me something valuable even if it's just how to laugh at myself and not take mistakes too seriously.

What do you always find yourself saying?'Everything is always working out for me' - even if it seems like things are going wrong, I like to remind myself that in the big picture things are always working out for the good.

If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?The first person that comes to mind is the author Eckhart Tolle, he really taught me how to live in and enjoy the moment, rather than letting life pass me by. I think it would be very interesting to spend some time with him. Either him or Elon Musk.

Why do you think it is important to shop locally?Were all so connected. I think supporting local is supporting a healthy community, and a healthy, and thriving community is good for everyone.

What has been your proudest accomplishment?It might sound a little cheesy but I think it would be listening to my heart above all else and becoming the person I always wanted to be.

Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!Right now it would be my neighbour Bernie. Hes in his late 80s, and is probably the happiest person I know! He always has the biggest smile and loves to share everything he grows in his garden with the neighbours. I hope to be like him someday.

My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:Sally Wallick.

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, Kelowna.

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In Focus | Lucy Valnicek - KelownaNow