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In Focus | Kara Gibson-Guyitt

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?
Kara Gibson-Guyitt.

Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
I'm from Lethbridge and then I had lived in Kelowna from 2001 to 2007, then moved to Canmore. I've been back in Kelowna since 2013.

Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
I have to say two people, my husband Jay and my son Witten. Our weekends together are so much fun as we watch him become a little boy. He's just a neat kid!

If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Capri. I fell in love with Italy years ago but I have a vision of this beautiful island with beautiful people boating, sunning and lounging. Especially after this cruel winter, I'd like to join them!

What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
Not a store, but I love the Farmer's Market! I love spending Saturday mornings there grabbing coffee and checking out all the local produce and crafts. It's such a good expression of what this area has to offer.

What is your favourite activity?
Golf.

If you had to choose: pizza, tacos, or burgers?
Pizza! Tacos are a close second.

What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
Leaving a 16-year-old boys baseball game when I was 13, the team was walking behind me. I thought I'd show off and hurdle jump over a low parking chain. Well, the toe of my sandal got stuck on the chain and I did a face plant on the pavement.

Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
I have so many! I had such an amazing childhood, I'm an only child, but I grew up in a neighbourhood with lots of kids around. One special memory would be the boys across the street strapping me in the hockey net with a pillow and shooting pucks at me! I gained my love of sports from those two. When my grandparents would head home after a visit, my grandpa always pulled all the change out of his pocket and gave it to me. I'd run to my room to count it. My mom did the best birthday parties for me with themes and games and so much food. Vacations to California to see family, and hit up Disneyland.

Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I've started to do some work with our chapter of IDIBC and would like to look into an organization for young girls in golf.

If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
Racism and inequality. Whether it be the colour of one's skin, their gender or who they choose to love, it should not matter. But why does it matter? It amazes me that in this day and age this is still a huge issue.

What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Wine touring with friends from out of town, golfing, playing at the park. Sitting on a patio at dusk with good conversation and a glass (or bottle!) of wine.

Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
I actually like to spend time in my own home so I'd just kick the boys out for a few hours!

Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
With homelessness and affordable housing. I want to see more options for both these issues.

What do you think makes Kelowna great?
The lake, beaches, wineries, weather, the people!

What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1) Travel to Croatia
2) Sky dive, but my thoughts may have changed on this since having a baby!
3) Write a novel

Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
A child's loose tooth makes me want to be sick!

How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest)
Facebook
Instagram

What is the name of your business/organization?
Sticks and Stones Design Group.

Why did you get into/start this business?
My university plan was sports psychology, but after my first year in college in sciences I realized it was not my thing! So, I flipped through the course guide, saw interior design and thought why not?', 16 years later and I still love every minute!

What is the goal of your business?
We are a full service design firm that strives to create beautiful spaces (residential or commercial) for our clients in BC and Alberta. We are a creative group that works hard to ensure our clients visions are realized.

What has been your biggest struggle either in work or life?
Probably every first time mom's struggle, the balance between work and life. I have a great support system in my family and at work so the transition wasn't too bad.

If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
The same. I strongly believe everything happens for a reason and I'm exactly where I should and need to be.

What do you always find yourself saying?
Apparently I say 'no no no no no no' a lot, which I realized when my son started saying 'no' five times! Also, 'what's his pickle' when I can't remember someone's name!

If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Three people, and I'd invite them all over for gin and tonics. My late Grandma Alice, Audrey Hepburn and James Dean. I feel like a bit of an old soul so the style and grace of the 40's and 50's speaks to me. I would love to hear about old Hollywood and what made Audrey Hepburn and James Dean tick. As for my grandma, she fits in with the style and grace, but I would just love one more day with her to talk, eat chocolate and have a G&T.

Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
I think the obvious reasons have to be helping the local economy and creating a smaller carbon footprint.

What has been your proudest accomplishment?
I feel like it's cliche to say 'my son', so I'm going to say my marriage. We have such a great relationship that's based on love, acceptance and compromise. We're a great team!

Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
My mom, Sandy Gibson. She's recently retired and is starting a new chapter in her life. She's always been there for me and is an amazing grandma. She's a 'Jackie' of all trades and is an amazing cook. She does everything for everyone, she's an amazing lady!

My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Jason Guyitt.

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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