Meet Alana Martens! Alana was born in New Brunswick but has lived in Kamloops for six years. She is a kind-hearted photographer who loves checking out local coffee shops with friends!
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kamloops?
I was born in New Brunswick, grew up in a teensy Northern Alberta town, and have lived in Kamloops now for just over 6 years.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
Although it's a bit cliche, I would have to say my husband. He makes me belly laugh, smile until my cheeks hurt, and lets me be fully myself.
What is your favourite local store in Kamloops and why?
Far + Wide. I love the selection of local products that they sell! Not to mention- the plants, glassware, posters, and jewelry they carry are stunning!
Describe yourself in one word.
Kind-hearted.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Oh that a tough one. If I could go anywhere right now I'd like to go to Malta, in Europe. Because it's beautiful, warm, and has stunning beaches!
What is your favourite activity in Kamloops?
Going to local coffee shops with friends. I love me a good latte!
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
I don't get embarrassed very often... but there is one incident that comes to mind. In high school, I did figure skating, and one day my crush was watching us practice. I got super nervous and fell super awkwardly and hard right in front of him.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Probably becoming a mother to my baby, Theo. The experience of growing and birthing another human, completely prepared yet unprepared at the same time was unlike anything I'd ever gone through before.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
We had a John Deere Gator when I was growing up and my Dad hooked up speakers to it and built a seat that went into the box. My friends and I would all pile into the gator, plug in an iPod, eat sunflower seeds, and drive all around our small Northern Alberta town. So many amazing memories were made, it was the best!!
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
I think I would get rid of loneliness. My heart breaks when I think of senior citizens sitting in a home feeling sad and alone with no one to visit them. Or people who live far from family and can't afford to go visit. If I could change one thing I think I'd love it if more people stepped out of their comfort zone and stood up to fill that gap. I think there would be a significant increase in happiness & joy- and the world desperately needs more of that.
Where would you sneak away to in Kamloops to spend some time alone?
I would probably drive a little way out of town, where the landscape changes to more rolling grassy hills. I find, being an Alberta girl originally, the mountains so close can almost seem too "containing." Those wide-open rolling spaces are so relaxing.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kamloops and why?
I would like to see the downtown continue to get a "facelift." Because our downtown is in such a beautiful location within the city, and I believe that more people would come to visit and tour Kamloops if the downtown continued to be beautified.
What do you think makes Kamloops great?
Friendly people. I find that generally, people in Kamloops are extremely friendly and I love that about our city!!
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1. Have a little farm one day with some sheep and live in a house that looks like Anne of Green Gables!
2. Go to New Zealand.
3. Write a children's book!
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
That my sister-in-law and I blog together! It's a lifestyle blog called Linens and Vines! We only started last summer, but it's been a lot of fun so far!
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media?
Instagram is my favorite form of social media! My photography handle is @alanaraephoto and my personal account is @_a.mart.
What is the name of your business/organization?
Alana Rae Photography.
Why did you get into/start this business?
I started Alana Rae Photography as a means to help support my family financially and as a way to meet other creatives in the Kamloops area.
What is the goal of your business?
The goal of my business is to capture authentic moments and emotions with my camera. To create a space where people feel comfortable to simply be themselves and allow me to document it.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
With my business, my biggest struggle has probably been trying to market myself and get clients.
What do you always find yourself saying?
"Oh boy!"
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Love others well. You never know what other people are going through.
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
That's a great question that I'm way overthinking. So I honestly really don't know. There's way too much pressure to pick someone fancy and famous... but really I'd love to spend one whole day somewhere warm and sunny with my husband Jeff and our baby, Theo.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
Because local business owners put so much time and effort into growing their businesses. Taking the time to purchase things from their shops helps to grow the local economy.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Pushing my 8lb 6oz baby out of my body.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Breanne Peterson! She's a local hairstylist who is doing an amazing job growing her little business!
My choice for the KamloopsBCNow In Focus spotlight is:
Breanne Peterson.
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!
