Meet Alysha. Alysha has lived in Kamloops her whole life. She has her own photography business and is just as passionate about volunteering at her church's youth group and working with youth and she is about capturing memories.
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kamloops?
I was born in Kamloops and have lived here all my life!
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My husband Caleb is my favourite person to be with. He makes everything fun, even if it's just going to the grocery store.
What is your favourite local store in Kamloops and why?
I am loving Far & Wide. They have the most interesting selection of items and the ladies are so friendly, I feel so welcomed whenever I go in?
Describe yourself in one word.
Curious.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
After seeing the new Mamma Mia! movie I really just want to head to Greece and sing ABBA songs!
What is your favourite activity in Kamloops?
I love going somewhere with a view and taking photos!
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
I'm really short and youthful-looking so I get mistaken for a teenager all the time. On my first day working in a salon, my coworker asked me "Do you want to be a hairdresser when you grow up?"
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Falling in love with Caleb made me want to be a better person and make something out of myself. He inspired me to get an education and wouldn't allow me to just day-dream about my goals, he pushed me to actually go out and work for it. He inspires me to be a kinder, more generous person.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
My favourite childhood memories are of playing video games with my older brother, Cody. I would play games on the GameCube and he would watch, but when I got stuck on a hard part he would beat it for me.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
Every Friday night, I volunteer as a youth leader in my church's youth group. I mostly work with the junior girls (grades 7 to 9). I love seeing these girls become more confident in who they are and I try my best to help them discover their passions and purpose in life.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
I wish people were better educated on plastic pollution. I was very ignorant before about the effects of plastic on the environment but now I see how damaging it is to the earth.
Where would you sneak away to in Kamloops to spend some time alone?
I would go to the library! Sometimes I just go there to look around and see if there is a title that pops out to me.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kamloops and why?
I think Kamloops should follow in Vancouver's footsteps and ban plastic straws as well as more public recycling and compost bins available.
What do you think makes Kamloops great?
Kamloops has some seriously gorgeous views. I love being able to see mountains everywhere that I look.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1. Publish a book full of photographs
2. Direct a music video
3. Travel Japan
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I am a huge geek! For our honeymoon my husband and I made Mario Kart t-shirts and went go-karting.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media?
Instagram and Facebook
What is the name of your business/organization?
Alysha Belcourt Photography.
Why did you get into/start this business?
I have always been an artistic and sentimental person. With photography you can be creative and preserve memories at the same time.
What is the goal of your business?
I think a photo should make you feel something all over again. A photo should make you remember the way that you felt as well as the way you looked!
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
My biggest struggle has been not to take everything personally. Art is always so personal and I put my heart into my photography, but I have to remember it's not who I am, it's what I do.
What do you always find yourself saying?
I'm that annoying person that will say "Did you know?" and start talking about some weird fact that no one asked for!
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
"Work with what you've got." Don't focus on what you don't have but focus on what you can do right now!
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
My friend Kylia moved across the country a few years ago. We've seen each other a couple times since she moved but I miss her like crazy. We snapchat each other every day but I would love to spend a whole day with her again.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
When you support a local business you are supporting that person's dream!
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Seeing the girls in my youth group grow. When they first came they were so shy and now they're so willing to share with the group and pray for the other girls!
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
My mum, Maria. I watched her work hard every single day to provide for my brother and I and she went back to school in her fifties! She is such a constant source of love and support for me.
My choice for the KamloopsBCNow In Focus spotlight is:
Alicia from Alicia Christine Photography!
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!
