Meet Brianna Williams. Brianna is from Winnipeg but has lived in Kamloops for 11 years. She is an effervescent woman who loves to hike and mountain bike.
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kamloops?
Winnipeg, Manitoba but have lived in Kamloops for 11 years.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My boyfriend Andrew Laporte as he is always fun to be around and we help each other grow.
What is your favourite local store in Kamloops and why?
Wildwood Tattoo Parlour, their creativity and outlooks in life are what make for a personable and ideal tattoo session (I also love tattoos).
Describe yourself in one word.
Effervescent.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Bali - It has always been a dream of mine to hike through a rainforest and visit old temples.
What is your favourite activity in Kamloops?
Hiking and now mountain biking.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
When I was 8 or 9, someone had walked in on me going to the bathroom in a grocery store...now I make double sure the doors are locked.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Being able to have all the opportunities I have been given in life thus far, is pretty inspiring to me. I am so grateful and appreciate everything I have learned and am learning through this crazy journey called life.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Going to Grand Beach (just outside of Winnipeg) with my best friend and grabbing our boogie boards when there was a wind storm to try to catch some waves. We were pretty young though, so the waves probably weren't that big and we had supervision, but I remember laughing for so long.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
When I first moved here, I volunteered at an old folks' home and then in high school, I volunteered at the hospital for two years. Now, with the job and contracts I have in marketing with Northern Health and Vancouver Island Health, I am able to give a large chunk of the proceeds back to the local health initiatives.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
Definitely Pollution. I don't think people understand how serious it is and how it is ruining our earth.
Where would you sneak away to in Kamloops to spend some time alone?
Top of a mountain.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kamloops and why?
More local businesses coming together to support one another. Help one another grow and keeps it local.
What do you think makes Kamloops great?
A small city with a big heart.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1) Travel to Bali (see temples etc.).
2) Learn how to surf.
3) Create a homegrown vegetable/herb garden.
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I can't drink carbonation because I can't burp.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media?
Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn.
What is the name of your business/organization?
Strategis Communications Ltd. and Westcoast Digital Marketing.
Why did you get into/start this business?
I was wanting to be able to work from anywhere.
What is the goal of your business?
To help other businesses grow and in that, my business growing as well.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Letting go of things that no longer serve me in a positive way.
What do you always find yourself saying?
To be honest.
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
The kind of energy you put out is the kind of energy you will receive.
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
It would hands down be my Grandma. She and I have such a special bond, that we never need words. She lives in Winnipeg though, so I don't get to see her that often.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
Support your community!
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Becoming who I am today, no matter what life had thrown at me.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
I would have to say my boyfriend's parents Dan and Shelly Laporte. They are such strong and kind people, who have helped me in more ways than I can explain. They are idols of mine.
My choice for the KamloopsBCNow In Focus spotlight is:
Andrew Laporte - Didn't you guess it already?
Some general comments I would like to share are:
I know a lot of people get stuck in a slump and feel that the world is crumbling and nothing they can do is changing that, but just give it time. Life is all about balance in every day possible. - You can't have a rainbow without a little rain.
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!
