In Focus | Carleigh Durette

Meet Carleigh! She's from Saskatoon and is new to Kelowna and being a business owner!



Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My boyfriend, Toby. We have lots of fun together, hiking, biking, and craft beer drinking. We're usually joined by our doggo, Amiga.

What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
There are so many to choose from, but right now I've been enjoying Canoe Coffee. They are doing things a bit different than your average coffee shop but still have great quality coffee.

Describe yourself in one word.
Easy-going

If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Saskatoon! To visit my friends and family. In the middle of winter, I might have a different answer!

What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Hanging out at one of the many beautiful beaches or playing soccer on my KWSL team!

What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
Nothing, in particular, comes to mind but because I work in fashion, I sure have a lot of wardrobe malfunctions. Lipstick on my teeth, coffee split all over my top... things like that are a common occurrence for me!

What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Moving away from my home and friends and family was difficult but also incredibly inspiring. I'm also inspired by all the powerful women in my life who I love so much!

Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Spending the summers at the lake with my family in Saskatchewan. We used to spend all day on the boat rain or shine. Those are my favourite days from my childhood.

Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I have participated in Relay for Life in Saskatchewan and raised money for cancer awareness. I also try to donate blood whenever I can!

If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
Equality

Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
The beach. Bertram is my favourite.

Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
It would be great if Kelowna became a bit more pet-friendly. There are a lot of great pet-friendly establishments already, and I think it's moving in that direction which is awesome. However, I think compared to other cities we fall a bit short. Pet-friendly rentals are also hard to come by. I hate the thought of people having to give up their pets in order to find a place to live.

What do you think makes Kelowna great?
The people, the weather, and the gorgeous natural surroundings.

What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1. Volunteer in Africa
2. African safari
3. A trip around Brazil and visit Iguazu Falls

Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I've been to 22 countries and want to visit 30 before I turn 30.

How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
Instagram is my social media platform of choice! Follow me if you want to see mostly photos of my dog.

What is the name of your business/organization?
Frakas, Shops for Women Inc

Why did you get into/start this business?
I've worked at Frakas since I was about 16 years old! I've always known I wasn't cut out for the typical 9-5 job, and I've always felt like I've had entrepreneurial qualities.

What is the goal of your business?
Provide Kelownian fashionistas with a unique shopping experience and a place where the can have fun while they shop.



What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
I think it's a common answer among business owners, but finding a work/life balance. It's easy to spend your evenings hunched over a laptop doing work. It's important to step back and take some time just for you.

If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
The same!

What do you always find yourself saying?
I kind of hate myself for it but, "YOLO."

Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Find whatever makes you happy and do more of that.

If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
I recently went to watch Michelle Obama speak, and not only was she inspirational but she was down to earth and hilarious. I think hanging out with her for a day would be amazing!

Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
There are so many reasons! There is a quote that says "when you buy from a small business an actual person does a happy dance," and that is totally true. I think small business owners appreciate the support more than you know.

What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Surviving one year as a business owner, and growing and learning along the way.

Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
My aunt and mentor Colleen! I truly couldn't do what I do every day without her constant support. She's a pretty awesome human. :)

My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Diane Herron - Sweet Dee's Flowers.

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.

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. Thank you, Kelowna!