Meet Diana Walker! Diana is from Pinantan but Kamloops has always been home. She is a passionate woman who loves hiking, boating, and anything outdoors!
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kamloops?
I grew up as a farm kid on the outskirts of town in the little community of Pinantan. I lived in Alberta briefly, but Kamloops will always be home.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
This is really a tough one. I am so blessed and surrounded by so many great people in my life. Each and every one of them is so wonderful for so many reasons of their own.
What is your favourite local store in Kamloops and why?
I would have to say "The Art We Are". That place just boasts of creativeness in so aspects as soon as you walk through the door. Everything about it is from the heart. The decor, the art, and crafts that local vendors have set up. THE FOOD!
Describe yourself in one word.
Passionate.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
I really enjoyed backpacking Indonesia with my children. I would love to go back. The culture is incredible. Anywhere hot really. I am a sun lover.
What is your favourite activity in Kamloops?
Anything outdoors. I love to be outside. Hiking to a gorgeous lookout, boating up the North Thompson to some killer private beaches. But, If I had to choose one. I would have to say taking off on my horse for adventure with some good girlfriends.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
Anyone who knows me, knows I am not very shy. I am always down for a good laugh, so embarrassing me is pretty tough. I am not afraid to be in a compromised situation if I or someone is going to get a good laugh out of it. Life is way too short.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Inspiring? These are some toughies. I think that I am inspired daily really. By people, by actions, by coincidences. The list is endless . It depends on how you choose to look at your life. If you can live your life being appreciative and looking at the good, almost everything around you can be inspiring.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
I think the best memories I had a child were hitting the backroads with my Dad. We were the best fishing buddies since I can remember. We would cruise into little lakes, slay some little lake trout and he would just make it so exciting for me. Now, he is still my fishing buddy. Except, now we go for the big ones. I have been so lucky enough to take him on some pretty cool Sturgeon fishing adventures. He taught me so much about the great outdoors that I have been so lucky to pass on to my children. I am so grateful.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
This is definitely something I wish I could boast more about. I do donate quite a few services to fundraisers or good causes to try and help out. The most gratifying thing is being able to donate some of my esthetics services to someone who is really struggling. Making someone feel good about themselves is a reward that money could never touch.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
That more people would take the time to slow down, be present and make enjoying what you have a priority. We live in a fast world full of moments we will never get back.
Where would you sneak away to in Kamloops to spend some time alone?
Anywhere near the water with a great big bonfire is right up my alley.
What do you think makes Kamloops great?
I love all of the new things popping up in Kamloops. New breweries, businesses, community activities that always seem to be such a hit. I think we are a pretty supportive city.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
I would love to skydive, although I know I will need to be pushed once I am up there. But I would still like to say I have done it. I have a huge bug for travel, I dream of living abroad somewhere at some point in my life. One day it will happen, definitely. Do a big backpacking trip. Probably numerous, actually. Like hiking the Westcoast Trail or the Berg Lake trail.
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
Aside from my business, I am also a full-time caregiver to a young lady with Down-Syndrome. She has lived with me full time for 9 years. She is my little buddy and I love her to bits.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media?
Instagram: @backroad_tzigane.
What is the name of your business/organization?
iBoutique Esthetics Studio.
Why did you get into/start this business?
I don't think there is anything more rewarding than making someone feel good about themselves.
What is the goal of your business?
To be reputable. I don't need to make millions, but I always want to have a good reputation.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Balancing a full-time business, being a caregiver, a horse/sports mom. Then having time for the extra things in life can be tough. But now after all of these years I think I thrive on chaos. At the end of the day, I can admit it is pretty liberating.
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Just keep swimming.
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Twiggy Levy. She is a rad chick that I came across randomly on Instagram. Making beautiful artwork and jewelry in her rustic cabin on her ranch in the mountains of New Mexico. She is original, inspiring and completely bad-ass.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
Every local business started as a dream. To be able to financially support yourself with your dream is pretty fulfilling. When we support local, we are supporting someone's dream. That is such a gift to give someone.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
My kids. Two of the very best people I know. Wyatt (17) and Lily (13). Kind, compassionate and driven, not to mention just cool, diverse people in general. I am one super proud Mama.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
All of my ladies at The Hive Collective. It's such a supportive atmosphere for your business to build and thrive. I am so grateful for each of you.
My choice for the KamloopsBCNow In Focus spotlight is:
Amber Bruce.
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!
