Meet Henry. Henry has lived in Kamloops for 15 years. He is an all time waffle wizard/king/owner/operator of The Waffle Laundry. Once upon a time, he attended TRU and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Biology. He is also a full time laboratory analyst in a metallurgical assay laboratory, and a part time student studying Occupational Health and Safety at BCIT. Sometimes he is a photographer, and every time he is a pizza lover.
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kamloops?
I was born and raised in Kitimat BC and went to TRU right after high school. Been living here for 15 years.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My wife/best friend/roommate Katherine Chan! We have the best adventures whether it is traveling the world or staying home watching movies and eating cheese.
What is your favourite local store in Kamloops and why?
My favourite local store would be Far & Wide because they carry some rad local products.
Describe yourself in one word.
Sometimes to define is to limit, however, Kath describes me as “incroyable."
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Antarctica. Super exclusive.
What is your favourite activity in Kamloops?
Every Saturday Kath and I have a lunch dates at one of the many great local eateries followed by shopping for scarves.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
Whenever I forget someone's name is something that I find embarrassing. My apologies.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
I am inspired everyday by just watching people in their element or listening/reading about a person's story. Everyone around me, whether they are a friend or a stranger, is doing something they love and I find that fascinating. Dedicated people who are makers, creators, builders, healers, readers, writers, athletes, students, and/or business owners truly inspire me to do something that is my own.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Watching WWF in the 90s and thinking that Goldust was amazing.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
Currently I donate to Red Cross and BC Children's Hospital. However, this question is a wake up call to donate to local charities.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
I would eliminate unnecessary food waste.
Where would you sneak away to in Kamloops to spend some time alone?
My basement, where the video games are. It is very important to recharge and enjoy some time for yourself.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kamloops and why?
Voter turn out. It's important on all levels. You have the power to change things.
What do you think makes Kamloops great?
There are plenty of great local places to dine in this city. The great outdoors. Public events! Brewloops, Luminocity, Music in the Park, Farmers' Market.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1. Dine at Bo Innovation in Hong Kong when I visit in April 2019
2. Go see the Verity statue in Ilfracombe
3. Fried chicken is always on my list of buckets
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I used to be photographer in a duo called Crow & Bear Photography.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media?
Instagram
What is the name of your business/organization?
The Waffle Laundry. Special thanks to Mitch Forgie for helping with the name.
Why did you get into/start this business?
I had some delicious waffles at a place called Nero in Vancouver. I was inspired to create something of my own and serve it to the wonderful people of Kamloops. I constantly day dream and I wanted to make this particular dream into reality.
What is the goal of your business?
The goal of my business is to make people happy. I want people to try something different and maybe they will be inspired to create something of their own as well. I want to show that you can have an idea and make it into something.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
My biggest struggle has been staying physically active while working full time, student part time, waffling part time.
What do you always find yourself saying?
“Aces” followed by a finger snap and point.
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
You either win or you learn.
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
I would spend a day with Mijune Pak so that we can hang out and eat delicious food all day.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
It is important to shop locally to support in the community's future and promote the growth of Kamloops.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
My proudest accomplishment is taking the chance to start Waffle Laundry. I never thought that my first catering gig would be serving waffles at someone's wedding. It was a special feeling being part of the Walshbarr's specal day.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
I would like to give a shout out to Kent Fawcett of Local Pulse for nominating me for In Focus. A super special shout out to Corey Adkin for inviting me to set up my very first pop up waffle shop in Leon John's Deli & Supply Co.
My choice for the KamloopsBCNow In Focus spotlight is:
Megan Schultz. Why? Cocoa Dot Cakes is the reason why!
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!
