In Focus | Kathryn Learie

Meet Kathryn Learie. Kathryn was born and raised in Kamloops. She is a weird and loyal woman who loves to spend time with her husband and support the local creatives.

Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kamloops?
I was born in Kamloops! I KNOW, right??? I have lived here off and on my whole life - but I have lived here permanently since 2001.

Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My husband. Full stop. He's a lunatic and he still makes me laugh 23 years later. And, I can tell him anything.

What is your favourite local store in Kamloops and why?
Uggh. There are too many. Super faves right now are: The Pond Country Market - because I love the owners and it's in my neighbourhood, and the food is OUTSTANDING. Far and Wide as well because they have great style and they support local creatives.

Describe yourself in one word.
Weird. And Loyal.

If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Bali. Or literally anywhere warm. Seriously, this has been the longest winter, right?!

What is your favourite activity in Kamloops?
Trail running.

What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
There's so many... but this morning was reallllly embarrassing. I wanted to introduce myself my business video meeting by playing a certain rap song and chair dancing, but the ladies on the other end had some technical difficulties and looked really confused.

What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
That's a tough one. So many... I gave birth to twins, boy and a girl. I think I inspired myself with that one. My kids inspire me and recently they both won basketball awards at a tournament here in Kamloops. I kinda felt like our little family could do anything.

Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Going hunting with my dad when I was around 11/12 yrs old. I needed that one on one time right about then in my life. We both loved eating our lunch out in the forest somewhere.

Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I volunteer my photography services every year with the Pink Ribbon Ball to help raise money for the Royal Inland Hospital Foundation. I also have ran a fundraiser out of my photography studio 3 yrs in a row now which raises money for dogs and animals in need. Money is raised from doing dog portrait sessions throughout the month of February and goes to SPCA, Angel's Animal Rescue and Cedar Hills Dog Academy - trains service dogs.

If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
I would want to see Governments and large corporations all over the world working together to address climate change.

Where would you sneak away to in Kamloops to spend some time alone?
The walking trails out in Barnhartvale.

What do you think makes Kamloops great?
Hot, dry summers, tons of recreation nearby. It's the perfect size, not too big not too small. I love the T.C.C. facility - and visually, the geography and the hills are stunning.

What are 3 things on your bucket list?
I would love to visit Ireland again and take my sister.
I want to take my daughter to New York City.
I would love to visit Iceland again and take my son.

Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I'm afraid of heights.

How do people connect with you, personally, through social media?
Facebook or Instagram. Both of my accounts are: @owenimaging.

What is the name of your business/organization?
Owen Imaging.

Why did you get into/start this business?
My brother once told me to pick something you would do whether you got paid or not. So, I went to photography school and started my company. I still go and take pictures for myself, on my days off.

What is the goal of your business?
To create beautiful, inspiring visual memories for my clients.

What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
I still struggle with work/life balance. Finding time for yourself and looking after yourself is challenging when you're a wife/mother and business owner.

What do you always find yourself saying?
"Hiya" and "Yoo-hoo". I have no idea why I say them all the time.

Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Everyone should have a dog in their life at some point. They will teach you all about unconditional love and what that feels like.

Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
Putting your money back into your own community helps everyone around you.

What has been your proudest accomplishment?
I have been married for almost 17 years to the same person who is my most favourite person to hang out with - and I have two healthy teenagers that love me. I'm proud of that!

Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
My brother, Dennis Owen. He is a real estate photographer here in Kamloops and he is one of the reasons I got into photography. He is the hardest working, funniest, and kindest person I know.

My choice for the KamloopsBCNow In Focus spotlight is:
Dennis Owen.

What is their e-mail address?
[email protected]