Meet Nancy Critchley. Nancy is from Alberta but has spent time living in Sun Peaks for 10 years. She is an enthusiastic woman who lives life at full throttle.
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kamloops?
I am from Alberta and we have owned our Sun Peaks residence for 10 years. We split our time between our Hay Lakes farm and Sun Peaks Resort.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
I love spending time with my eight grandkids! Yes, I know that's more than one, but they're all pretty awesome. I love being with them because they make me laugh & they teach me something new every time I am with them.
What is your favourite local store in Kamloops and why?
Castles and Cottages. I can (and in fact I have) spent hours browsing the fun items they stock.
Describe yourself in one word.
Some people might say I am 'enthusiastic,' but an informal friend poll has deemed that I am gregarious!
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Scotland! I would choose Scotland because it is so filled with history (and ghosts), including the history of my late mother's family. I would love to visit my grandparent's birthplace, and their home, if it still exists.
What is your favourite activity in Kamloops?
My very favourite activity is skiing Sun Peaks!
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
I was crossing a busy intersection in DT Edmonton in platform shoes, I lost my balance and ended up flailing my way toward the curb and was rescued in the arms of a man I didn't know. I'm certain this entertaining footage exists in traffic cam archives!
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Personally: becoming a parent and then a grandparent. It's inspiring to see your children grow into responsible, contributing adults who then bring you grandchildren to love and cherish. Children and grandchildren helped me understand that life is much, much bigger than just me. When I think of my grandkids I am even more inspired to create a world that is safe and clean for future generations. A world where human rights are respected and honoured.
Professionally: Leaving my job as Director, Communications for United Way to pursue my business as a professional photographer. I was 56 years old. I didn't retire - I rewired! It was both scary and inspiring at the same time.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
My grandfather's bedtime stories (he lived with us until his passing when I was nine years old) These tales were straight from his imagination and every night, he would pick up where he left off the night before. The stories were always VERY far-fetched and hilarious, and often made me dissolve into fits of laughter. I'm not sure that helped settle me down for sleep, but this was definitely the favourite part of my day.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I am very committed to giving back to help our most marginalized and vulnerable population. I volunteer my time and invest my money in programs and community supports like: United Way, local food banks and anything that supports vulnerable youth, and people experiencing homelessness.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
Oh, there are so many things in this world I would like to change right now. I am fearful for our future generations, there is so much unrest and hate. But, if I were to choose just one thing, I think it would be that women, ALL over the world, would be afforded equal and fair rights. That they would have the right to share their voice and make their own decisions. That the balance of power would be more evenly distributed between the genders.
Where would you sneak away to in Kamloops to spend some time alone?
Paddle-boarding on Heffley Lake!
Where would you like to see positive change in Kamloops and why?
I don't feel like I could make a statement about this, not having the history of living in the Kamloops area for long enough.
What do you think makes Kamloops great?
I love that Kamloops is large enough to have almost everything we need, but not so large that it loses its true community spirit.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
-Hike the Highlands of Scotland.
-Take a cooking class in Italy.
-Perform a stand-up comic routine- just once!
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
In 1989 I was an official greeter for the Duke and Duchess of York (Andrew and Fergie) on their official visit to Canada. Which means I know how to curtsey - in proper fashion!
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media?
Insta: @nancycritchleyphoto
Facebook: Nancy Critchley Photography
Twitter: @grammanance
LinkedIn: Nancy Critchley
What is the name of your business/organization?
Nancy Critchley Photography.
Why did you get into/start this business?
I started this business because I absolutely love documenting important moments in people's lives. History is in photos, and we need to preserve history!
What is the goal of your business?
To document life history in beautiful images. Photographing a significant life event (yes, that includes family photos) helps tell your story. It helps you re-live moments that are gone in time, but preserved in images - my goal is memories!
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Taking time for me. I've definitely improved over time, but as a young mom and wife, with a career, I often lost myself in the day-to-day grind.
What do you always find yourself saying?
"Live life at full throttle - nobody gets out alive!"
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Show respect and kindness and you will be shown respect and kindness. If you need help, ask for it. There is no shame in asking for support.
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Michelle Obama! I think she's an amazing role-model to women and young girls everywhere. Hey, she met Barack because she was his BOSS!
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
You help LOCAL economy to thrive and you are supporting PEOPLE whose faces and names you likely know. You are helping a young family succeed or a middle aged person achieve comfort in retirement. You are helping to keep your community strong and stable.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Being nominated as a 2010 YWCA Woman of Distinction in Business and the Professions.
My choice for the KamloopsBCNow In Focus spotlight is:
Hugh McLennan - legendary cowboy and host of the radio show, Spirit of the West.
Some general comments I would like to share are:
I'm a very enthusiastic (read: gregarious) mother to three adult children and grandmother to eight. As a professional photographer, I feel privileged to document some of the most important moments in people's lives - birth to end of life and everything in-between. I am very grateful that my husband and I are able to share our time between our two residences in northern Alberta and Sun Peaks.
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!
