In Focus | Sara Vallee

Meet Sara! Sara is originally from Edmonton, AB but moved to Kelowna at the age of ten and has been living here with her family ever since. She loves spending time with her son and taking advantage of all the outdoor activities that the Okanagan has to offer!


Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
I was born in Edmonton and moved to Kelowna when I was 10 years old with my family. I have grown up here, graduated high school and college, met my husband and started our family here in Kelowna.

Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My son Ethan, he has taught me more about who I am and the importance of life, to enjoy each moment, learning to have more patience and never forgetting to have fun in the moment. He is a real character and there's never a dull moment with him around!

What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
I couldn’t pick just one, the Okanagan has so many amazing local shops and restaurants, Fixx Cafe is at the top of my list, Momo sushi and Mosaic Books! But the old Kelowna student in me wants to say Cecil’s Perogies too! Clearly I love food! Lol

Describe yourself in one word.
Driven.

If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Bali, it’s been at the top of my list to visit for some time now! I would love to explore the beauty it has to offer and do some diving!


What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
That’s easy, anything that involves being outdoors! Kelowna has so many amazing spots to enjoy. I grew up enjoying the local beaches and trails, we are very much an Okanagan outdoor family!

What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
...mmm not one I want to share again lol!

What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Probably when I started my second business, AdventureNests. Designing and creating something from scratch, then making it by hand and putting yourself out there to sell it, takes courage. When I started waking up to sales and I was able to help support my family, be home every day with my son, all from something I had made, there was no looking back. That in itself is inspiring and what keeps me driven to keep going. There are moments you doubt yourself and I believe going back to those profound moments is a reminder that you can do whatever you set your mind to if you believe in yourself! You have to go out of your comfort zone in order to grow and learn, comfort is where dreams go to die!

Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
I have a few good ones that come to mind right away and they all involve family! When I was very young, we would take road trips from Edmonton to Kelowna before we officially moved here. My grandparents would come with us and visit from England for the summer. We would travel through the Rocky mountains exploring and creating our own adventures and then settle in at Rotary Beach under a tree and make sand castles with my sister.

Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I, unfortunately, haven’t volunteered much since becoming a mom but the one that will always remain strong is volunteering for the Kelowna Cancer Society with OSpa when I was an Esthetician. We gave free services to some amazing women battling cancer and it’s a day I’ll never forget! Our family also gives to the local food bank whenever possible! I believe in paying it forward even if it’s just holding the door or giving a smile to someone that maybe needs it! Sometimes it's the little things that can make a big impact!


If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
Kindness and empathy, in this day and age we need more of it for sure!

Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
Personally, I love going out to Fintry, Bear Creek or Bertram Park. Places where I’ve spent time growing up in the Okanagan.

Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
Kelowna has grown dramatically in the past 10 years let alone over the 20 years I’ve lived here. One of the first things that comes to mind is our homeless situation and the lack of affordable housing. The cost of living has increased a lot since and it’s a concern for my generation and those that follow. It’s a beautiful place to live but it’s expensive!

What do you think makes Kelowna great?
The beautiful nature that makes up the Okanagan Valley! All the amazing local orchards and produce that come from our community! The farmers market will forever be my favourite. I think it's pretty special to be able to call the Okanagan home!

What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1. Travelling to Bali.
2. Taking my son to England and Scotland to see his heritage and meet family there.
3. Learning to make pottery.


Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
When I was younger I wanted to be a chef. I make some mean sauces but I'm known in the family as "the gravy maker" lol.

How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
Through social media. My business started there and has grown dramatically through the handmade community that been created. It’s pretty amazing! @adventurenestsandco

What is the name of your business/organization?
AdventureNests + Co.

Why did you get into/start this business?
When my son was 7 months old, we discovered that he had a rare medical issue and we were in and out of hospitals. I wanted something that was familiar for him so I created a nest. Starting the business helped me through that time.

What is the goal of your business?
I have big visions for AdventureNests. Each year I am able to check another goal off my list. I’d like to become a well-known Canadian brand. I’m just following the road as it takes me through, branching out here and there but nests will always be the root of my business.


What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Balance! I started my first business in Kelowna when I was 23. Now being a wife/mom and working on my second business, finding balance is a constant struggle! I’m always reminding myself why I started, to be home with my son.

If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
Honestly, I’ve always said things unfold the way they do for a reason! It hasn’t always been easy but I don’t think I can say I would change anything as I’ve learned so much from every experience. Relationships have formed that I never thought would have.

What do you always find yourself saying?
"I need coffee."

Tell us your best piece of life advice.
"Follow your gut and always learn to rise above."


If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
There are a few inspirational people I’d love to meet, but a whole day... I would have to say Lady Gaga. I think she’s very talented, inspirational and has fellow beliefs. To be able to hang out with her would be pretty cool!

Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
Its important for the simple reason that I am a local business and this is how I help to support my family! Shopping locally helps local makers, artisans and growers. It also has a trickling down effect through the community, province and country.

What has been your proudest accomplishment?
AdventureNests is the first and only safety-tested nest manufactured in Canada. In 2017, I added my original flap closure, others have since followed me with this in their own way and for me, setting the bar and reaching this goal has been a big accomplishment.

Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
My mom and husband, they have been my biggest supporters and have helped me to make a lot of what I do happen! It takes a tribe I tell ya! ;)


My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Phred Martin of Splash Design (my stepdad). He has designed 3 logos for me from my chicken scratch drawings and made them come to life! Each one has a personal meaning to me. We have chatted about creating exclusive prints for my shop one day.

Some general comments I would like to share are:
Just thank you for this opportunity. I have been reading KelownaNow for years and have learned about familiar and new faces, so to be featured myself is something pretty cool to experience.
www.adventurenestsandco.com

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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!