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In Focus | Tara Holmes

Meet Tara Holmes. Tara was raised in Rossland but has been in Kamloops for almost 30 years. She is a passionate woman who shops local and loves to run.

<who> Photo Credit: Tara Holmes
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kamloops?
I was born and raised in Rossland BC, and have called Kamloops home for almost 30 years.

Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
I see my husband every day and couldn't imagine not having that gift, but I really yearn for alone time with my 2 kids. Since they are adults and have their own lives, I really appreciate when I have alone time with them (Except on April Fools Day).

What is your favourite local store in Kamloops and why?
I am one of the strongest shop local advocates you will find. I don't believe in online shopping. ( or online dating haha) My fave local store is Runners Sole. It is a community in there. When you walk in the doors, they make you feel like a star.

Describe yourself in one word.
Passionate.

If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
If I could live anywhere in the world it would be here in Kamloops. If I could visit anywhere in the world right now it would be Australia. Darwin in the Northern Territory is near to my heart.

What is your favourite activity in Kamloops?
Trail running is THE BEST here. You wouldn't believe how many incredible trails there are to explore. Peterson Creek, Batchelor, Juniper, and so many more. Of course, I can't forget Kenna where I got married. I have a great group of running pals!

What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
Last year I left town on April Fool's day to avoid my kids. On a beach in Mexico, I saw their post. They put All of my furniture, accessories, art, King Size Bed, and questionable items from my underwear drawer on my front lawn in a garage sale!
<who> Photo Credit: Tara Holmes
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?

I have had the most inspiring event occur this year that has had a huge impact on me. I was going to meet a potential client for matchmaking and when I got there, I realized that the person I was meeting was in fact disabled. He had a serious brain injury and he shared his story with me. I was beyond moved. Even though he had faced an unimaginable trauma in his life at the age of 10, he overcame so many obstacles and showed what true perseverance really is. I don't doubt God planned for me to meet this special fellow, as I happened to know a sweet, adorable, funny gal that would be a great friend to get to know for him. The rest is history. Ironically, when he thanks me for helping him find love, I say... No, actually you both showed me what love truly is. I am lucky to have them as friends.

Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Growing up in Rossland was amazing. Everyone knew each other and looked after each other. There are so many fun times I had from Christmas mornings with my sister to playing kick the can with neighborhood kids, and of course, skiing Red Mtn. but there was a pastime that we always did in the evening with relatives from out of town. We would take them to the local dump and sit in our cars and watch the bears roam about grazing on everything. It was better than a drive-in movie... So many cars parked at the dump... Is that weird?

Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I believe no matter what community we live in, we have an obligation to give back to it. I love volunteering. I also tell every new client I meet that THE best way to meet new people is volunteering. My favorite event is the Kamloops This Week Timeraiser. If you haven't heard of it, look it up. Every November local artists get paid by sponsors and their art is auctioned off at this fun event with live music, cash bar, food, and instead of bidding money on the art, you bid volunteer time, and then the agencies and non profits that are there get much needed volunteer time from the winners, and then you get to collect your art after the volunteering is done the following year. I LOVE driving for Operation Red Nose... It is so fun. I volunteer for Run Club as a coach, and I do finish line announcing for the Boogie the Bridge and the Kamloops Marathon. I volunteer for Junior Achievement, the Kamloops Film Society, and I offer up my Stand Up Comedy show for fundraisers. Whenever I hear someone say they find it hard to meet people in Kamloops I tell them to contact Volunteer Kamloops and they may never need me as a Matchmaker. I know 3 couples that met when they volunteered at the Wildfires and the BC Winter Games... Volunteering should be mandatory. It nourishes the soul.

If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
Well, I guess I will answer this selfishly as at the moment the total truth on this would be to have a cure for Lupus. My daughter has this debilitating autoimmune condition along with a few others and it is so unpredictable. There are days when she can't walk or move, and she gets fluid around her heart. She is only 27, but in the last 3 yrs since diagnosis we have learned so much about this mysterious disease. Even when people with it look fine, they never feel fine. I am so thankful she has great mentors and support people who know what it is like. She never complains and continues to inspire me with how courageous and determined she is to be so positive and motivated. I would like to organize an event called "Kamloopus" as there isn't enough awareness about these conditions. Wouldn't it be cool to get Selena Gomez to try to come here for it? She has Lupus and could certainly help with spreading the message about what it's like to live with.

Where would you sneak away to in Kamloops to spend some time alone?
If it has to be alone, I wouldnt' go in nature as I am afraid of wildlife so I would grab a Kamloops This Week, a coffee, and a patio and relax.

Where would you like to see positive change in Kamloops and why?
People should volunteer, shop local, and quit texting and driving.

What do you think makes Kamloops great?
The people. Kamloopsisans are the best! I also love how easy it is to get around our city. I sometimes take Kamloops for granted. When I am in the trails and get a chance to "stop and smell the roses" and I look out over the city, it is so beautiful.
<who> Photo Credit: Tara Holmes
What are 3 things on your bucket list?

I would love to do a triathlon. I get scared thinking about it.
I would love to go on a Grizzly Bear viewing excursion (with a guide, like not running into one by accident).
Watch the Habs in a playoff game in Montreal!

Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I have anxiety. I worry a lot. I know nothing will change by worrying about it, but it's true. People who know me from being on the radio, or doing comedy, or emceeing events don't believe this but those close to me who have to live with me know it well.

How do people connect with you, personally, through social media?
I would love you to follow my FB and Instagram as I do contests a lot. Not just for single people either. I love for people to send me ideas for my column in Kamloops This Week. @holmesheartis on all social platforms.

What is the name of your business/organization?
Holmes is Where the Heart Is Matchmaking.

Why did you get into/start this business?
I love connecting people. I had set up so many couples together and friends started telling me I need to be doing this as a business. While technology is vital, I also see the downside of how people are losing the art of communication.

What is the goal of your business?
My Mission Statement is "Connecting Single Happy People of All ages" You are never too old to fall in love. I have 23 couples together between 5 months and 2.5 yrs. That's a lot more love in Kamloops right now.

What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
My biggest struggle in this business has been how to get Single men to be open to having coffee with me and learning more about my process. The men that have come to me are thrilled once they realize how many incredible women they are going to meet.
<who> Photo Credit: Tara Holmes
What do you always find yourself saying?

"Are you single?"

Tell us your best piece of life advice.
I wish I was better at it, but I was told once to always "Stop and Smell the Roses" I know how busy life gets and caught up in our "stuff" we get, but in the big picture, we all need to slow down and be where our feet are!

If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
This is a really hard question... I started thinking about famous stars, athletes, singers, inspirational leaders, but as fun as it would be to hang out with my longtime crush Guy Lafleur, it would probably be anti-climactic. So knowing that I can pretend it would be amazing and I would rather spend a full day with my Mom. I see her a handful of times a year, and she is a healthy vibrant 80-year-old, but I also know that having lost my Dad when he was only 57, you can't get time back.
So since my mom is a totally fun lady, I would continue to pick a day with her.

Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
Simple. Try to imagine what downtown Kamloops would look like without any stores, boutique shops, coffee shops, or restaurants. If everyone just sat at their computer and "added to cart" they would slowly bit by bit lose what makes Kamloops shine.

What has been your proudest accomplishment?
I have done Stand Up Comedy for over 10 yrs. At one point we had an agent and did many towns through BC. I am doing some Corporate events and out of town gigs, but being able to put aside my fears to do stand up is something I still shake my head at.

Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Madi Lowe my daughter has a successful business while dealing with her Lupus. She recently was invited to showcase her product in Vancouver and nearly sold out of her unique somewhat weird product. www.madmadworld.ca She is so talented!

My choice for the KamloopsBCNow In Focus spotlight is:
Sandra Pasmen.

Some general comments I would like to share are:
I would like to thank Payton Comazzetto for nominating me to be featured for this opportunity. I think the more we support each other and build each other up, the better Kamloops will be. I try to remind my clients that at the end of our lives, our actual jobs, education, and careers are not going to be what defines us. It is much deeper than that. We need to lend a hand, listen to each other, and understand that each one of us is equal no matter what. I hope at the end of my life during my funeral, it isn't my job that is talked about but rather my genuine interest in everyone I meet.
<who> Photo Credit: Tara Holmes


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!



Send your comments, news tips, typos, letter to the editor, photos and videos to [email protected].




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