Meet Taylor. She has lived in Kamloops for 18 years. She owns a wedding, lifestyle and portrait photography company called Dusty Rose Photography. When she isn't capturing amazing shots, you can find her studying social work or spending time with her family.
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kamloops?
I'm from Edmonton, Alberta. I moved to Kamloops when I was in early grade school, I've been here about 18 years now!
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My husband. Whether it's catching up over making dinner at the end of a busy day, or exploring somewhere new with our daughter, any time we have together is cherished when life is as busy as ours can be. I'm super lucky because he is my best friend.
What is your favourite local store in Kamloops and why?
Lizzie Bits! I love how as a local store they promote and sell products from small businesses that are also local and ethically made. They have an awesome selection of baby and kids clothing and I always love checking it out.
Describe yourself in one word.
Passionate.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Adams Lake, I've spent my summers there for a lot of my life and when another summer comes to a wrap I'm always a little sad.
What is your favourite activity in Kamloops?
I'd have to say exploring any of the areas around here to take photos. I'm always on the hunt for another location to use.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
That's a tough one. On any given photo shoot I'm sure I've stumbled over a branch or something along those lines. Clumsiness comes naturally around here.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Hmm. I'd have to say over the last year I've had some pretty inspiring moments. I'm in my fourth year of my degree in Social Work at Thompson Rivers University. Before getting into my BSW I had always decided that my career would follow some sort of placement in geriatrics. However, I had a practicum placement at Family Tree last spring and somewhere over those few months I had a complete change of heart. Family Tree is a non-profit organization that works with moms and families to overcome life's challenges. While the placement was a massive learning curve for me, I've since changed my passion to be geared towards working in the mental health and addictions field. The resiliency of the people I get to work with there inspires me daily, and I feel an sense of passion and inspiration to get to continue to work in this field in the years to come.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
I don't actually remember how old I was, but we lived close to our school and my mom would walk to pick us up. A few weeks prior to this day we had went to look at puppies but my parents told us 'not yet'. Long story short, my mom picked us up from school and had our newest addition with her. Libby was the most gentle, loving family dog and that day will definitely stand out in my mind for years to come.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
When I was in elementary school, I volunteered with KSV (Kamloops Seniors Village). I remember going there to play music for them, and when I left I knew that I wanted to go back and make them as happy as they were there playing the music. In high school, I volunteered briefly with Interior Health as a candy striper. Also, I spent a few years with Big Brothers Big Sisters with the in-school support program!
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
If I could change one thing in the world it would be to have people look for the positive in any given situation rather than the negative. A little empathy goes a long way and I wish that more people would come from a place of believing that people are doing the best they can in any given situation... and if it came from this place then maybe it would make our lives a little easier too!
Where would you sneak away to in Kamloops to spend some time alone?
Anywhere with a sunset. I find myself often looking out windows to just catch a glimpse of one when we have one of our good ones, so anywhere I can get a good view is a nice sneak away for me.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kamloops and why?
... better parking at TRU
What do you think makes Kamloops great?
I always love how you can take a drive in almost any direction, and show up somewhere beautiful. Whether it's the mountains, a lake, the river, or another small community. Kamloops is so diverse and we're lucky to have so much beauty accessible to us.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1. I would love to see as many countries as possible with my hubby (mostly with beaches)
2. To get my Masters of Social Work, eventually!
3. All the puppies and babies... right, Reid?!
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I got my appendix out in Vietnam... yes, I'm telling the truth.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media?
Facebook, Instagram, Honeybook and Pinterest!
What is the name of your business/organization?
Dusty Rose Photography.
Why did you get into/start this business?
I started in high school, when I kept 'borrowing' my moms camera. However, I started seriously pursuing it a couple of years ago after my daughter was born.
What is the goal of your business?
To capture the little moments that aren't so little. I find this means a lot to me as people may not always know how much their photos will mean to them until a little later down the road. But having them to always look back on and cherish is what matters.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
To find the time to do everything I love.
What do you always find yourself saying?
Love what you do!
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
To be strong enough to not allow the fear to keep you from pursuing your dreams. Ask questions, always be willing to learn. Success is best when it's quiet, slowly your work will show for itself and don't be afraid to be proud of yourself along the way.
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Rupi Kaur, some of my self-care is reading her work. Her feminist poetry is emotional and passionate. I find that I often associate her words with my photos. I look up to her ability to remain humble in-spite of her fame and her work is critical to understanding what it means to be a woman in todays day.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
My daughter. I thought I knew what love was, until I had her. Her brightness, heart and personality inspires me and I love watching her change and grow every single day.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
My choice for the KamloopsBCNow In Focus spotlight is:
Michelle Gredling with Sparrow Hat Company
Some general comments I would like to share are:
Supporting local is obviously very close to my heart! There is something to be said for supporting people who are directly supporting their own selves and families. Small businesses come with huge hearts and a lot of hard work and when you support them or even just share their work you show them that first hand!
Give someone you think that deserves a shout out and explain why!
Ahhh, but I can't pick just one. My mom, she spent my childhood putting myself and my siblings first and is now able to put herself first by pursuing her business, prioritizing her self-care and spending time with my daughter. Basically I am just super proud of everything she is accomplishing. Also, my dad. I hope I can have half the work-ethic that you do for my own family. He appreciates a good cloudy IPA, snuggling any puppy that comes in his path and time with his family. I love you guys.
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!
