Meet Robin! Robin is originally from Orangeville, Ontario, was raised in Calgary, moved to Kelowna about ten years ago and has been living here ever since. She enjoys spending quality time with her husband and taking advantage of all the outdoor activities Kelowna has to offer!
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
I am originally from Orangeville, Ontario, but I moved to Calgary with my family at age two. I grew up in Calgary and then came to Kelowna in 2008 to attend University at UBCO and I’ve stayed here since for the most part.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My favourite person to spend time with is my husband! We initially met in university and we’ve now been married for 3.5 years! We love going on new adventures or just cozying up in our home with our cat Pip.
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
Hard to pick just one. I love Frock and Fellow- I’m a big believer in the whole re-use/re-cycle movement. Coffee-wise, Sprout Bakery and Bean Scene are at the top of my list.
Describe yourself in one word.
Spirited.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
The Amalfi Coast.
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
I love being outside, enjoying local hikes, paddling boarding in the summer and snowshoeing in the winter up in the hills.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
I love going to Pulp Fiction for their chai’s and to see Robbie (the owner’s dog). One weekend I found out Robbie had passed away. I instantly just started sobbing. The owner had to console ME and 30 minutes later I left with zero dignity intact.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
It's not one particular moment but I feel most inspired whenever I travel. I conquer new fears and experience new firsts that I can take home with me and continue to grow from.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
It’s not one memory in particular but growing up, my parents were both teachers so we always had the summers off together. My parents, sister and I would go camping for 7 weeks usually spent on Vancouver Island in the rainforest. We love to windsurf so that was our main focus. Our home for that time period would be our motorhome. It always brings me such joy thinking back about those summers because we just lived such a simple life, there were no screens and no noise. We were surrounded by nature, we read books, baked and cooked, roasted marshmallows, sailed, had campfires, and just enjoyed each others company. I’m a real sucker for a simple life away from all the hustle and bustle, so I think that’s why those memories are so special to me.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I need to get better at this, I volunteered for the SPCA a while ago and really want to get back at it. I’m obsessed with animals (most people are aware I like animals more than people…) so caring for them in any way possible is important to me.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
Just that everyone treated EVERY living being with kindness and love.
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
Out on the lake on a paddle board.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
In waste management awareness. I think it's important to change our mindset from wanting the best and the newest of everything to reusing and up-cycling products. To change our ideas of just throwing out things when we are done with them and using products that can be reused and aren't just a one-time use product.
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
All that surrounds it, the lake, the mountains, the hills. Everywhere you look there is something beautiful about it. I love that it is also a pretty health-focused city.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1. Travel more- big on the list is Italy, Croatia, and New Zealand.
2. Buy a motorhome with my husband and cat, revamp it- make it our own and travel down the Pacific coastline, ending at the bottom of the Baja peninsula camping along the way.
3. Volunteer at an elephant sanctuary in Asia.
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
That I am somehow related to Jane Goodall- apparently like a third cousin once removed kind of thing- but hey I’ll take it.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
Instagram @greenseggsandyams
What is the name of your business/organization?
Greens, Eggs, and Yams
Why did you get into/start this business?
I’ve always loved cooking & baking and I wanted to create a place where people could come to find gluten free + vegetarian recipes that anyone could enjoy. So one night, after some serious self-doubt, Greens, Eggs and Yams was born.
What is the goal of your business?
My goal right now is to just give people a resource to make good, clean food. You don’t have to be a vegetarian or gluten-free to enjoy my blog. My husband is neither and still loves what I whip up.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
My biggest struggle has been just figuring life out. I’m in my late 20’s now and I’ve learned a lot: financial responsibilities, how to treat people & how I should be treated, & awareness about the types of people I want to surround myself with.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
The same.
What do you always find yourself saying?
"Be yourself."
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Stick up for your values and what you believe in, be yourself and the rest will follow.
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Erin Ireland.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
Because you personally get to show local businesses that you believe in their dream.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Conquering my fears and self-doubts about starting Greens, Eggs and Yams. I’m so proud that I took the leap, pressed publish, and believed in myself to share my love for healthy foods.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Maria Cihlar – KITKA Photography because she is a badass photographer and the sweetest gal.
My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Maria Cihlar (KITKA Photography)
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