In Focus | Rosario Armenta-Gardiner

Meet Rosario Armenta-Gardiner. Rosario is from Mexico but now lives in Kelowna. She loves spending time with her family and working at opening her own gym.

Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
I am from Mexico and I travel in and out from Kelowna.

Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
I love spending time with my family, going on vacations together creates a very special type of bonding because we are away, not spending much time on phones, discovering a new place, having fun, creating new memories and getting to know each other more.

What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
Gatzke Orchades, it has great homemade food, amazing atmosphere, it's the kind of store where I want to buy everything, from fresh fruit to yummy pies.

Describe yourself in one word.
Go-getter !... it's one word, right?! ;)

If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
I would love to go skiing at Big White! I have heard they have the best snow conditions and great food!

What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
I have to be honest, I love visiting the Wineries, they have so much more to offer than wine, the views, the food, the experience!

What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
Improvising a whole fitness class and just following the music adding the moves as they came to my mind, it was embarrassing but it worked out at the end. :)

What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Watching my two kids grow and shine bright through their own life, seeing them go after their dream is truly what inspires me the most to be the best version of myself, and be there for them.

Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
So many !.. But I always remember going to the beach, eating watermelon, and playing with the waves and making sand cupcakes.

Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I love volunteering and coming from a different country I have never seen so many people giving back to our community like in Canada, I volunteer at church, love going as a chaperon for school field trips, and I also love volunteering wrapping up Christmas presents at the local mall for charity.

If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
I would create incentives so that every family has either a gym membership or access to free workouts.

Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
Right by the beach!

Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
Downtown, I believe the City of Kelowna can do a better job giving a more decent establishment to the homeless that are in the downtown area in need of shelter or food.

What do you think makes Kelowna great?
Kelowna is a great experience, it's more than a city, it's the best experience summer in Canada.

What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1. Live by the beach.
2. Take a wine tasting course.
3. Travel to Europe.

Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I love donuts, fries, and wine ... even though I am a Nutritional Detox Therapist, I also enjoy balance and all the fun food!

How do people connect with you, personally, through social media?
IG: Rosariofit.
FB: Eat, Train & Love.

What is the name of your business/organization?
Integral Fitness.

Why did you get into/start this business?
When I moved to Canada, I didn't want to work as an accountant and leave my kids all day, so instead I reinvented myself when I started going to the gym, soon became certified as a Personal Trainer, Fitness Instructor, and took several Nutrition certification courses.

What is the goal of your business?
Help as many people as possible to enjoy a healthy balanced life.

What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
I struggle with motivation, that's why I start each day as Day One!

If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I would not change a thing, every person, every training, every experience has taught me a lot.

What do you always find yourself saying?
Just do your best!

Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Life is too short, figure out what it is that lights your fire, wakes you up excited, and go do that now!

If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
I would select my husband, Rob, cause I know the whole day we would be making plans, talking about our kids, having fun, and trying to make our life experience better with each other for our loved ones.

Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
We have a responsibility to support our community in order to keep a healthy economy, I think when people are able to offer what they produce creates a sense of pride in our community.

What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Being able to be my own CEO and own my time, having the freedom to spend time with my kids and see them grow up.

Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Shout out to ALL small business owners, it takes tons of courage to follow through with your one idea, and see it become a reality, braving the ups and downs and still stand strong!

My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Anything related to balance living.

Some general comments I would like to share are:
I think it's incredible the opportunity you are giving us (me) to be featured in your site, it shows how much you care for our community, and now that it's booming, I cannot thank you enough for the work you do through social media, if there is any opportunity to help promote something, or volunteer for you guys, please let me know!

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