Meet Lyra! Lyra has been living here in Penticton for about 2 years now. She enjoys visiting the local wineries and spending quality time with her daughter who seems to be growing by the minute!
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Penticton?
Almost 2 years.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My daughter, she is almost two. She changes by the minute and I don’t want to miss a thing.
What is your favourite local store in Penticton and why?
Hmmm, one? Do restaurants count? Sushi genk! Amazing quality, flavour and the kindest owners! I love bringing my daughter there and she loves the pickled ginger!
Describe yourself in one word.
Short.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
One place?! India, I find the ancient structures and history fascinating and intriguing and of course the food! Perfect trifecta!
What is your favourite activity in Penticton?
Just one?! Wineries! Does that count?
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
This question is the most embarrassing thing that’s ever happened to me, lol!
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Having a child. Suddenly you are watching a tiny person grow and unfold, it’s mesmerizing.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Wandering in the forest on the Sunshine Coast where I grew up. Lush, wild, safe, green - I miss it!
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
Currently, my focus is my daughter, however, through our store, we try to raise funds for the SPCA and other charities. I hope to do more in the coming years.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
Whoa, just one thing?! I guess to make the world a place of equality so we can all take a deep breath and work together cohesively to build a better world going forward.
Where would you sneak away to in Penticton to spend some time alone?
Well isn’t that supposed to be a secret?
Where would you like to see positive change in Penticton and why?
Downtown, it’s so cute and has so much to offer! I would love to see the community being involved in more events and activities year round down there. We lived in Courteney on Vancouver island and I swear year-round rain or shine (or snow) those cats would block off the Main Street, set up food trucks and music stages, and party! It was awesome, family friendly, supported the local scene and gave us all something to do in the off seasons! Let’s do that here?!
What do you think makes Penticton great?
The local artisans, this place is teaming with such talented, amazing, kind, graceful, knowledgeable, lovely humans! I just feel so lucky to be living here experiencing this!
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
Only three?!
1.) Catch up on sleep
2.) Travel - everywhere
3.) Unearth the meaning of the universe
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I’m super shy.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
Facebook (kinda) Instagram (mainly).
What is the name of your business/organization?
Lurtz&Co.
Why did you get into/start this business?
I have always planned to have my own business from about the age of ten. Then life experience, education & lots and lots of work.
What is the goal of your business?
I've worked in amazing places and some not so amazing. So my number one goal for this was to create an environment where individuals either shoppers or those choosing this as a place of employment, will always be treated with the utmost care and kindness.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Currently, balance. I keep taking bigger bites from life than I can ‘chew’ in one mouthful.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I guess I would change nothing. I try to focus on treating each thing as a learning process. I don’t enjoy looking back at things in the past and saying "what if" or "if only I did that". I made my choices, and I learn from them for next time!
What do you always find yourself saying?
"I’m so tired", lol!
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Life is like the ocean, learn to ride the wave.
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
My husband and my baby - yes that’s two, but this pick one thing is tough!
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
When you support a family or individual locally, your support directly affects housing, food, education, positive growth, healthy happy people, a community of progress and productivity. Not to mention you have unique items that you can cherish!
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Ahhh pride.. not my favourite word lol! My most cherished moment would be the birth of my daughter.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Melissa- my amazing store manager and friend. This woman is a rock and I feel like I’ve known her for a lifetime even though it hasn’t even been a full year. She supports, encourages and keeps me centred. She’s a blessing to anyone lucky enough to meet her.
My choice for the PentictonNow In Focus spotlight is:
Craig Johnson.
Some general comments I would like to share are:
The photos taken for my store are by the lovely Nadia Iannone. Her Instagram account is @annone.photography
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.
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!
