Meet David. David is originally from Saskatoon and has been living here in the beautiful Okanagan for nearly 20 years! He enjoys walking down the beautiful beaches here in the city and spending some quality time with his partner, Robyn.
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Penticton?
I grew up in Saskatoon and have lived in Penticton for almost twenty years.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My partner Robyn. Why? Because all the things! Because we balance one another and everything is better because we are us.
What is your favourite local store in Penticton and why?
Sirius Science and Nature. It's a great place to find little treasures to bring home to my family and expand their curiosity and enjoyment of the world around us.
Describe yourself in one word.
Unconventional.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
New York City! I love the diversity of cuisine, art and culture and the go-get energy that seems to reside in all its people.
What is your favourite activity in Penticton?
It's really hard to pick one, but I would say walking along our beaches. It's great to be able to take a walk along one of our amazing beaches and find myself at one of our favourite restaurants.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
Oh boy. While paddle boarding with my friends and family, I split my shorts cover to cover. I had to send my kids to shore with a message and wait in the water for new shorts to be brought for me. So embarrassing!
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
It might be a strange answer, but it was when I lived in another city and I lost my apartment and everything in it to a fire. It was through that experience that I really saw the goodness of other people and recognized my own ability to rise back up from a place where I felt I had lost everything.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
It's also my oldest memory- I was about 2 and a half at the time. My parents were moving us from Yellowknife to Saskatchewan, and my dad pulled the car over and had us all step out. He had us look up and see all the stars in the sky, without the distraction of any other lights. It was beautiful.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
In recent years, I have directly supported the Yes Project, the SafeXst Program through Sowins and I do what I can to support school fundraisers and other community goodwill projects. I also give time to some of the more unfortunate people in our city who find themselves living on the streets- I lend them a non judgmental ear. I think this is really important because often many of these people are treated as an inconvenience or hindrance to the community and treating them with dignity can make all the difference in their day. No positive change for these people is going to happen without humanity on everyone's part.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
Just one? ;) I would eliminate hate. Everything wrong with the world can be broken down, and more often than not.. hate is the origin.
Where would you sneak away to in Penticton to spend some time alone?
There's a little spot along Valleyview Road where the only view is of a rock face across the street through some trees. Something about that spot is very peaceful to me.
Where would you like to see positive change in Penticton and why?
I would like to see steps taken to make Penticton a more inclusive, cohesive place for ALL its residents, because I feel like there are many divides which are creating needless conflict within our community.
What do you think makes Penticton great?
It truly is a community that gets behind its own.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
Am I weird that I don't have a long, concrete list?
I would like to get my pilots license.
I would like to travel the world with Robyn.
I would like to take my future grandchildren to Disney Land.
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
By nature, I'm an introvert.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
Typically when I connect with others through social media, it would be through a private message or group chat on Facebook Messenger.
What is the name of your business/organization?
Ascend Salon
Why did you get into/start this business?
I really wanted to create the opportunity to do better and be better- not just as a stylist but as an employer.. and in doing so, I wanted to create a better life for myself and my family in an environment I feel good about.
What is the goal of your business?
To make people feel better through what we do to their hair, in an environment that is real, genuine and unpretentious- a place where my co-workers can feel comfortable being whoever they are so they can be free to do their best work and feel proud.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Hmm. Standing up for myself.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
No, I would probably do everything exactly the same because I'm happy with my life and I'm happy with the person all of my life's experiences have made me become.
What do you always find yourself saying?
Don't worry about it.. it's gonna be fine.
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
"Often in life when trying something new, the feeling of uneasiness is a sign that you're on the right track- sometimes our fear of success is as strong as our fear of failure."
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Elon Musk- he seems to be one of the only public figures trying to actually advance humanity in a positive way.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
I think that when we support local, we generally see those businesses doing what they can to support the community as a whole. This is how great communities are built and sustained.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Giving up the bottle. Hands down, the best decision I've ever made.. and continue to make every day since.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
My dad. He lived the example of the man I strive to be every day.
My choice for the PentictonNow In Focus spotlight is:
Sandi Detjen
Some general comments I would like to share are:
I feel honored to be part of, and genuinely accepted by this community. From the moment I arrived in Penticton, I knew that this was the place where good things would happen.
We encourage you to leave your comments and words of support below and submit your own nomination by emailing [email protected]. 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, Penticton!
