Meet Haley Stallabrass. Haley was born in the Yukon but moved to Penticton last July. She is all about spending time with her loved ones, sampling wines, and hiking.
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Penticton?
Born and raised in Whitehorse, Yukon. Moved to Penticton July this year.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
I spend most of my time with my partner, Marcel, because he is my #1 supporter and makes me laugh every day.
What is your favourite local store in Penticton and why?
I haven't explored a lot of shops yet, but my favourite spot to eat so far is The Bench Market. They have a great variety of local artisan grocery items and their food is excellent.
Describe yourself in one word.
Outgoing.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
My list is way too long to pick one spot. So far our next trip planned is to South America. Hopefully Brazil, Chile and Peru.
What is your favourite activity in Penticton?
Is drinking wine an activity? If not, hiking is way up there with wine.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
When I forgot to put the emergency brake on in my vehicle and it rolled into another car while I was at an event.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
I am lucky enough to be a Labour and Delivery Nurse for my 'day job'. It honestly inspires me every day in different ways; from seeing how strong women are, the amazing gift of life, finding humour in pain, overcoming sadness and loss, and the diversity of it all. I love my job and photography lets me connect with people in a similar way.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
My favourite childhood memory is probably camping. We would go out camping a lot and I would rip around the campsite on this old dirt bike my parents had got my sister and myself. Alternatively, in the winters we would ride around the lakes on our snowmobiles.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
Since moving here I haven't found a lot to get involved with besides things offered through work. I volunteered on a few committees in Yukon, such as Run for Mom, which raised money and awareness for breast cancer annually. I hope to find events/organizations in Penticton, as I get to know the city better.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
Hate.
Where would you sneak away to in Penticton to spend some time alone?
In the summer I like to relax on the beach with my headphones in. I also love to hike, but mostly with my partner, Marcel.
Where would you like to see positive change in Penticton and why?
I think, like most places, mental health is a huge issue with lack of resources. I haven't lived in Penticton long enough to comment fully on it, but it would be nice to see homelessness and drug use changed for obvious reasons. Penticton seems like a wonderful place to vacation or live, but I am sad for the people who suffer here.
What do you think makes Penticton great?
So far it seems like there is a community vibe here. Anywhere you can have people rallying for change, organizing events or supporting local businesses seems great to me!
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
#1. My travel bucket list is too long, so I will clump that into its own category.
#2. Get up the courage to sing and play guitar at an open mic.
#3. Attend a Ted Talk.
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I have very poor vision in my left eye and plates in my face on that side from a baseball accident. So I always joke when people tell me I have "a good eye" for photography. "Yup, just one good eye though!"
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media?
Facebook and Instagram.
What is the name of your business/organization?
Dreamcatcher Photography.
Why did you get into/start this business?
I've always loved photography and moving to a new city it seemed like a good way to connect with people.
What is the goal of your business?
As of right now, it is just a hobby business. I don't ever see myself picking it up full time. However, I would love to grow as I learn and get better.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Not letting go of things.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I would probably do things the same. I can't imagine who I would be if things were done differently. I feel pretty good about the person I am and that all corresponds a lot to life experiences and the choices we make.
What do you always find yourself saying?
"Follow your heart." (thanks to my friend, Emily Hoefs).
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Probably the same my favourite saying, "follow your heart."
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
Absolutely.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
My job as a Registered Nurse.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
My partner, Marcel. He works so hard every day and never complains about anything. Then he listens when I complain about everything. He is my rock and I wish everyone knew how wonderful he is.
My choice for the PentictonNow In Focus spotlight is:
Rhonda van der Veer, because I want her biceps.
Some general comments I would like to share are:
Follow my Instagram page @Dreamcatcher_Photog or my Facebook page @DreamcatcherPhotographyPenticton to view my photography and book with me. I can also be reached by email [email protected].
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!
