Meet Melissa Hartmann. Melissa was born and raised in Penticton and has loved every minute of it. She is always down to hang out with her family while laughing along the way.
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Penticton?
I was born and raised in Penticton!
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My sisters. We always seem to find something to laugh about and keep ourselves entertained.
What is your favourite local store in Penticton and why?
Something Pretty. I love all the amazing clothes and accessories that are sold there and I love how it supports other local businesses.
Describe yourself in one word.
Lighthearted.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
I would go to New Zealand. I went there for a very short trip a couple years ago and I would love to go back for a longer period of time to explore it all!
What is your favourite activity in Penticton?
Boating on one of our lakes!
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
Answering the phone makes me really nervous, and I previously worked as a receptionist for about two years, so probably one of the many times I stumbled on my words when answering the phone!!!
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
The way my parents have sacrificed so much time and money into seeing my dreams come to life. They are the most hardworking people I know and I am honoured to have them in my life and to learn how to be like them.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
I feel so blessed to have had such a rich childhood filled with so many people who loved me and who I loved. One of my favourite memories growing up would be living beside my best friend throughout elementary school. We would always hop the fence and try not to get caught and just spend the day making up our own world.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I also work full time at Penticton Hyundai, and every Christmas we sponsor 1-2 families and I have the opportunity to get gifts together and deliver it to the families. It is very rewarding. I am also very involved in my church, Cheers the Church, where we have had many outreach programs with the Salvation Army and Teen Challenge which is an addiction recovery program in Kelowna.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
If I could change one thing in the world it would be that people would see their full potential.
Where would you sneak away to in Penticton to spend some time alone?
I sneak away to a quiet place on the beach, no matter the season, it is my place to just slow down and reset.
Where would you like to see positive change in Penticton and why?
I would like to see more positive opportunities and events for the youth of Penticton. I feel like a lot of them get caught up in things because there aren't enough healthy outlets for them to figure out who they are. I would also like to see a stronger focus on mental health for youth.
What do you think makes Penticton great?
I think our location is a big part of what makes Penticton so great. You can literally do anything you want, we have mountains to go adventure in, beaches to take it easy at, vineyards to drink wine in, it's amazing!
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1. Travel. Always.
2. Go full time with my business
3. Own a home
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
Music is my first love, I've been playing the piano since I was 6.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media?
Facebook and Instagram!
What is the name of your business/organization?
Melissa Hartmann Photography.
Why did you get into/start this business?
Photography has been a hobby of mine throughout high school and I kind of got swept into the wedding business when a few friends go married in the same time frame and asked me to do their wedding photos!
What is the goal of your business?
To see people find more value in themselves. It can feel very exposing being in front of a camera and it's my job to help people be comfortable in their own skin.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Comparison has been a big challenge. I've been going through the journey of being okay with where I am at and reminding myself of how far I've come. There's always room for learning and improvement but it doesn't come from comparing myself to someone else.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
Honestly, I feel like I'm just starting out and I'm happy with how things have been going. I definitely want to keep making it a priority to reach out to other vendors/businesses and be a part of creating community and not competition.
What do you always find yourself saying?
"Comparison is the thief of joy, you can't compare your starting point to someone else's end journey."
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Let everything you do be done in love.
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Katelyn James, who is an amazing photographer based out of Virginia! She is not only an awesome photographer but she also focuses on educating other photographers to help them become the best they can be!
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
It's so important to support those around you! It can be tough and lonely trying to start your own business in a smaller town. We should be focusing on the community over the competition!
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Moving across the world after high school and living in a different country for three years! Best decision I've made so far!
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
My family. They are so supportive and I couldn't be where I am without them. I love you guys.
My choice for the PentictonNow In Focus spotlight is:
Helena & Matt Pederson at Joyful Bits Wedding Design.
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!
