Meet Zara! Zara is originally from Victoria, BC and has been living in Penticton for almost 9 years! Zara enjoys spending quality time with her loved ones and sampling wine at all the amazing wineries here in the local area.
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Penticton?
I am from Victoria BC and have lived in Penticton for almost 9 years.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
Do I have to choose just one? My favourite people to spend time with are my 2 children, Lily age 5 and Luka age 1, and my husband Taras. They teach me so much, they challenge me to be my best self, to play and to live in the moment.
What is your favourite local store in Penticton and why?
Nest & Nectar. They had me at cookie jar. They are so family friendly with their free snack plates. I love the cooking classes they provide to children and the cocktail classes they host for adults. Not to mention all the incredible fundraising they do.
Describe yourself in one word.
Dynamic.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Victoria, to visit my Mom. I miss her all the time and always wonder how much time we have left together.
What is your favourite activity in Penticton?
Wine touring, shopping the Downtown Saturday Market and catching a free concert at Gyro Park.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
I rescued a young boy from drowning when I was a teenager. When I brought him to shore a large group of people had gathered around the commotion and I looked down at a now smiling boy and noticed my bikini top had shifted all the way around.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Meeting my husband. He makes me feel like anything is possible and he makes dreams a reality. Also, recently my song went back to the #1 spot on the top 100 trance charts after 10 years since its release. It inspired me so much to get back in the studio and I can’t wait to release my next single.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Every year since I was 9 until I was 18 my Dad would take my brother and I to Seattle to see this spiritual Guru known as “Amma, the hugging Saint”. She was like a Mother Teresa, her teachings were about service and compassion. There we would meditate, sing, dance and eat delicious vegan Indian food. I remember how warm and beautiful the people were and I was addicted to the traditional chai tea they served. It’s still my favourite drink.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
My husband and I sponsored the MS Walk last year and plan to do it again this year, same goes for the Beard Festival. That’s more his thing, I don’t have a beard:) I always want to do more, so we try to find little things here and there we can help out with. I’m a longtime supporter of Amnesty International, Human Rights are a really really important issue to me.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
Again with the one thing...it would be equality for all, as in every human has the right to clean water, a warm bed, personal freedom and safety. Etc.
Where would you sneak away to in Penticton to spend some time alone?
Sea Escape Spa for a massage with Anja.
Where would you like to see positive change in Penticton and why?
I’d love to see a new support centre for parents. Something all inclusive like a drop-in centre where moms and dads can go with or without their kids to be nurtured, fed a meal, to breastfeed, to relax and socialize with other parents over coffee, to play with their kids at an indoor park, to receive free counselling and other support services, resources etc. Time Flies Indoor Play is amazing and offers some of these things and it hosts the Breastfeeding Cafe and that’s a great resource currently for new Mom’s. I’d like to see all of that expanded where more services are offered for parents and children at all stages. I suffered from postpartum depression after my first child was born and when things got really bad for me the system really failed me. I ended up opting to pay for private counselling and it was expensive and didn’t provide me all that I needed at the time.
What do you think makes Penticton great?
The wine! All the agriculture really. But also the gorgeous changing skies, the beautiful lakes and landscapes. And the people. Such a kind community here, so many people wanting to give back and make positive change.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
Learn the guitar well enough to accompany myself while singing at the market. See a universal human rights law written and upheld. And watch my children grow up and get old.
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I was blinded on set of a John Carpenter Horror Film in my 20’s. The make-up artist accidentally chemically burnt my corneas off rendering me blind for nearly a week. It was one of the most frightening and enlightening experiences I’ve ever had.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
I have a professional music Facebook, Instagram and twitter account. Zara Taylor on Facebook, @zarataylorofficial on Instagram and @zaratay on twitter
What is the name of your business/organization?
In Penticton, I am Zara Kinash, VIP Coordinator at Kinash Real Estate Group. Globally, I am known as Trance Recording Artist, Zara Taylor.
Why did you get into/start this business?
I was always a poet and it progressed into song. I met a producer when I was living in Montreal and we released our first track, people liked it and the rest is history.
What is the goal of your business?
To heal people’s hearts through music.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Lack of confidence and focus. When I was younger I didn't have the confidence I have now. Now that I have a family I find it hard to make the time and or find the energy to focus on my music. I love being a full-time Mom, but I also love my music career.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I wish I could take back any time in my life where I hurt someone because of my choices. However, I believe everything is a lesson and I’m all the wiser for my mistakes, or hard lessons shall I call them.
What do you always find yourself saying?
“It’s all for a reason.”
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
If you can find one thing every day you are grateful for, you can create happiness.
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Gandhi.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
Support our local families and economy. We have so many incredible artisans, winemakers, fruit growers, small restaurants and shops right here in our community that offer the highest quality of goods and services. And, smaller footprint!
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Giving birth to my two beautiful children.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
The Wellness Garden Doula Collective, Okanagan Doulas and Willows Midwives. See I can’t pick just one, these women are changing lives and helping bring new ones into the world.
My choice for the PentictonNow In Focus spotlight is:
Aidan Mayes from the Aidan Mayes School of Music.
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!
