Portraits Archives - Kelly Funk Photography

Commercial Photography in Kamloops, BC

Kelly — Sun, 19 Jan 2025 20:06:09 +0000

The newly renovated leisure area of a Doubletree by Hilton, Okanagan region, British Columbia, Canada.

Commercial photography in Kamloops, BC plays a vital role in the success of businesses in Kamloops, and the surrounding region. As a bustling city with a diverse range of industries, Kamloops relies on high-quality commercial photography to highlight its products, services, and attractions.

All sectors benefit

A produce manager displays ready for the shelf tomatoes, Kamloops, BC, Canada.

A foreman inspects electrical lines at the sub station in Kamloops, BC., Canada.

From industrial to health care and economic development, commercial photography helps businesses in Kamloops stand out and attract customers regardless of what sector they are in. By highlighting the unique features and benefits of a business, commercial photography can create a strong brand identity and build customer loyalty.

Food and beverage display of a restaurant in the Okanagan region of British Columbia, Canada.

Experienced professionals

Hiring a professional commercial photographer like Kelly Funk, who specializes in a wide range of commercial sectors will benefit a business or corporation immensely. They use their expertise and creativity to capture the strengths of business to highlight the best of what a company has to offer, whether that be services, products, or both.

A marketing shoot for Harley Davidson Motorcycles, Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada.

Advanced license drone pilots

Aerial drone photography is also a vital component of most commercial photography sectors. Kelly Funk is a licensed ‘Advanced drone pilot’ certified by Transport Canada. He can fly almost anywhere, even in controlled or restricted airspace.

A machinist checks axle measurements in the Okanagan region of British Columbia, Canada.

The newly opened Canadian Brewhouse, taken by aerial/drone in Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada.

Commercial photography is essential to growth and success

In conclusion, commercial photography is essential for businesses in Kamloops to succeed in a competitive marketplace. By investing in high-quality commercial photography, businesses can build their brand, attract customers, and contribute to the vibrant economy of not only Kamloops and the region but British Columbia and Canada.

Corporate headshots of management at both KG Industries and Sun Peaks Resort, British Columbia, Canada.

Cheers!

Kelly

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Okanagan Commercial Headshots and Portraits

Kelly — Sun, 12 Jan 2025 19:39:23 +0000

Okanagan Commercial Headshots and Portraits will always be a foundational aspect of the region’s business marketing. The Okanagan region is a thriving hub of corporations and businesses, covering most sectors. One often overlooked aspect of marketing that can make a significant difference in standing out from the competition is the use of high-quality headshots.

Young professionals during an Okanagan commercial headshot and portrait shoot.

The Chief of Accommodations & Hospitality at Sun Peaks Resort, a north Okanagan ski and bike resort, during a corporate group session.

The benefits of strong commercial headshots and portraits

A professional headshot or portrait is a powerful marketing tool that can help businesses in the region establish a strong brand identity, build trust with potential clients, and showcase their professionalism. A well-executed headshot conveys a sense of approachability and credibility, making it easier for customers to connect with the business on a personal level.

In addition, corporate and commercial headshots can help businesses in the Okanagan region stand out in a crowded marketplace. With so many companies vying for attention, having a distinctive and memorable headshot and group shot can help businesses make a lasting impression on potential clients.

Separate sessions for a transportation industry manager and lawyer in the Okanagan region of British Columbia, Canada.

Young professionals at or near their workplace in Okanagan region of British Columbia, Canada

What to expect

Kelly will bring a full compliment of studio equipment to your place of business or meet at an outdoor locale, whatever the preference may be. He believes any commercial shoot, and especially one involving headshots should be fun and easy. One where the end product is strong but also that the process was a positive one!

A businessman near his workplace in the Okanagan region of BC, Canada.

Young professionals, both on site at their place of business, Okanagan region, BC., Canada.

Overall, investing in high-quality corporate and commercial headshots is a smart marketing strategy for corporations and businesses all across the Okanagan region looking to establish a strong brand identity, build trust with potential clients, and stand out from the competition.

Personal branding and corporate group headshots, north Okanagan region of BC, Canada.

To see more of his portrait work you can go here

Cheers! Kelly

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Commercial Photography in the Okanagan

Kelly — Sun, 11 Feb 2024 17:51:10 +0000

Commercial photography in the Okanagan with Employees of Mcelhanney Consulting looking over site plans in Kelowna, British Columbia.

Based in the Thompson Okanagan region of British Columbia, not surprisingly a large percentage of my workload comes from the area. Being strictly a commercial photographer now for over twenty years I’ve experienced most economic sectors. Those include such areas as: Agriculture, clean energy, architecture and construction, fisheries, finance, manufacturing, mining, health care, technology, tourism, education and many more.

What is Commercial Photography?

When I summarize to people how the model of commercial photography works, the foundation is really about producing visual content for clients. This in turn allows them to market and sell their services, products or destination.

The DoubleTree by Hilton, Thompson Okanagan region.

A restaurant in Summerland, BC being showcased utilizing models and staff.

Here in the Okanagan, we have a wide range of sectors, which for me is exciting. One of the perks about producing this kind of imagery is the experience of learning about different corporations and businesses. Working with people and building relationships in a variety of settings though is probably my favorite aspect of the work, but to be honest I love it all. Whether it be capturing large or small scenarios with the drones or working in close quarters with people showcasing services, the diversity keeps me on point.

The transportation industry, shot for a consulting and logistics firm, Okanagan region, BC.

The agricultural sector, Thompson Okanagan region.

Health care in the Okanagan region of BC.

Aerial / Drone photography

On the topic of aerial/drone photography, it’s important to note that I am an ‘Advanced Pilot’ through Transport Canada. This allows me, with the coordination of Nav Canada to fly virtually anywhere, legally. There’s been a tremendous amount of negative press around drones (much of which is justified), but with the tighter regulations those negative scenarios are almost non-existent. This in turn makes flying one of the most exciting and rewarding aspects of the work. There’s nothing like being able to achieve a desired perspective without creative limits.

The beautiful waterfront and city centre of Kelowna, BC taken for an Engineering firm.

An employee in a large scale glasshouse displays produce ready for distribution, British Columbia.

An architect’s design becomes reality in this large scale health care centre, Okanagan, BC

A technician services equipment at a transfer station, Thompson Okanagan region, BC

A transport storage facility in the Thompson Okanagan region.

Portrait of a business woman in the Okanagan region.

An aerial view of the new Patient Care Tower of Kamloops’ RIH (Royal Inland Hospital)

The Volkswagon dealership for an architectural firm in Kelowna, BC.

A professional at KPMG showcases their private communication rooms, Okanagan, BC

The imagery you’re viewing here is a cross section of some of my recent work of commercial photography in the Okanagan. Enjoy and to see and read more head over to my commercial web page here.

Cheers, Kelly

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Prana Yoga Collective

Kelly — Mon, 05 Feb 2024 02:08:21 +0000

The owners and instructors of Prana Yoga Collective; Ashley, Gina (instructor) and Alysia.

Prana Yoga Collective described

Recently I had the distinct pleasure to work with the lovely owners and instructors of the newly opened Yoga Collective in downtown Kamloops. Described as “a quaint space for intimate classes that are very beginner friendly and welcoming to all, with a focus on energy, light, and positivity. Our teachers will boost your mood, help you improve your practice, and ease your mind.” Their website can be visited here. They also have Instagram and Facebook pages.

The main space of the studio, capable of holding up to 10 students per class.

About the Owners

Ashley’s yoga journey started in her early 20’s as she travelled for college. She was privileged to learn from many different teachers in various places. Breathwork, meditation, and kundalini are areas she loves to explore. And she believes deeply in the mindfulness benefits of the practice, more than just the physical.

After returning to Kamloops in 2018 Ashley has enjoyed learning from local guides such as: Melissa Hubbard, Wayne Porterfield, Dina Mcleod, Nicole Aracki, and Leilani Ried. Ashley completed her 200 hour YTT in 2021 and will complete a Kundalini teacher training in March of 2024.

Alysia’s yoga journey started in her mid 20’s and she quickly fell in love with the practice. After the birth of her son 5 years later, she struggled to find who she was, jumping into Yoga Teacher Training to help figure it all out. She never expected that training to completely transform and heal her life. Committed to yoga as a daily practice and a way of living, she brings some spice to her flow classes and enjoys facilitating Moon Meditation classes.

Alysia is currently completing her Somatic Educator certification. She offers unique perspectives to turn inwards and focus on the body, as well as the breath throughout class.

Gina leads a class at the studio.

Meditative practice at the Prana Yoga Collective, Kamloops, BC.

Contact the studio to find more about class content and times at pranayogacollective@gmail.com

I thoroughly enjoyed my time working with everyone at Prana, such a comfortable and welcoming space. To see more of my commercial work, go here. Cheers, Kelly

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Kamloops & BC Commercial Photography

Kelly — Tue, 03 May 2022 03:07:26 +0000

Interior image of the new Patient Care Tower at Royal Inland Hospital, Kamloops, BC.

Commercial photography covers all sectors of the business and corporate world. Those sectors are very much determined by geographic location and population bases. Here in Kamloops & most of BC, commercial photography involves a wide array of subject matter, including: Architecture, industrial, agriculture, food and beverage, education, commercial developments, health care, education and many more.

One of the sub stations of the Trans Mountain Pipeline and the network of pumps.

Experience Matters

Over the past 21 years, I’ve had the pleasure of working in almost all types of commercial photography. It’s challenging work at times, which I enjoy. It’s almost always diverse on a day to day timeline and I’m constantly learning about processes, engineering and human ingenuity.

Just how important is commercial photography to a business, corporation or tourism destination? It’s essential and studies have shown its impact. It’s now known that it takes 66% of ad space being visual before most people will stop and really take notice. Words help yes, but studies show that customers will spend up to 75% more time reviewing ads if they contain imagery. Replace good imagery with impactful imagery and the recipe for success will get a whole lot better.

Below are examples of what’s been produced recently on a variety of projects. The locales range from Valemount to Surrey, BC.

Black Angus cattle, central BC

Barley fields near Vanderhoof, British Columbia, Canada

A businessman, downtown Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada

An employee at KPMG takes a call in their ‘phone’ room.

Part of the mechanical workings of a complex industrial project, BC

Industrial workers near Kamloops, British Columbia

Dusk and night lights over the village of Sun Peaks Resort during an aerial shoot, British Columbia, Canada

Aerial view of the city of Kamloops in peak fall, British Columbia.

Aerial drone image of the HUE Hotel for Bluegreen Architects, Kamloops/Kelowna, BC

A beautiful kitchen for a residential development in the Nicola region of BC.

The venting system and helipad at the new Patient Care Tower at RIH, Kamloops, BC

A welder completes a joint on the framing of Transmountain pipeline, BC

The stunning new Patient Care Tower at Royal Inland Hospital, Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada

A residential development from the air in Salmon Arm, British Columbia.

Business women representing their brands, Kamloops and Kelowna, BC

Village entrance to the Sun Peaks Grand Hotel during a promotional shoot, British Columbia.

Heavy machinery working on an industrial project, near Valemount, BC

Eastern entrance of the new Patient Care Tower, Royal Inland Hospital, Kamloops, BC.

To see more Kamloops and BC commercial photography, check out my commercial page link here

Cheers, Kelly

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Faces & Spaces | Clinton, BC

Kelly — Wed, 15 Sep 2021 13:37:38 +0000

Faces & Spaces of Clinton, BC project

When I spoke to the current Community Development Coordinator, Meghan Burrage about potentially coming to the Village of Clinton to spend a couple of days creating new content for their Economic Development and tourism marketing, I was immediately intrigued, due to a couple of things: 1. Diversified and interesting content and 2. Stunning setting and outlying areas, namely Edge Hills Provincial Park west of Clinton. These types of gigs are always eye opening for me because like most I’m sure I’ve driven by this town dozens of times over the years. It’s when you spend a solid few days here though that you’re really able to become a bit more immersed in the culture and feel. What I came away with was a professional community with the insight and progressive thought ready for growth. Thus the title, Faces & Spaces of Clinton, BC.

Overview of Clinton and surrounding area

Objectives

My main objective, although two-fold as described had emphasis on the people and their businesses, which was incredibly uplifting due to the positive vibe in the Village. Laid back but on point which made my job a lot of fun. Showcasing the Village’s current construction project added an additional element to the project.

Owners of Tutti Gravel Inn

Owner of Blossom

Owners of Hunnies

New construction, affordable care for seniors

New construction in the city

Where History Meets Adventure

From their website: The Village of Clinton is a small friendly community located in one of the most pristine natural environments in the world, while still being close and accessible to larger centres. Clinton is located on Highway 97, midway between Vancouver and Prince George.

Clinton has a colorful history of over 150 years and was founded as a direct result of the “boom” of the Cariboo Gold Rush. This active community of 650 residents has a unique western atmosphere, stunning scenery, and an abundance of recreational opportunities. Incorporated in 1963, Clinton boasts hosting one of British Columbia’s oldest continuously running events; the Clinton Annual Ball, now held in May of each year.

Cougar Point, west of Clinton and the Fraser River

Kelly Lake, west of Clinton

Hiking and biking trails on the eastern outskirts

Nearby Parks & Trails

There’s several beautiful parks, trails, and lookouts with incredible scenery just outside of Clinton. Here’s a few: Big Bar Provincial Park, Downing Provincial Park (Kelly Lake), Edge Hills Provincial Park (Cougar Point), Chasm Ecological Reserve and Clinton Creek Falls just to name a few.

Cougar Point lookout

Enjoying a coffee and work at the local coffee shop

Owner of the Round-Up Motel

City park fun

Owners of the Clinton Pines Campground

It was a memorable and educational trip for myself and one that I didn’t know would happen due to our fire ravaged summer. But in the end, the smoke cleared and we were able to complete our Faces and Spaces project.

To see more of my work, go to my portfolio page here. Cheers, Kelly

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5 Reasons to Hire a Commercial Photographer

Kelly — Sat, 17 Apr 2021 00:33:00 +0000

The campus of Thompson Rivers University, Kamloops, BC

As a professional commercial photographer, it’s always gratifying to work with people who appreciate what excellent imagery can do for their business. I also understand that the value applied to those images in order to craft your brand can be a lot to absorb. Good photography is not cheap, but when you put so much of your time, energy, and money into building your business why not make the investment to showcase what you have and what you’ve done. Here are the top 5 reasons to hire a commercial photographer:

Your customers want to see you!

There is no denying our world is fast paced and getting faster. Most people need and want to be engaged immediately; that requires head shots and supportive imagery. If you don’t sell your most valued asset, you and your employees, your message to your customers may mean you’re willing to cut corners. A commitment to quality starts and ends with good, strong and impactful imagery that captures your client base and draws them in. In a nutshell, ‘show, don’t just tell’

A stunning evening for a hike at the top of Sun Peaks Resort, BC

Be prepared with marketing material

Advertising and marketing opportunities can sometimes happen very quickly, I certainly know from experience. Of course, my material is always on hand when I need it, but is yours? From newspaper, magazine, television, video requests, customer reviews, etc., having that quality imagery on hand and ready is imperative. Low cost stock is an alternative but it’s also not specific to your business.

Fresh St. Market, Kamloops, BC

The bounty of peppers at Windset Farms, Richmond, BC

Visual impact

It’s now known that it takes 66% of ad space being visual before most people will stop and really take notice. Words help yes, but studies show that customers will spend up to 75% more time reviewing ads if they contain imagery. Replace good imagery with impactful imagery and the recipe for success just got a whole lot better.

The Delta Hotel and Kamloops city at dusk, British Columbia

The adaptability of Hytracker’s equipment, Lytton, BC

Because stock is what you pay for

As I mentioned above, stock photography is not specific to your business. On top of that you may be paying for one time rights each and every time you use that shot. More importantly however, do you really want your competitors using the same image you just paid for? Probably not. Once again it comes down to exhibiting what you have accomplished, being proud of it and showing the world what you’re capable of.

The executive team at Apex Construction, Langley, BC

A beautiful custom home at dusk in Kamloops, British Columbia

You’re hiring experience

Yes, we have good gear! No, that is not what it takes to portray your business in the best possible fashion. When you hire a solid professional you’re basically paying for the knowledge that the individual has gained over the years, his/her technical ability (which should be second nature) and of even more importance, the ability to listen intently to the client, decide on a plan of action and carry that out flawlessly. Once again, this all about how you, your employees, and how your products and services are portrayed. The reasons for hiring any professional stand on their own merit; this is what people train and love to do. The reasons to hire a commercial photographer are no different, and if you find the right fit, it will pay for itself in spades.

Robson Heli-Magic company drops off hikers on Mt. Robson

Nordic skiiers on the trail at Sun Peaks Resort, British Columbia

To view more of my work, go to my portfolio page here. Cheers, Kelly

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A Nordic Day at Sun Peaks Resort

Kelly — Tue, 19 Jan 2021 05:05:10 +0000

Aerial drone view of Nordic skate skiers, sunrise at Sun Peaks Resort, BC.

Heading up to Sun Peaks for any assignment always puts a smile on my face. The day most often starts early, the scenery is stunning and the people I work and associate with are salt of the earth. I always feel a lot lighter after spending time there and the promise of a Nordic day at Sun Peaks Resort was certainly no exception.

A beautiful start to the day, showcasing both skate and cross country skiing while Tod Mountain glows in the sunrise.

Tourism Sun Peaks had carved out some really emotive locales to showcase aspects of the day, which included: Skate and cross country skiing, dog and family friendly trails, and ending with some apres ski dining and drinks at the newly redesigned outdoor patio at Mantles at Sun Peaks Grand. We had scheduled a 3 day weather window a couple of weeks back in the hopes that one of the days would be a stunner; as luck would have it our planning paid off.

A pair of skate skiers enjoying the crisp, early morning glow.

We ended up producing a diverse end product that also included drone/aerial imagery, both on the trail and at the McGillivray Lake cabin (warming hut).

The Mcgillivray Lake Outpost from the air and with Corry taking a break from the trails.

For those interested Sun Peaks has a page on their website specifically dedicated to Nordic skiing; you can find it here. Their network of trails, as well as the Nordic Centre is second to none and caters to skiers of all levels, including rentals for those wanting to give it a go. Enjoy the rest of the images from our day. After all these years I’m still a bit floored at the ‘getaway feel’ that this place which is a mere 45 minutes from Kamloops can instill. I’m never short of creativity or energy up here and I’m grateful it’s in our backyard.

A father tows his 4 year old daughter in a snow sled while on the trails at Sun Peaks Resort

Shiloh enjoying the moment with Tod Mountain the background on a beautiful day.

A man and his dog, Shiloh with a good howl celebrating a day on one of the dog friendly trails at Sun Peaks, BC.

Friends enjoy a drink, food and a laugh on the new patio of Mantles restaurant in the village after a Nordic day at Sun Peaks Resort.

To see more of my work, head to my portfolio page here. Have a good one! Cheers, Kelly

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Project Image Highlights of ’20

Kelly — Sat, 02 Jan 2021 22:27:53 +0000

‘Hwy 99 and Seton Lake, just west of Lillooet, British Columbia.’

Hello my new friend, 2021! In a ‘normal’ year the business of photography is a rapidly changing and evolving animal, needing the owners’ full attention to trending markets, economic landscapes (both present and immediate future), innovative styles or approaches, new equipment that can open up new worlds and alter your final product and a host of other factors that we must always be on the lookout for. As we are all too aware that was no normal year! I, like most am gob smacked happy it is over. The everyday worries that accompany our daily grind were magnified like no other year; but through it all, we soldier on. The accompanying project image highlights of 2020 culminate one of the most incredible years I’ve been through behind the camera and in the office. It was a year that needed pin-point focus, the ability to adapt and change on a moment’s notice and above all required a work ethic that was enormous, and at times difficult to muster.

‘Two hikers enjoy a stunning sunset hike in the alpine flowers, Sun Peaks Resort, BC’

‘From late afternoon to sunset, hikers at Sun Peaks experience a perfect day on the trail.’

But life and work move forward and ultimately there were many amazing, fun, touching, and emotive moments to cherish. As always, when I produce a ‘highlights of’ blog post like this, the images, and stories I choose are for a variety of reasons. It could be the people I was involved with either before or during the shoot, the memories that were created, a vision that became an expected final product or the friendships and business relationships that were born.

Royal Inland Hospital, Kamloops, BC for TNRD

‘Thompson Rivers University and NVIT in Merritt, BC’

This year I chose more of a project perspective to showcase as opposed to single images from a shoot. I felt it was important to give more of a perspective to the entire process. Often projects require so much focus and dedication that I really do not get to enjoy the entirety of it until it’s over. In writing this it sounds almost sad, but the execution has always been one of my greatest joys; the memories from the entire project or shoot come to life though after it is complete.

‘A snowboarder takes in the beauty of the sun just cresting amongst the snow ghosts at Sun Peaks Resort.’

‘Friends enjoy first light at the ‘Top of the World’, Sun Peaks Resort.’

I know I’m not alone in being ecstatic to see the calendar flip to 2021. Obviously, we still face huge challenges in all aspects of our lives, but it feels like we are climbing out of that proverbial dark space. So, on that note enjoy some project highlights from the year past and may we all have a much deserved and fantastic 2021!!

‘Chioma, owner of Thrift Love Clothing and model, Kamloops, BC.’

‘Marcia Wilson, Business woman and Dr. Chung, implant specialist, Kamloops, BC.’

As always some of my favorite projects came from my long term clients like Sun Peaks Resort, Tourism Valemount, Aberdeen Mall, TNRD and many more. To see more of my work, head over to my portfolio page here. Cheers and all the best in the new year, Kelly

‘My hiking mates Jared, Mary and Margaurite and our camp during a project for RIH at Dunn Peak, BC.’

‘Dunn Peak, BC at sunrise from two perspectives, one a creek, the other a small pond, for RIH’

‘Our prize after waking up the next morning, Dunn Peak at first light, British Columbia for RIH.’

‘Aberdeen mall exteriors at various times to showcase their new additions, Kamloops, BC.’

‘Showcasing new interior additions and renovations at Aberdeen Mall, Kamloops, BC.’

‘A variety of shoots from our branding project at Logan Lake with Fresh Inc.’

‘Fall colors at sunrise, just south of Kamloops, Thompson Okanagan region, British Columbia, Canada.’

‘Macro, or close up work for an installment project in Kamloops, BC.’

‘With my friend Ashley, covering the Barriere Lakes and North Thompson river for the TNRD.’

‘An aerial of Sun Peaks village and a trio of friends enjoying a bevy after a ride.’

‘Friends enjoy the wine festival at Sun Peaks, British Columbia.’

‘Seton Lake and hwy. 99 near Lillooet on an overnight trek for the RIH new wing.’

‘Our 3 day trip to Valemount and Mt. Robson for Tourism Valemount.’

‘Stand up paddlers and kayakers from the air at Kinbasket Lake, British Columbia.’

‘The Coyote (or Balancing) Rock at sunrise looking east towards Kamloops, on Kamloops Lake, for an installment project.’

Regional aerials, Big Bar, Sun Rivers, Pritchard and Nicola River near Merritt for the TNRD

‘The Pinnacle at Buse Lake on the left and Napier Lake for interior installments.’

‘A group of friends enjoys an apres ski bevy at Masa’s Bar & Grill, Sun Peaks Resort.’

‘Orchard’s Walk for GTA Architecture and the Centennial building for marketing.’

‘A variety of images showcasing the resort of Corbett Lake, BC., south of Merritt’

‘Aerials and ground work for the Best Western Plus , Valemount, BC.’

‘The city of Kamloops, BC at sunset, taken for the TNRD.’

‘A full moon rises over Mt. Peter and Paul during a long exposure in Kamloops, BC. Goodbye ’20, hello 2021!’

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Chioma – From Nigeria with Love

Kelly — Tue, 08 Dec 2020 18:07:20 +0000

Chioma, owner of Thrift Love in Kamloops, BC

Chioma and I first met through a mutual friend, who described her as beautiful on the inside and out, with a great story about how she and her family came to live in Kamloops as well as how she started her business, Thrift Love Clothing. I’ll let her own words below speak to that story, however I can confirm what our mutual friend, Mary had to say about her and her character; A Kamloops fashion model and actor from Nigeria (at Askem Talent ) and small business owner yes, but with much more to offer Kamloops and its people, not the least of which is an irresistible smile and positive spirit.

We’ve planned and executed several shoots now, working out logistics, lighting, and outfits that fit her personality, as well as fluid and conceptualized poses around our characteristic city. This project had such a great back story and energy that I was more than thrilled to collaborate with her on it and to try and give it a bit more context through imagery. The concept for her business is not only progressive but environmentally conscious as well, something that hit close to home for me on both counts. I hope you enjoy her story and images as much as we enjoyed creating them. Links to her site are shown in the content and you can reach her by email here – thriftloveclothing@gmail.com

“When I left Abuja (capital), Nigeria for Kamloops in 2015 to pursue my Post Baccalaureate in Human Resources at Thompson Rivers University, I knew next to nothing about the city or the country that would soon become my home. When asked what I knew about Kamloops, I simply laughed and said “Exactly as much as was on the TRU website”. Overwhelmed by the enormity of setting up a home and preparing for the arrival of my children coming soon to join me, I chose to integrate myself fully into the local community through church, music and school.

Setting up a house from scratch is expensive, especially for a full time student and part time employee but soon my Canadian friends introduced me to the concepts of second hand shopping and the financial benefits of thrifting. At first cautious about using and enjoying someone else’s discards, I soon realized with my fashion conscious eye for detail, and ability to see the potential beauty of items, I had struck gold. Soon I was accompanying friends and family on thrifting ventures to clothe themselves and decorate their homes.

Five years later, and many lessons learned, I am now turning that passion into employment and establishing my own business to connect the fashion conscious thrifter with both excellent value and excellent style. Thrift Love Clothing is a web based thrift store featuring items even the most fashion conscious shopper would love, for a fraction of retail prices. And never forgetting those early days when thrifting was a necessity, and not just a choice, I donate many items to local charities at home in Kamloops, and back home in Nigeria. I’m also a proud supporter of Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Kamloops.”

Remember, small business is a vital part of all communities; when you can, please help support local ventures. To see more of my work, head over to the main page here. Cheers, Kelly

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