With a daughter about to turn 16 and eager to start driving, it was serendipitous that I was about to interview Kate Wells whose life has revolved around driving education. KateB次元官网网址檚 parents owned Young Drivers of Canada for over 35 years, switching over to the DriveWise brand eight years ago. Kate started working part time for the company at age 16 and full time as soon as she graduated.
B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 all IB次元官网网址檝e ever known,B次元官网网址� Kate says as we settle in to chat. B次元官网网址淚 grew up with this industry in my blood.B次元官网网址�
As our conversation meanders, I find that the passion is rooted in running a business.
B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 exciting when you can actually steer your company in the direction you want to go. My dad is a huge role model for me. IB次元官网网址檝e learned everything about the business from him. My parents are still involved; my dad jokes that he might retire at 80. He just loves it and remains one of our best instructors. Being hands-on as owners is huge for us. Our company is very personable, I know the people who teach our courses, which goes along with our dedication to customer service.B次元官网网址�
Asked what part of running the business gets her fired up, Kate says, B次元官网网址淚 think itB次元官网网址檚 the controversial part of my job B次元官网网址� I like to live in that danger zone. I never step over the line but I push it. Like taking on the government for a bad move. My dad taught me that in this industry you have to pick your battles but never burn bridges.B次元官网网址�
Beyond her business persona, Kate is also a mother of three boys B次元官网网址� B次元官网网址淎nd thatB次元官网网址檚 why I own a horse,B次元官网网址� she laughs. B次元官网网址淚 grew up riding but when I got married and had kids I stopped and didnB次元官网网址檛 ride for 20 years. Two years ago I got back into it when I bought my horse, Ernie. The best lesson IB次元官网网址檝e learned since the age of 40 is to not feel guilty about spending time on yourself. ItB次元官网网址檚 been a struggle, but I think we have to honour that for our own needs too.B次元官网网址�
She adds, B次元官网网址淲hen I ride it takes 100 per cent of my focus. My mind does not shut off ever. At night IB次元官网网址檓 constantly thinking about what needs to be done, but when IB次元官网网址檓 riding my mind can only be focussed on that. When IB次元官网网址檓 cantering up to a jump, I canB次元官网网址檛 be thinking about work, I have to be focussed on that jump.B次元官网网址�
When it comes to fashion, Kate explains that her day-to-day fashion is really secondary to her riding gear. B次元官网网址淚 always want the top boots and breeches.B次元官网网址�
To her, good style is about fun: B次元官网网址淚 may not be the most stylish person in the world, but IB次元官网网址檓 always having fun. If I could pass one thing on to my boys it would be that. To be free spirited and enjoy what youB次元官网网址檙e doing in life. ItB次元官网网址檚 not all about money; you have to go to that job every day. You also have to be able to live with yourself and be happy with who you are and the choices youB次元官网网址檝e made.B次元官网网址�
Fashion:
Uniform: B次元官网网址淚 really have two B次元官网网址榰niforms.B次元官网网址� First, is my everyday, business casual work wear which consists of summer dresses, jeans and T-shirts, sandals or flip flops. Second is my equestrian wardrobe which I absolutely LOVE! Italian riding boots, beautiful breeches and shirts and sweaters to match. is my absolute favourite place to shop. They keep me looking up-to-date in the equestrian world!B次元官网网址� Favourite pair of shoes: B次元官网网址淢测 flip flops!B次元官网网址� Favourite Daybag: B次元官网网址淥ne that can carry all my riding thingsB次元官网网址esB次元官网网址purs, boots, crop, breeches, belts and the list goes on. Oh! And a bottle of wine might be found in there too!B次元官网网址� Favourite jewellery piece or designer: B次元官网网址淚 love my pearl earrings. They are simple and classy and my sister gave them to me. Fashion Obsession: B次元官网网址淚 love clothes, both day-to-day clothes and riding clothes. I am obsessed with breeches (riding pants) and belts.B次元官网网址� Accessory you spend the most money on: B次元官网网址淎ny horse accessories, and nothing is ever cheap in this category. Just purchased my brand new saddle from Italy B次元官网网址� itB次元官网网址檚 an and I am totally in love with it!B次元官网网址�
Beauty:
Necessary indulgence: Nails and eyelashes. Scent: . Beauty secret: B次元官网网址淣ow hereB次元官网网址檚 a good question, KateB次元官网网址檚 beauty secret? Well it involves having fun, showing my true self and being natural. I am just who I am, nothing fancy, just me! I feel beauty is best seen near the ocean and at the barn!B次元官网网址� Must-have hair product: B次元官网网址淚 have been known to have the odd Brazilian blowout done to my hair and maybe some balayage. I love my hair stylist, Colin Scagliati, at !B次元官网网址�
Life & Style Inspirations:
Favourite Artist: B次元官网网址淚 grew up with my Dad bringing home paintings. I loved them because there was always something hiding in the picture that youB次元官网网址檇 have to find, and she used horses in her pictures as well.B次元官网网址� Film or Movie: B次元官网网址淎nyone who knows me, knows IB次元官网网址檓 a die-hard The Sound of Music fan. I love musicals like Grease, Annie and, of course, Mamma Mia B次元官网网址� I know every word to every song! My friends can attest to this and sometimes cringe when I have a mic in my hand!B次元官网网址� Favourite local restaurant: B次元官网网址淚 am a girl. I have lived in Metchosin most of my life and am there most days that I have to cook. When IB次元官网网址檓 classy Kate, IB次元官网网址檒l go to .B次元官网网址� Favourite Cocktail/Wine: B次元官网网址淎fter my recent trip to Mexico, I am a fan of lime margaritas. My favourite wine is from New Zealand.B次元官网网址� Album on current rotation: B次元官网网址淎nything I can sing to! And believe me when IB次元官网网址檓 with my friends, we are singing! Grease, Abba, Pink B次元官网网址� I love it all!B次元官网网址� Last great read: B次元官网网址淚 found local author Chevy Stevens and I have read most of her books.B次元官网网址� Favourite Flower: Plumeria flower from Hawaii. Favourite city to visit: Maui (Kaanapali), Hawaii. Favourite Hotel: in Maui. Favourite place in the whole world: B次元官网网址淭his is easy! ItB次元官网网址檚 my family cabin at GordonB次元官网网址檚 Beach in Sooke. ItB次元官网网址檚 a long row of funky cabins on the ocean and one of the only places I can actually relax. Beach fire, cheese, hot dogs and wine; thatB次元官网网址檚 the best evening for me!B次元官网网址�
- Story and Photography by Lia Crowe
Story courtesy of , a Black Press Media publication
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