Meet Danelle Adams-Chow. Danelle is from Cranbrook but has lived in Kamloops since 2010. She is a creative woman who loves to check out the local arts and music scene!
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kamloops?
I’m from Cranbrook bc and I moved here in 2010.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My partner Ethan. He’s my best friend. He always makes me smile and laugh. We push each other to accomplish our goals. And we are a great team!
What is your favourite local store in Kamloops and why?
I love walking around downtown and popping into all our local shops! My day job is at the smorgasbord deli, they have a fair trade store that sells handcrafted items from all over the world. It’s inspiring to see it.
Describe yourself in one word.
Creative.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Lately, I feel like I need to do some soul searching. I have always wanted to spend time in a Buddhist temple. In China. I’m half Chinese and I want to explore those roots.
What is your favourite activity in Kamloops?
Attending Local shows. Mostly electronic shows thrown by entertainment companies such as Hi, Society, Lucid Productions, Electric Love, Awesome Productions, and Sean Mayo.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
I was working a server job and a group of teachers from my high school came in. I dropped a tray of 8 drinks as I was serving them. And then I realized I’m not a server, Im an artist.. Stop lying to yourself Danelle.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
The very first rave I attended. I asked the coordinator if I could bring my jewelry and other items and sell them. I was 16. It was Back to the forest. I threw up a table put my jewelry and other crafty items on there and started slanging. It was far from presentable or professional. But that night I met a lot of the people I call my closest friends, made connections with other companies such as BrainGarden. A cigarette butt recycling movement that has now reached all over the world. They inspired me to start my own movement by using upcycled materials in my designs. I experienced music I didn’t know existed… I experienced a group of people that freely expressed themselves. I fell in love with the festival scene after that and I have never left. And keep working myself deeper into the scene. My designs are very different and carry a message that resonates at these festivals.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Running around playing in the forested area on our acreage in Cranbrook. Pretending to be a fairy picking flowers. We had two German Shepard and they where my best companions and always by my side.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I really see potential in Kamloops, it’s a hub for so many things. For 2 years now I was a volunteer at The peace walk. The first year I did a speech about how we humans need to connect with our fellow humans. And from there we can change things. Together. The second year I was the artisan market coordinator of Rock the walk music festival and 40th annual Peace walk. I brought in artisans and companies that have the same theme of creating local using upcycled materials, sustainability etc.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
So many things… We have come so far in our technology, and because of that, we have become wasteful. We consume just to have. Fast fashion is something I fight against with every ounce of my being. Sweatshop slavery. Our pop fashion is created on the backs of people being paid practically nothing and forced to work in conditions that they often lose their lives to. I strive to create designs that are timeless and sustainable.
Where would you sneak away to in Kamloops to spend some time alone?
I have always been pulled to our river. Something about the energy of the rivers meeting and constantly flowing. It puts me at peace.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kamloops and why?
Our recycling system. It makes it hard to actively recycle for the average person.
What do you think makes Kamloops great?
So much potential, I feel like everything is just waiting to get big. Our art scene, music, tourism. We all just need to work together!
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
Have my designs in a big name fashion show.
Open my own shop. But not just a retail store. Something really different. Something that creates and builds community. I’m not fully sure what it will encompass, but it’s been manifesting.
Have a booth at some big music festivals like Basscoast or Shambhala! That would really be a peak in this adventure.
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I thought a lot about this question. I grew up in the Jehovah’s Witness community. It gave me an interesting perspective on the world, on people, behaviors, and morals. I’m thankful I am no longer apart of it.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media?
Facebook: Sees Destiny Apparel.
Instagram: @seesdestiny.
Etsy: seesdestiny.
What is the name of your business/organization?
Sees Destiny.
Why did you get into/start this business?
I started with making jewelry, I went by Uniquely Stretched. For a couple years I mostly made gauge earrings. It was really niche, and different. I always have strived to push the envelope of what society deems as beautiful.
What is the goal of your business?
To clothe the people in unique one of a kind and sustainable clothing with a message of love and light.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Self-love. Some days it’s really hard to stay positive and motivated. It’s a constant battle of fighting the thoughts that it’s not good enough. But I am learning to accept that I am my own worst critic. Like many artists.
What do you always find yourself saying?
I just want to change the world. And of course, telling myself or other inspiring women that you’re a BOSS BABE. Got to have that self-love.
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Be you. Unconditionally love yourself no matter what you have been through. The strongest roots run deep and unseen. And drink water.
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
CloZee. I love her music. I jam to her tunes when I’m working in my studio. She inspires me!
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
It is the best way to see your community thrive. Keep the money exchange moving within local business! At the end of the day, you can feel good about supporting someone you know. Money is power so spend it locally to make it count.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
In this last year, I have accomplished more than I thought I would. Number one has to be Sees Destiny brand launch. In June at Curiosity Music Festival I set up a booth. Showcased my new clothing lines. I also created costumes for a dance troupe.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Of course my Mom Jennifer Adam’s! My family and all my friends that have seen me grow and flourish and give me positive encouragement. I was lucky enough to fall in love this year. Ethan is my number one motivator and my partner in crime.
My choice for the KamloopsBCNow In Focus spotlight is:
Kellan Sandhu.
Some general comments I would like to share are:
Thank you very much for this opportunity! I have been working hard at social media and promotion. And this will help a lot.
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. Thank you, Kamloops.
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!