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. Kate鈥檚 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.

鈥淚t鈥檚 all I鈥檝e ever known,鈥� Kate says as we settle in to chat. 鈥淚 grew up with this industry in my blood.鈥�

As our conversation meanders, I find that the passion is rooted in running a business.

鈥淚t鈥檚 exciting when you can actually steer your company in the direction you want to go. My dad is a huge role model for me. I鈥檝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.鈥�

Asked what part of running the business gets her fired up, Kate says, 鈥淚 think it鈥檚 the controversial part of my job 鈥� 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.鈥�

Beyond her business persona, Kate is also a mother of three boys 鈥� 鈥淎nd that鈥檚 why I own a horse,鈥� she laughs. 鈥淚 grew up riding but when I got married and had kids I stopped and didn鈥檛 ride for 20 years. Two years ago I got back into it when I bought my horse, Ernie. The best lesson I鈥檝e learned since the age of 40 is to not feel guilty about spending time on yourself. It鈥檚 been a struggle, but I think we have to honour that for our own needs too.鈥�

She adds, 鈥淲hen I ride it takes 100 per cent of my focus. My mind does not shut off ever. At night I鈥檓 constantly thinking about what needs to be done, but when I鈥檓 riding my mind can only be focussed on that. When I鈥檓 cantering up to a jump, I can鈥檛 be thinking about work, I have to be focussed on that jump.鈥�

When it comes to fashion, Kate explains that her day-to-day fashion is really secondary to her riding gear. 鈥淚 always want the top boots and breeches.鈥�

To her, good style is about fun: 鈥淚 may not be the most stylish person in the world, but I鈥檓 always having fun. If I could pass one thing on to my boys it would be that. To be free spirited and enjoy what you鈥檙e doing in life. It鈥檚 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 you鈥檝e made.鈥�

Fashion:

Uniform: 鈥淚 really have two 鈥榰niforms.鈥� 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!鈥� Favourite pair of shoes: 鈥淢测 flip flops!鈥� Favourite Daybag: 鈥淥ne that can carry all my riding things鈥�yes鈥�spurs, boots, crop, breeches, belts and the list goes on. Oh! And a bottle of wine might be found in there too!鈥� Favourite jewellery piece or designer: 鈥淚 love my pearl earrings. They are simple and classy and my sister gave them to me. Fashion Obsession: 鈥淚 love clothes, both day-to-day clothes and riding clothes. I am obsessed with breeches (riding pants) and belts.鈥� Accessory you spend the most money on: 鈥淎ny horse accessories, and nothing is ever cheap in this category. Just purchased my brand new saddle from Italy 鈥� it鈥檚 an and I am totally in love with it!鈥�

Beauty:

Necessary indulgence: Nails and eyelashes. Scent: . Beauty secret: 鈥淣ow here鈥檚 a good question, Kate鈥檚 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!鈥� Must-have hair product: 鈥淚 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 !鈥�

Life & Style Inspirations:

Favourite Artist: 鈥淚 grew up with my Dad bringing home paintings. I loved them because there was always something hiding in the picture that you鈥檇 have to find, and she used horses in her pictures as well.鈥� Film or Movie: 鈥淎nyone who knows me, knows I鈥檓 a die-hard The Sound of Music fan. I love musicals like Grease, Annie and, of course, Mamma Mia 鈥� I know every word to every song! My friends can attest to this and sometimes cringe when I have a mic in my hand!鈥� Favourite local restaurant: 鈥淚 am a girl. I have lived in Metchosin most of my life and am there most days that I have to cook. When I鈥檓 classy Kate, I鈥檒l go to .鈥� Favourite Cocktail/Wine: 鈥淎fter my recent trip to Mexico, I am a fan of lime margaritas. My favourite wine is from New Zealand.鈥� Album on current rotation: 鈥淎nything I can sing to! And believe me when I鈥檓 with my friends, we are singing! Grease, Abba, Pink 鈥� I love it all!鈥� Last great read: 鈥淚 found local author Chevy Stevens and I have read most of her books.鈥� Favourite Flower: Plumeria flower from Hawaii. Favourite city to visit: Maui (Kaanapali), Hawaii. Favourite Hotel: in Maui. Favourite place in the whole world: 鈥淭his is easy! It鈥檚 my family cabin at Gordon鈥檚 Beach in Sooke. It鈥檚 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; that鈥檚 the best evening for me!鈥�

- Story and Photography by Lia Crowe

Story courtesy of , a Black Press Media publication
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