SAMANTHA ULASY

Owner/Landscaper | Margaret Valley Landscaping | Kelowna, BC | INSTAGRAM 

What does a day in your work life look like?
I wake up around 5am, stretch and get my thoughts together for the day, head to site for 7am and tackle the task for the day, whether it being a renovation, maintenance clean up, meetings, and usually it is all of that in a single day. After work I prepare for the next day, picking up plants, mulch, materials etc. Then I go home and do admin work and Designs depending on the time, shower, eat, bed, and repeat!

What made you start doing the amazing things that you do?
I have always been a very creative person who loves to stay busy with multiple tasks at a time. I am one of those "I won't buy it, I can build it" type of girl who thrives in a work environment where there is a lot going on. I am endlessly creating ideas/goals/dreams in my head all day and starting my own company was the only way I could see myself fulfilling all of these dreams and goals; while hopefully inspiring other people to find the confidence to do the same. 

Did you complete any training? If not, how did you learn your trade/skill?
I did! I went to Horticulture school in Winnipeg MB where I graduated with honors, I shortly moved to Kelowna BC after graduating and began my journey into the landscaping world!

What did you want to be when you were growing up, or a little kid?
I wanted to work in the Criminal Justice department, I wasn't sure specifically what but I knew I wanted to help people. My mom was a 911 Dispatcher and her job literally changed lives and I was always so inspired by that and wanted to follow that in my own way. Almost a year after going into Criminal Justice I discovered that this path was not for me; and I then heard about a Horticulture program that I was interested in. I love plants, I feel like I would be good at design, and so I gave it a shot. I graduated in 2016 and moved to Kelowna 3 weeks later. 

What do you have to sacrifice to be good at what you do?
Oh my goodness; The first 6 years for me I sacrificed everything that didn't involve work. From any free time, any trips or enjoying summer in the Okanagan, to working every single day. I don't regret it however, but this season is the first time I have stepped back and prioritized myself, my needs, my capacity to be there for friends and family, and its been wonderful. I had to really work hard to get here, but I feel like once you are able to find that perfect balance again that keeps up the motivation at work, while allowing yourself to feel present outside of work, then you are in a pretty great spot.

What are you great at, and what do you suck at? 
I am great design, I have a huge endless imagination that I cant turn off. I can turn a yard into a garden while creating incredible connections with the home owners and community. I can do almost anything I set my mind too, but sometimes I say yes to more than I can handle. 

What scares you? 
Snakes, Heights, Giant Junipers because there are all kinds of critters/snakes/animals lurking inside.

What do you want people to know about being a woman in your field? 
That it is amazing and the most exhilarating feeling doing the job that you love everyday, but it takes sourcing out to find the crews and people to be around to give you the respect and patience we once had to fight for. At the end of the day we are all people with different strengths and weaknesses, so really try and find your people who respect you, treat you as an equal, use your talents properly, and build an empire with them.

What are the top five things that are always in your pockets?
Burt's Bees Lip chap; original lol, Air pods, My phone, Usually some goldfish haha, and Kleenex.

What are you doing when you’re not working hard?  
I am spending time with my family and friends, Gardening on my own patio or my sisters, Painting if I feel inspired, and enjoying the beautiful Okanagan lifestyle.

Tell us something surprising about you.  
I am really good at backing up my truck and 12' dump trailer in the tightest driveways and areas... I have made men uncomfortable before driving around; to which I was left a voicemail once how "a girl my size shouldn't be driving a truck and trailer that big" and more silly comments. 

How do you encourage other women to start doing what you do?  
To get out of your head and just do it, truly just start and know your worth. We can, have, and forever will make mistakes, and instead of quitting right then and there, pause and reflect of what you learned from each mistake. Get comfortable being uncomfortable, because nothing good comes from comfort zones; but the best parts of life come when you risk or go against what your inner thoughts or others are telling you. Trust the process and enjoy the journey!

Who’s a role model who helped you in your journey to where you are?  
My mom, my sister, and my dad. They have each taught me many incredible and life changing lessons in life as I have navigated many new chapters; while showing me we can truly do anything we set our hearts and minds too and its never to late to try something new.

If you could give your younger self advice, what would it be?   
That life will throw random, difficult, even traumatic events your way which directed your life to change drastically many times over. Instead of thinking your life ended at each event, imagine it as a rebirth and a new opportunity. I wish I enjoyed each new moment more presently, instead of being consumed in the sadness of what was no longer. Each road block has lead you to the dream you never even knew you wanted.

Do you have any special projects or cool things you want people to check out?  
I want to soon start selling my paintings as prints, as well as some of my faux flower creations and work I have been doing on my spare time. I hope to have that on my website soon!

What does workwear designed for women mean to you?
Workwear that is comfortable, professional looking, and long lasting is one thing, but to have it be designed specifically for women and their bodies is life changing! I have spent so much money trying brands, styles, and even men's work wear to see what is going to be the best for me, my budget, and my lifestyle and Dovetail has been one of my greatest discoveries. We are working in environments where men have endless trade clothing options, and in a giant store full of clothes us women have one small rack. So to have an online option that you know is both amazing quality and will fit my body comfortably is a wonderful feeling.