One half of the driving force behind Pro Karts and Nelson Fun Park, Betsy Fowler tells us about her love of singing, dancing, her family, and the time she fled the Exclusive Brethren Church aged 18.
Something I learnt way later than I should have… Where do I start? No one is coming to save you; you must change your mindset to make things change. It’s an often-used quote, but it’s oh-so true!
I wish people knew… If you come from a colourful past, your past does not define who you are! It is ok to ask for help. Surround yourself with the right people, find a mentor, and seek a counsellor or psychologist; things will fall into place with time. Trust the process. It is tough, but so is staying the same and being miserable.
My real-life superpower is… Getting sh*t done! I don’t muck around. If something needs to be done, I’m on to it… pronto.
One thing I will never do again… There are many things I would not do again (cringe), but the first one that comes to mind is not shrinking myself to fit others’ expectations of me. Coming from a secluded background, I am not afraid of being loud and proud.
When I need advice, I go to… I have a few people I go to, but mostly my husband, dad, or brother. Between the three, they usually help me get back on track.
My biggest pet peeve… My cats licking themselves in the middle of the night at the end of our bed. I take my sleep a bit too seriously at times, especially since I have to get up early for a workout in the morning. At least, that’s what I tell myself!
I get myself out of a funk by… Assessing what the root of the problem is. I always ask myself ‘why?’. It’s usually because I’ve overdone it (I’m like a bull at a gate sometimes) and need to rest. So, I go through a self-care phase where I drink plenty of water, get massages, hibernate, get plenty of rest, eat nutritional meals, have lots of baths, light candles, gentle walks and take things slowly.
The biggest risk I have ever taken… Early one morning, when I was 18, I fled the Exclusive Brethren Church. I was living in Sydney at the time, leaving friends and family behind to find myself again. I was reunited with my immediate family. It all feels like a dream now, but yes, it happened.
I am most passionate about… Singing! I love to sing. Not for any reason other than how it makes me feel when I sing. It’s healing, euphoric and a temporary escape. Occasionally, I sing publicly to share a piece of my talent and let people feel what I feel when I sing.
At the weekend you will find me… Hanging out with my daughter and/or husband. My daughter and I love going to the Nelson Markets, singing, dancing, laughing, and hanging out. She is 12, so I make the most of every opportunity to hang with her until I’m not cool anymore!
My biggest regret… Not believing in myself sooner. I still have little voices telling me untruthful things, but I just tell them to shut up. So, if you ever see me talking to myself, you’ll know why.
At a party you will find me… Lurking around the snacks, I love a good cheese, cracker, or chips and dip. Yummy! Or busting moves on the dancefloor. I love to let loose and have a good dance.
I hope in ten years I will be… Living my best life to the fullest, surrounded by everyone I love. I also hope to be more advanced in music-making and singing my heart out more often.
