Tag: #CreativeHustle

You’re the main character—no need to let the extra noise mess with your flavour.

If You Know, You Know — We Pulled Up to 24 Hour Snacks 🍬🔥
Kelowna’s go-to for exotic snacks and global drinks did not disappoint. Our community hit up 24 Hour Snacks at 553 Bernard Avenue and trust — the flavours, the energy, the vibe? All hits, no skips.

Already a hotspot, but still feels like a playground for the real ones who know what they’re looking for. Stay sweet, keep your flavour loud, and don’t forget to grab that mystery Fanta 👀🌍

Credits
Zeal Media Team Member – am.Media
ZealUnity Models – Deep, Jenayah, Hammad, and Sydney
Edited In-House by ZEAL in collaboration with 24 Hour Snacks
Hair Styling by Nina’s Hair Space

Ever Feel Like Your Sweetness Is the Real Deal but Everyone’s Trying to Catch the Buzz?

Here’s how our community keeps it fresh and focused in Kelowna’s sweetest spot—while letting the copycats do their thing. You don’t need a crew to hit that dopamine rush; you can make the same stops and be just as sweet all on your own.

Alright, let’s cut to the chase. What do we really mean when we say your sweetness can attract way more than just gold? Think flies.

Flies don’t come for the honey. They come for the chance to get a taste of what’s already buzzing. In a small town like Kelowna, it feels like everyone’s riding the same wave, smiling in your face while talking behind your back. Yeah, those flies.

You try to shoo ’em off, but sometimes it’s exhausting. And if you don’t? They multiply fast, turning that sweet spot you built into something sour.

Trends come and go fast. People, places, vibes—all changing overnight. But you? You don’t change. If you keep chasing the hype and following the buzz, you’ll never be the one setting the tone. You’ll just be flapping your wings, stuck in the same loop while the real ones fly ahead.

Aren’t you done with that cycle? Ready to be the real deal? Here’s what we learned about community: it’s about owning your space, stacking those wins, and flexing with confidence because you are THAT energy.

No One Told Us to Go to 24 Hour Snacks — We Just Have Taste

There’s something about a place that pulls you in before you even step inside. For me — Taylor, editor of this column — that place was 24 Hour Snacks. I’d been watching it quietly for a while, but the real moment came during a shoot I did with Greyhearts, one of Kelowna’s first streetwear brands that truly accepted me as a creative local.

During that shoot, someone handed me a can of Liquid Death along with a candy brand I’d never seen before. The moment we tried them, everything shifted. The bold look of the can and the sweet punch of the candy inspired us to use them right in the shoot — we placed the can next to us, letting it shout alongside our fits. It wasn’t just a prop; it became part of the story. The colours, the energy, the attitude — everything screamed loud and proud. We were vibing hard, showing off our style and how much we genuinely loved the candy that came with the shoot. That combo sparked a creative wave none of us saw coming.

After that, I searched everywhere locally, trying to find those exact flavors and that same feeling again. I looked high and low, and then one day, there it was — right there on the shelf at 24 Hour Snacks. That’s when I knew. This wasn’t just a snack store. This was a creative hub waiting to be discovered.

So naturally, we brought our community there. Models, creatives, media from different backgrounds all gathered to soak up that unique energy. The owner was incredible, dropping by with fresh product releases and letting us run wild with our creative vision. That trust made the day feel special and authentic.

The photos we captured. The confidence our creatives showed. The connections we made that day — it became a highlight for the entire community. It showed us that sometimes it’s the little things, like a unique snack or a rare drink, that can spark huge moments of creativity and connection.

24 Hour Snacks isn’t just a shop… it’s a space that inspires. A place where diversity, creativity, and community come alive. And honestly, it’s one of the reasons I love doing what I do — helping shine a light on places and people that make Kelowna feel alive.

So if you haven’t been yet, trust me — it’s worth the visit. You’ll leave with more than snacks. You’ll leave with a new kind of energy.

Keep Your Sweetness Shining and Your Circle Pure

With so many events happening in Kelowna, especially with the creative growth booming over the last few years, it’s easy to feel left out if you don’t feel “involved.” But here’s how you can keep the content rolling, the fun happening, and with or without experience, get the same traction without selling your soul to those who only use your light to benefit themselves.

Find friends who share your values about what friendships truly look like. Sometimes people get into two-faced friendships because they know they’re just as inconsistent themselves. They don’t want a committed relationship if they’re still enjoying the benefits of doing things their own way. If they talk about others in front of you, believe me, they’re talking about you behind your back. Even worse, they probably don’t care about what you’re saying. They’re just looking for fuel to support their own perspective. That’s what self-obsessed people do. They love to be around hive-minded groups that echo their own energy.

If you want a pure circle, people who show up with the same energy they give without talking smack, you need to be honest about the types of conversations you’ll tolerate and what your time looks like with them. If it’s all good vibes and fun energy, no gossip or drama, then you can trust those people will continue showing up genuinely.

Don’t get caught up trying to fit in just because someone wants you to be their “yes person.” Don’t do it.

Tip two: flex your options. If your success or happiness makes people uncomfortable and you sense the energy shifting, it’s probably best to hold your peace. That feeling is not support. It’s jealousy unlocking a new character in your “friend.” Be proud of your wins. Shout them from the rooftops. Don’t care if others clap louder than you do.

You will find real friends who support even your weirdest hobbies or dreams. Why? Because they love you. And you deserve the world, baby. Don’t be quiet about your sweetness. Let people enjoy you while protecting your energy.

Our Community’s Ultimate Snack Picks You Have to Try

Our community absolutely loved everything we tried at 24 Hour Snacks. Jenayah couldn’t get enough of the popcorn and Fanta mixes, Hammad was all about the different varieties of Pringles, Sydney was obsessed with the strawberry KitKats, and Deep had a blast sampling both the snacks and drinks from everyone else — especially the unique beverages that added a fresh twist to the experience. We definitely rate this place a solid 10 out of 10. If you’re looking for something basic or are in a rush, this probably isn’t the spot for you. But if you want to take your time, explore all the options, and keep an open mind about what treats and drinks you can bring home or to your next party, 24 Hour Snacks is the perfect place to discover something new and exciting.

Here are a few fun ways to create a product shoot with your friends:
Use your favourite snacks as props—stack them, coordinate them with your outfit, or build a colour story around the packaging. Pro tip: tag 24 Hour Snacks when you post. If they like your content, there’s a chance they’ll repost, reach out, or even offer to collaborate. Put genuine effort into your shoot, and don’t forget to tag the official brand too. The more engagement your post gets, the trendier it becomes—and the easier it is for others to find your page and potentially send you free goodies or set up a collab.

15 Creative Snack-Inspired Content Ideas You Can Shoot with Just an iPhone or Camera

You don’t need fancy gear to make cool content—just a phone, a tripod, and a few creative ideas. Whether you’re shooting solo or with friends, here are some fun prompts to level up your feed and maybe even catch the eye of brands like 24 Hour Snacks. Pro tip: Match your outfit to your drink, pick locations that reflect the diversity of the snack (like a school field, a bus stop, or a picnic setup), and keep things authentic to your vibe. The more effort you put in, the more likely brands are to notice.

Prompt Idea	What You’ll Need	Creative Direction
1. Drink Colour Match	Matching outfit + drink	Style your fit to match your drink (e.g., grape soda = purple ‘fit)
2. Picnic Aesthetic	Picnic blanket, snacks, a tree	Create a cozy outdoor snack setup—film “what’s in my snack bag”
3. Bleacher Chill Vibes	School bleachers, snack stash	Shoot casual pre-game vibes snacking in sporty fits
4. Bus Stop Munchies	Bus bench, streetwear	Realistic + raw—waiting for the bus, snacking, vibing
5. Train Stop Snack Break	Train station (safe spot)	Dramatic outfit reveal or snack taste test while in transit
6. Grocery Bag POV	Snack-filled bag	“Just got back from the store” POV-style haul
7. Taste Test Close-Up	Front cam + snacks	Record fun or dramatic reactions—zoom into the flavour
8. Toss Transition	A friend or tripod	Toss snack into frame, transition to new look or spot
9. Snack Flex Fit Check	Hoodie, kicks, snack in hand	Treat the snack like part of your fit—confident and clean
10. Car Chill Haul	Parked car, dashboard tripod	Post-store mini snack mukbang or casual chat
11. Vending Machine Night Vibe	Local vending spot	Use the glow of vending lights for a moody, cool tone
12. Staircase Snack Break	Urban or park stairs	Sit-down, chill moments captured with your fave snack
13. Snack-Inspired Makeup	Colourful makeup, good lighting	Bold beauty look based on the snack packaging
14. GRWM with Snack Match	Closet + snack + mirror	Get ready, then end with the perfect snack match
15. Slow-Mo Toss	One friend or tripod	Dramatic slow motion of tossing/catching a snack

Bonus Prompt: “Snack Swap Collab”

Pair up with another creator. Each of you picks a snack for the other and films:

• First reaction
• Outfit match attempt
• Honest review (can be funny, dramatic, etc.)

This makes it collaborative and creates opportunity for resharing + community bonding.

Ever Noticed You Shine More Around Certain People?” 👀✨

Let’s talk about it…

There are people who make you feel like you need to dim your light to fit in—and then there are people who hype you up for being exactly who you are. If your circle doesn’t celebrate your weirdness, your style, your goals, your snacks, your content… it might be time to step back and ask why you’re still showing up there.

We’ve seen it firsthand: the most creative, confident people are often the ones who had to rebuild their circle from scratch.

Being around people who get it changes everything. The way you show up. The way you create. The way you speak. The way you move through a room. Energy is real—and the right people don’t drain you. They expand you.

🛑 So if your current group makes you feel tired, off, or unseen, maybe this is your sign.

✅ Find people who see your value.
✅ Create with people who make you feel safe and inspired.
✅ Stick with people who leave you better than they found you.

From a Digital Creator’s Lens: Is 24 Hour Snacks Worth Collaborating With?

When we first reached out to the owner of 24 Hour Snacks, they seemed a little hesitant about what exactly our goal was with the shoot. But after sending over a detailed shot list and mood board, they got on board! This kind of caution is pretty common with small business owners, especially in smaller towns where people are very aware of their self-image and how promotion can shape their identity.

Leading up to the shoot, the energy was great, and on site we received a warm welcome. After everything wrapped, we got a thankful message from the owner—that was it. It was straightforward, not overly emotional, but perfect for anyone with a clear mission and direct goals.

We’d recommend this spot more to intermediate or advanced creatives since the location can be a bit busy. But the team loves the idea of video content! If you pitch a taste test, a reel, or a walkthrough, you’re more likely to get in—even if you don’t have tons of experience with photos.

Our media member absolutely killed it capturing the subject despite the busy background, which is tough when you’re working with multiple fonts, colours, and aesthetics all around. Overall, it was a great vibe and a solid experience.

BTS — All Our Content

Thank you to all our readers every month for your amazing support. You’re the reason we get to keep creating cool stories and sharing our experiences. We can’t wait to continue growing together. All the love,
ZEAL