In Focus is our gift to the community. A way for us to help show our recognition for the people, businesses and organizations that help make our city great. The team at KelownaNow.com is passionate about this community and the people that make it amazing. We want to show our friends, neighbours, family and colleagues that we notice them and the fabulous things that they do.
What is your name?
Chun Li
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
Grew up in Vancouver (since the age of five) and I've been in Kelowna since 2009 for my undergraduate studies.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
I spend a lot of time with my staff as the core of this group have been together through University and student groups. HQ49's staff are basically one big family that hangs out together all the time regardless of work or not.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Korea has always been a destination that I've wanted to visit for years. Its food culture is the main reason I have to go eventually.
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
I have two stores that are absolute favourites of mine, SS Korean and Ume Foods. I like to eat good food at an affordable price and they've yet to disappoint me.
What is your favourite activity?
Basketball is my favourite activity. It took up a good majority of my childhood.
If you had to choose: pizza, tacos, or burgers?
Burgers.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
When I was young, my swimming trunks ripped when I was at the pool. Two girls had to tell me, imagine how many others saw….yup. I haven't gone back to that pool since.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
It would have to be winning the district championship when I was in Grade 11. It's not a huge accomplishment, but I will never forget seeing the entire school come out to cheer us on. I've never seen the gym so packed, ever.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
Nowadays because of the business, I don't always have the time to volunteer as much as I'd like. Instead, I work with many different organizations like Tier and Rutland Boys and Girls Club to provide them free/affordable location and alternative activities that they may otherwise not try.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
I think the one things I would change is the distribution of wealth.
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
I like to go for a walk by a different beach as often as I can.
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
It's not in Kelowna, but I like to explore different parts of Kalamalka Lake.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
I've lived in Rutland for the most part of my time in Kelowna and thus I would like to see more positive changes here. The new park is a fantastic start.
If you were granted one wish for work or in life, what would it be?
I would love to be able to transfer people/objects from one location to another in an instant.
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I've gained and lost weight from 150lb to 200lb and back…several times.
What is the name of your business/organization?
HQ49
What does your business do?
We provide an environment for people to hang out.
How do people connect with you through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest)
HQ49Entertainment
Where can people find your business online?
headquarter49.com/
Why did you get into/start this business?
Because there aren't enough places designed for all ages
What is the goal of your business?
To be the most affordable place for the community to hang out and have fun on a daily basis.
What has been your biggest struggle either in work or life?
To stay affordable yet still stay in business.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I would definitely change up certain things but life is a learning process and I'm glad I'm learning from my mistakes.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
I feel it is one of the most effective ways to get the majority of money invested back into the city and local economy.
Other information you would like to share:
We are having our summer specials menu coming out this week (May15-21). For the entire week, all drinks (except for real fruit smoothies) are $3 with toppings if you do five squats. We also have a great summer waffle special!!
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, Kelowna!
