Meet Imelda Wright. She's worked in the lower mainland as a nurse for 30 years. She then came to Kelowna in July 2017 after she acquired her Nurse Next Door business.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
Aside from my family, I love to spend time with seniors which I have many connections with through my business. They provide so much insight into their lives and how they have become who they are. I consider it a privilege to be able to connect with.
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
Urban General on Capri Mall is my favourite store because they have almost everything at a very reasonable price!
Describe yourself in one word.
Passionate.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Europe. I have only been there once and love it. I would love to explore the richness of culture and history in various parts of Europe.
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Salsa Thursdays and walking.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
I was at a winery tour event that Quails Gate Winery had on. When the server had asked if we wanted to taste red wine, I promptly answered 'No thanks, we're white people.' I am Asian so this did not go with my statement, how embarrassing!
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
There are a couple of moments that I remember and consider inspirational. First, is a previous director, who I worked under many years ago, her leadership style and skills are so inspirational to me. She connected with her staff at any level and was well respected by her colleagues. I wanted to emulate her and inspired to become a leader. Secondly, is my daughter Kayla. She had taken on a lot of responsibilities at a young age of 20. She had to take care of her siblings and other students we were looking after. She is managing our home and our affairs, in my absence. All this plus working a full-time job. I am very proud of her, and she inspires me to even work harder for our family.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Spending time with my siblings and family are the best fond memories I have. We are a close-knit family, including extended families like cousins, uncles, aunts and cousins from both sides of my family.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I was very active in my Filipino community and Catholic church activities, back in the lower mainland. Here in Kelowna, being new, I still have to find my niche and ways to give back to the community.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
ACCEPTANCE. If everyone would learn how to accept each other ways and differences, the world would be a better place.
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
I hear the Sparkling Hill Resort is lovely.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
Kelowna is a very beautiful city. Especially in the summer, vagrancy and homelessness are rampant. I think the City of Kelowna can do a better job at keeping our downtown areas clean, safe and livable.
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
Kelowna has many great aspects. The people are very friendly, there are many areas to visit, the weather is mild enough in the winters and warm enough in the summer. The landscape is fantastic. It reminds me of Greece with many wineries to visit makes it so pleasurable.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1. Tour of Europe
2. Learn another language, perhaps Spanish
3. Visit more Asian countries such as Japan and Singapore
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I love travelling with my companions.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
Facebook and LinkedIn.
What is the name of your business/organization?
Nurse Next Door.
Why did you get into/start this business?
This has been my ultimate goal for many years. As a nurse, I wanted to continue working but owning my own business.
What is the goal of your business?
Our business aims to help with as many seniors as we can to keep them from their home, wherever they are. We are there to assist them in any way.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
I think my biggest struggle now is my weight. Who doesn't, right?
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I would not change anything at all. I have learned so many lessons from my past experiences which makes me who I am today. I must say I love me today. I can't complain.
What do you always find yourself saying?
Always find the positive things in situations, no matter how bad it may be.
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
This too shall pass. Life is too short to hang on to negativity, bad memories or incidents. Move on.
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Oprah Winfrey. I think it would be a great time learning all her wisdom and also her spirituality.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
Our economy is bolstered by shopping locally. This helps everyone.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Being able to raise three children and get my degree in nursing.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Bruce Uzelman. He is a very hardworking business owner in Kelowna. He has owned the business for many years and works pretty much every day. He is a very reserved person and deserves a spotlight.
My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Urban General.
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.
In Focus is our gift to the community. A way for us to help show our recognition of the people, businesses, and organization that help make our city great. Thank you, Kelowna!
