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?
Maegan Merrifield.
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
I was born in Southern California and have lived in Kelowna for almost 15 years.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My husband and kids. They encourage me toward adventure, are my greatest source of love, believe in me, and are tons of fun.
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
There are so many great ones! If I had to pick one, I’d say Mosaic Books. I love wandering though book stores and am always reading – there are stacks of my books all over our house.
Describe yourself in one word.
Genuine
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Somewhere warm and by the ocean. Right now, probably Maui – instant relaxation.
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Eating! I love all of the local restaurants and cafes. There are so many delicious options and seriously talented chefs in this city.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
There are way too many to list here. I’m fairly clumsy and am always spilling things. If I’m wearing white, guaranteed there’s a stain on it.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Watching my kids grow, dreaming big, and exploring life are definitely at the top of the list. I’m also fortunate to know a lot of business owners and entrepreneurs. I am inspired by each of them for working incredibly hard to pursue their passions, creating new opportunities, and having innovative ideas. Watching them rise to meet challenges and experience success is amazing.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Riding my bike to the beach every day of the summer.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
Most recently, the Kelowna Women’s Shelter, as part of a campaign to update their playground. I’m also very proud to share that 10% of all of the proceeds from Solstice Yoga go to non-profit organizations in the community.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
For people to be more compassionate, generous, and hopeful.
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
I love walking along Abbott listening to a great podcast and finding tiny little beach accesses. Being near the water is incredibly calming and restorative to me.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
I think there is a huge need in Kelowna for affordable and low-income housing. I love Kelowna and think everyone should have an equal opportunity to create a life here.
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
Being connected to nature, beautiful parks and lakes, great locally owned places to eat, and amazing wineries.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1. Do a multi-day silence retreat
2. Visit Scotland and Finland (my grandparents were first generation immigrants from those countries)
3. Drink champagne in the Champagne region of France
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I have a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology. My previous career was working and volunteering in mental health services.
How do people connect with you personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
You can find me via Solstice yoga at Solstice.yoga on Instagram and Solstice Yoga on Facebook.
What is the name of your business/organization?
Solstice Yoga.
Why did you get into/start this business?
I wanted to create a space for yoga to feel open and accessible. I believe everyone can benefit from yoga and meditation. Having a background mental health, I’m passionate about bringing the science of meditation and mindfulness into the studio. Research is showing that a consistent mindfulness practice creates new neural pathways, positively impacts parts of the brain responsible for empathy, and helps reduce stress and anxiety. Ultimately, I hope to help people get to know themselves better in a more compassionate self-accepting way. How you show up today, in this moment, is enough.
What is the goal of your business?
To provide high quality customer service in a beautiful facility. To offer yoga and meditation that is accessible and safe. To create a welcoming space and supportive community for people to develop, explore, expand, and deepen their yoga and meditation practices. We want people to feel cared for from the moment they walk in the door to the moment they leave. We do that by providing everything needed for our classes (mats, props, meditation cushions, etc.). We set up and clean up every class for our clients, have fully appointed locker rooms with complimentary towel service and salon quality products, and an amazing staff.
What has been your biggest struggle either in work or life?
Staying present. I struggle with anxiety, so am often worrying about that thing I said yesterday or what’s next on the to do list. That’s why I like yoga and meditation so much, it has been transformative in teaching me how to be in the moment and trust that everything will be okay.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I would definitely relax more. Things really do work out exactly how they’re meant to.
What do you always find yourself saying?
Just do the next right thing. It’s from one of my favourite writers and has become a bit of a life moto.
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
You don’t have to have an answer or respond to things right away. It’s okay to wait, take time to think, get soft and quiet, and allow your inner wisdom to speak.
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Oh gosh there are so many! Elizabeth Gilbert, Brene Brown, Tina Fey, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Ruth Bader Ginsberg, Shonda Rhimes, Glennon Doyle, John Kabat-Zinn…
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
I love supporting people in my community, people who have had a vision and taken the risk to make things happen. To literally be able to support someone’s dream – that’s a fantastic thing.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Raising my two kids. They’re amazing! They’re 11 and 15 and it keeps getting better. I love getting to know the people they’re becoming.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
I want to give a shout out to the entire Solstice team! They have all worked incredibly hard to get Solstice open and are some of the kindest and most dedicated people I know.
My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Shanna Martin from Hatch Designs – she is passionate about bringing beauty and life to spaces and is ridiculously talented.
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.
