Meet Melissa! She's a Certified Holistic Nutritional Consultant with a focus on fertility. She's from Salmon Arm and has lived in Kelowna for 7.5 years.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My husband and two kids. I'm a very family oriented person and being with my family makes me happy and gives me energy.
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
Chai Baba. They have delicious organic teas, a peaceful atmosphere and wonderful people running the store. I love meeting friends there for an almond milk chai latte
Describe yourself in one word.
Intuitive
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Back to Bali. We had a beautiful holiday there in 2017, and the experience was magical. The weather in Bali is perfect, the people are kind, and the food is dynamic. It felt like home.
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Hiking with my dog or doing hot yoga.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
Nothing comes to mind!
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Having a VBAC. My daughter was born by an emergency c-section, and her birth was not what I had envisioned for her and I. When I went into labour on my own with my son and brought him into the world I had never felt more proud of myself. It was so inspiring to travel on that journey with him and to honour both of their births, even though they were so different.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
We vacationed every summer at our family home on the sunshine coast. It is one of my most favourite places in the world, and I have very fond memories of our summers there.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I give free nutrition talks at different fundraising events. Most recently I spoke with a group of dancers on Injury Prevention where we were raising money for Jumpstart 4 Kids.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
Make healthy, whole foods accessible and affordable for everyone and have everyone be educated on what healthy eating truly is.
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
A yoga class. Although I would be surrounded by a bunch of other yogis, I would get my zen me time.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
I live in West Kelowna and find that there isn't really a "downtown" area that you can walk, meet a friend for a tea or browse through shops as you can do in downtown Kelowna. It would be nice to have a more social area on the westside where people can meet up and feel more like they are a part of a community.
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
The green spaces, the orchards, the weather, the lake and the excitement for healthy living.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1.Travel to and explore India.
2. Live abroad with my husband and children for a year.
3. Learn to speak Spanish.
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I'm also a dance instructor and love to work with kids
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
FB @bodyfuelnutritionokanagan, IG @bodyfuelnutrition
What is the name of your business/organization?
Body Fuel Nutrition
Why did you get into/start this business?
To help change peoples perceptions on what healthy eating truly is and help as many people live healthier lives as possible.
What is the goal of your business?
To help women who are struggling to conceive get pregnant.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Getting pregnant. But going through that struggle gave me my purpose and my mission to help other women who are struggling.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I would do them exactly the same. I am who I am because of the experiences I have had, good and bad.
What do you always find yourself saying?
I have a 2.5 year old so "holy smokeadoodles" comes out a lot haha.
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Don't try to do everything yourself. It's ok to ask for help.
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
My husband. We don't get nearly enough time together, and he is the best part of living. I love him dearly.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
To support our neighbours and to put less stress on the planet
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Every time I help a woman get pregnant I feel so proud.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
My mom. She gives and gives and gives to others and never asks for anything in return. She is an incredible woman and is always there for me. I love you, mom.
My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Alexis Feist of Alexis Feist Photography
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 organizations that help make our city great. Thank you, Kelowna!
