Meet Nickie. She is initially from the Maritimes but moved out West after graduating from High School. After living in Calgary for 11 years, she needed a drastic change away from the hectic city life and moved to beautiful Kelowna!
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My boyfriend Nick because he's the funniest person I know. Can I add my dog meatloaf too? He's pretty rad.
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
I absolutely adore the little weirdo art shop called Karmyc Bazaar. It is full of original art and silliness. I could spend hours there!
Describe yourself in one word.
Unique
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
I would take a vacation to Thailand with my boyfriend Nick so that we could eat piles of pad thai and sleep in a treehouse on the beach.
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Exploring the beautiful nature around Kelowna and paddle boarding on the lake.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
When I was in grade two I threw up on the carpet during class and was absolutely mortified. My best friend told everyone she spilled her juice to make me feel better. I don't think they believed her, but it made me love her even more than I already do.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
The most inspiring thing to happen in my life was probably during one of my work trips to Afghanistan. The hotel I was staying in was on lock-down as the airport beside us was being bombed by the Taliban. It was a scary experience and really got the ball rolling on what I should be doing (or not doing) with my life. You really think about what and who is important to you in those moments. It gave me an appreciation for my beautiful home country and the people who were waiting for me to come back.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
My favorite childhood memory was when my mom decided I was old enough to hang out with her and her friends. She took me on a overnight trail ride on horse-back and got me to join in on their late night card games. Those times were the absolute best. There's nothing more special to a kid than being looked at as a friend in the eyes of a parent.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
My father and I raise money whenever we can for an orphanage in Haiti. Prior to that he raised enough money to build seven schools in the Dominican Republic and I find him to be an incredible inspiration. He makes me want to help more people!
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
The damage we humans do to our planet.
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
If I told you that it wouldn't be a secret anymore.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
I would like to see more programs and assistance for the people who are homeless downtown. It makes me sad to see so many people without a place to go home to.
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
I think Kelowna is an amazing city full of vibrant people, beautiful art, and pretty beaches.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1.Go to Thailand and hang out with the monkeys.
2.Write a book and inspire someone.
3.Have an art show on the other side of the world somewhere.
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I'm allergic to strawberries and almonds.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
Instagram , Facebook
What is the name of your business/organization?
Oyama Lake Eco Lodge
Why did you get into/start this business?
I was living in the corporate world and hated it. Why not give up city life for life on the lake, in the woods, with ten chickens and amazing visitors to connect with?
What is the goal of your business?
I love meeting new people and hearing their stories. Our goal is to bring as many possible people to Oyama Lake so that they can experience the wonders of this little piece of paradise.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
My biggest struggle lately has been to not work so hard and to take more time for my loved ones.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
Definitely the same. My life has been great and I am very grateful for that.
What do you always find yourself saying?
Probably some random weird noise combined with awkward dance moves. That's my jam.
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Don't be so hard on yourself. Take time for fun. I wish I was listening to that advice right now!
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
I would spend my day with Nick Scott. And it would be a whole day of adventuring without any technology. He's the absolute best!
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
We have to support each other in order for our neighbors and community succeed.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Taking over the lodge has been something I am so proud of. I am so incredibly excited for the future and the ability to be able to follow through with some of the crazy projects in my head.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Nikki Hunter is a gorgeous lady who promotes eco friendly, cruelty free beauty products in Kelowna with passion and charisma. She's the bomb dot com!
My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Nikki Hunter
Some general comments I would like to share are:
Thanks for being awesome and promoting people and awesome things! Woot
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!
