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?
Susie Ponici
What do you always find yourself saying?
Knowledge is power. I have an insatiable appetite for new discoveries, especially in the health and personal development arena. The day you stop learning, is the day you stop growing, and that’s a dangerous territory.
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Tony Robbins. He is an authentic example of someone who overcame adversity and turned it into something extraordinary. Do yourself a favour and pick up a copy of his book, “Awaken the Giant Within”. This here is my bible!
If you were to receive any existing public award, what award would you like to win?
The Best of Kelowna, for Best Health Practitioner
Who inspires you?
My family. No one has more faith in my work than my husband and two girls. They are my greatest fans and remind me daily to shoot for the stars no matter how hard the challenge.
What are three things on your bucket list?
Spend an extended period of time in Europe and experience the culture and history of various countries. (even though I am already European born and raised)
Become the founder of an integrative wellness centre for Lyme victims which offers an integrative approach to facilitate healing
Attend a Tony Robbins Retreat in Fiji at the number one Resort and Spa, to experience the ultimate cleanse of the body, mind and soul through daily mediation, diet, yoga, and personal empowerment. I hear it's life changing!
If you had an enormous yacht, what would you name it?
I’d name it after my husband who I have called “KIKI” since the beginning of time.
If you could foresee a single day of your future in its entirety, what date would you select?
I believe that life begins at 40. You develop life skills in your 20's, make your mistakes in your 30's, and perfect much of those mistakes in your 40's. I see it as a new era in which I will enjoy the fruits of my labor and live life to the max.
What are you passionate about?
I am here to help people understand their potential for wellness on all levels, regardless of their failing health. I went from my deathbed to having emerged to my best health EVER after an extensive battle with Lyme disease. If I can come out of the worst health crisis of our era, then so can others. My recovery has elevated me to a realm where I feel I can accomplish anything I set my mind to. I’m here to inspire this belief wherever I go.
What has been your favourite day of your life, up to this point?
The day I discovered that I had found my soul mate at 19 years of age. Seventeen years later, we are still ridiculously in love.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Bringing two perfect baby girls into the world who represent the love that hubby and I share would be at the top of my list. But my greatest personal accomplishment was that the day I obtained my Diploma in Holistic Nutrition with honours following an intensive program, which led to the launch of my private clinic. I pursued all this at a time when I was undergoing aggressive treatment for Lyme disease, working full-time, and juggling family life all at once. I still marvel at how I managed it all!
Where is your favourite place to dine in Kelowna? What do you like about it?
Grapevine Restaurant at Gray Monk Estate Winery is just outside of Kelowna in Lake Country, and is situated on a vineyard overlooking lake Okanagan. The stunning views and gourmet dining brings a Tuscan vibe to the overall experience.
What is your favourite activity or event in Kelowna? Why?
I live in a lakeshore community and always look forward to paddle boarding and kayaking. But my ultimate thrill is to ride with hubby on our Harley and enjoying the scenic routes throughout the valley. It is our favourite way to bond!
What is the name of your business/organization?
Susie Ponici, R.H.N.
What does your business/organization do?
I am a Registered Holistic Nutritionist, and en-route to becoming Board Certified. My specialty focuses on Lyme Disease, autoimmune nutrition, and women’s health.
Where can people find you or your business online?
www.susieponici.com
Where can people find your business on Facebook?
Susie Ponici rhn
How do people connect with you on Linkedin?
Susie Ponici
What is your mission?
To help all Lyme disease victims understand their potential to heal by utilizing the power of nutrition and alternative medicine. There is life after Lyme disease!
If you could achieve one thing within your field, what would it be?
To tackle my dream of writing a book that highlights my journey with Lyme disease, and to showcase my expertise in Lyme literacy which one day will open doors for international projects.
Where do you want your business/organization to be in five years?
I have a strong desire to promote Lyme awareness, not just in my community but throughout Canada. As a Lyme survivor, I hope to exponentially increase traffic to my business and offer a broad-spectrum approach to beating this illness.
Who do you consider to be a forerunner within your field?
Dr. Alana Berg is a naturopath who is a household name in the Okanagan for treating Lyme disease with great success. She is a tremendous physician who helps to decipher the complexities that comes with this illness.
What three qualities do you feel that your business/organization exemplifies?
Whether I work one-on-one, or in a public setting, I want to portray integrity, compassion, and authenticity. Broken people seek vulnerability and I am not ashamed to portray that part of me. I believe my personal story is what makes me successful in my field. To be authentic means to show your weakness from time to time. I am a professional but I understand the importance of transparency because it strengthens the relationship between my clients and I.
How does your business/organization impact the community?
I am humbled by the daily phone calls and emails I receive from people who are excited to meet me and hear about my personal recovery. Once I refer them to the appropriate doctor, they feel like they've been given lifeline which is amazing to hear!
If you were trapped in an elevator with several wealthy investors from any field, which field would you want them to be experts in? What would say to them/talk about?
I would pitch about the Lyme disease epidemic, and the costliness associated with the treatments. I’d propose that they invest in a wellness centre in the Okanagan that specifically treats Lyme victims and recruit various health professionals who implement affordable, integrative tools to facilitate healing. I’m talking ayurvedic medicine, naturopaths, chiropractors, herbologists, homeopaths, and energy healers. People are losing their quality of life on account of the high cost of treatment. Everyone deserves the best of integrative medicine, and cost should never stand in the way of someone’s recovery.
If I could change one thing about Kelowna, it would be:
Affordability! But I guess that’s what you get when you live in the most coveted city in all of Canada.
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
The outdoors!!! If you want mountains, vineyards, orchards, lakes, ski slopes, beaches and endless sunshine, Kelowna has it all! We are also one of the healthiest cities in Canada and have a very high concentration of health advocates and practitioners who promote wellness through so many events. I meet many like-minded people all the time and this has led to some exciting collaborations and friendships.
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!
