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?
Teresa Meyer
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
I am from Vancouver. I moved to Kelowna with my husband August 14, 2015.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My favourite person to spend time with is my 2-year-old grand-daughter, Olivia. My son James, his wife Crystal and Olivia live in Coquitlam so I do not get to spend as much time with them as I would like at the moment. Olivia is pure sweetness, no other response needed!
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
My own back garden with pool is the only place I want to be right now! It is our dream come true. Complete solace!
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
My favourite store in Kelowna is the Downtown Shoe Store. Need I say more!!
What is your favourite activity?
I am an avid reader! My favourite solo activity is to read outside in my garden. I love to hike and go for long walks around the hills in Kelowna with my husband Graham.
If you had to choose: pizza, tacos, or burgers?
Well… not a true fan of any of those but if I had to choose it would be ultra thin crust pizza every time!!
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
Hmmm….that would be a conversation I had with a Disney producer (thinking he was a parent of one of our background children on the Santa Clause 2). Without embarrassing myself further, I answered his question about how happy I was to be working on a huge Disney production except for the lower pay scale as per other large production companies. We both learned something valuable that day and all ended well!
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
I have had many inspiring incidences in my life. One that stands out is this… I have taught film makeup and special effects makeup at John Casablancas Institute in Vancouver for the past 5 years. One of my students was a young girl who so desperately wanted to be a film makeup artist but had many obstacles to overcome. The biggest was that she was in a wheelchair without the use of her legs. The second was her severe allergies to some of the makeup products. I became quite close with her and really tried to gently let her know the brutal facts of how hard the film business is to an able bodied person let alone someone with difficulties as hers. This young girl did everything in her powers to overcome every obstacle in her way. Wore gloves throughout the whole 10-month course, transported her huge makeup kit in a mini trailer behind her wheelchair, was happy and a pleasure to work with! She inspired me to never give up on dreams and to stop complaining when life seems to be serving lemons!! She was amazing and not only graduated but is doing very well!
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
As above I have many. One of my favs is of my dear deceased father when all six of us kids were kids. We lived in Lumby here in the Okanagan and my father was the only RCMP officer in that small detachment at the time. As crazy busy as he must have been, He still found the time to play with all six of us! I remember he would flood our back yard and make the most amazing skating rink that we would be on until dark every day! He also makes a huge slay that he would tow behind our snowmobile with all the kids on it! Great memories!
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I am so new to Kelowna so am still searching for my feet especially in this area. In the past, in Vancouver, I have given makeup lessons to cancer patients who just want to go out into the world looking somewhat like the selves they really are. Was also very inspiring to work with people so strong while so sick.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
Only one answer to that one…. rid the world of this horrific terrorism going on in virtually every country around the world.
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
My favourite activity in Kelowna is showing off my gorgeous new way of life to my friends that come to visit from Vancouver! The wineries, restaurants, the lake … it goes on and on!! My own back yard!!
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
Again,.. my own back garden pool! Very private and soon beautiful, peaceful!
If you were granted one wish for work or in life, what would it be?
Success in doing what I am passionate about! A happy, healthy family. A selfish wish is to have all my family living here in Kelowna so I don’t have to miss them!
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
Something most people (except my immediate family) don’t know about me is that I am a ‘ping pong’ lover! We have a table in our basement and my husband and I can spend hours pinging together!
What is the name of your business/organization?
Joules Rejuvenation
What does your business do?
My business is a Medical Aesthetics Spa. I am certified in Laser treatments of all kinds. I also specialize and am certified in Micro-needling treatments for scar rejuvenation and anti-aging.
Where can people find your business online?
www.joulesrejuvenation.com
Why did you get into/start this business?
I have spent the last 18 years in the film industry as a makeup/special effects makeup artist as well as an aesthetician and hair stylist. I was ready to spend more time with my family (film is 16 hour days!) I upgraded my education to Medical Aesthetician and became a laser / micro-needle specialist and now operate a Spa from my home.
What has been your biggest struggle either in work or life?
My biggest struggle with work and probably life is finding that right balance of both. Family and work. Finding that sweet spot of enjoying and thriving in both worlds.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
Honestly, I would change nothing. My life has been an adventure and I would not have my beautiful boys or my vast experiences if I changed a thing!
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
I always shop locally. I am local, my spa is local. I respect and support the people around me!
My nomination for the In Focus spotlight is:
Jennifer White of Flora and Forest. Jenn is the creator of the most beautiful handmade, local jjewellerythat I just love! She is so creative with her use of local flowers and gems. Love it all!
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!
