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?
Kim Perpete
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
From Oshawa Ont; arrived in Kelowna Aug 15, 2003 - my birthday, and the worst day of the Okanagan Mountain Park fires.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My wife - even though we work together, there is no one else who makes me laugh harder.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Camping in Carmanah Valley, Walbran Forest on Vancouver Island. I'm not sure how long those old growth trees are going to be there.
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
I have several. Funktional, Naked Cafe and Olive & Elle all have a special place in my heart. Strong women making their way in this world is so inspirational!
What is your favourite activity?
Hiking, biking and swimming with my dog & wife!
If you had to choose: pizza, tacos, or burgers?
All three; but with a twist. Vegan pizza from Dunenzies, vegan tacos from Bare Taco and burgers at Naked Cafe
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
I'll never forget it! First day of grade nine.I tripped while running up the steps getting to my first class. I splayed out flat on my face, binders slid across the floor, kilt up over my back. And of course, the seniors were all in the hallway!
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Probably watching Cowspiracy…I could no longer eat meat and dairy without thinking about the environmental, social and spiritual consequences. So I haven't since!
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
I had a lot of fun with my little brother when we were kids. One time I was spinning him around on my desk chair so fast that he flew off, hit my closet and slid to the floor. We nearly died laughing so hard!
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
We donate a LOT of products and services to multiple charities throughout the year. We also donate monthly to the SPCA and Gospel Mission.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
I wish all animal lovers would take the next step and stop eating animals and animal secretions. Companion animals are not the only beings that need our love and protection.
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Knox Mountain hikes and dips in the lake are by far my favourite things to do here
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
Oh my..it's been so long. Probably just a night away in any of our lovely waterfront hotels...with a spa treatment of course!
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
We still have a long way to go in order to make this a safe and welcoming place for out LGBT community. The ridiculousness that happened last summer with our rainbow crosswalk was a perfect example of how far we have to go.
If you were granted one wish for work or in life, what would it be?
I need a successor! I have a lot to teach, and I'm still looking for that motivated self-starter who wants to own her own business one day.
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I left home at 17, started working and never looked back.
What is the name of your business/organization?
Namaste Day Spa
What does your business do?
Eminence Organic facials and retail, all types of hair removal, massage and aesthetics.
How do people connect with you through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest)
Facebook: Namaste-Day-Spa
Instagram: namastespakelowna
Twitter: @namastedayspa
Where can people find your business online?
www.namastespakelowna.com
Why did you get into/start this business?
I had an intuitive sense of what was missing in spas at the time..sanctuary and attention to detail. I must have been right because we have been slammed for 10 years!
What is the goal of your business?
To bring healing, organic services to our locals, and to provide fulfilling work for my employees.
What has been your biggest struggle either in work or life?
Asking for help, letting go and trusting that the universe will take care of me.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I don't know a business owner alive who wouldn't do things differently if given the chance! I would have expanded my team earlier…just needed to trust!
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
I believe in not only shopping locally but supporting the businesses who support you. We have to build a strong local economy and spending locally is the first step.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Our mayor Colin Basran has restored my faith in politics. And what he has done for the LGBT community will go down in history.
My nomination for the In Focus spotlight is:
Deanne Leung of Stepping Stones; the work she has done for the children of the Okanagan needs to be recognized.
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!