In Focus | Meenoo Thompson

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?
Meenoo Thompson.

Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
I’m a first generation Canadian, lived in Kelowna my whole life.

Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My sister, we always have good laughs together.

If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Cuba, I love the music and want to see the white beaches.

What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
Moo-Lix Ice Cream Shop, because walking downtown with a cone in the summer is a dream.

What is your favourite activity?
Hiking.

If you had to choose: pizza, tacos, or burgers?
PIZZA!!!!!

What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
Oh boy, that’s a scary question. Well, just recently, I was shopping and I was in a hurry to leave and thinking the exit door was automatic I crashed my cart into it hard causing a scene. I had a small chuckle and left as quickly and gracefully as I could.

What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Seeing my son’s happy face.

Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Spending time with my cousins, Saba and Shereen.

Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I am a big supporter of the local Red Cross and Show Kids You Care campaign. I like to give financially to charities that support children, the blind and cancer survivors/research. I also like giving to the local Central Okanagan Community Food Bank and supporting the Breakfast Club of Canada.

If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
No suffering children.

What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Parks Alive, I love listening to live music. It’s a special thing to be part of.

Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
My living room, it’s a cozy place.

Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
More after school programs and team sports for children.

What do you think makes Kelowna great?
The wonderful people and the beautiful beaches.

What are 3 things on your bucket list?
Business success.
Living in the same town as my family.
Seeing my children grow into happy/healthy adults.

Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I LOVE backgammon.

How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest)
I’m a cell phone junky and love receiving texts. I also keep in contact with family and friends through Facebook.

What is the name of your business/organization?
Accomp Services Ltd.

Why did you get into/start this business?
When I was a child, my mom would come home on the weekends with boxes of paperwork. I would sit and help her sort. Eventually, I was upgraded from paper sorting to data entry and little by little, I learned how to do basic bookkeeping at a young age. I come from a family of self-employed men and women; we love the rush of being self-employed.

What is the goal of your business?
A happy environment for staff and clients

What has been your biggest struggle either in work or life?
I want to accomplish everything.

If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
Personally, I would stand up for myself against the school bullies. Business, no.

What do you always find yourself saying?
'No problem!', 'Ok!' and 'Yes!' I also enjoy singing, I make up jingles while I work.

If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
My sister, she is the best person I know.

Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
There is a value to supporting locally, not only financially, but by also connecting with your neighbours on an emotional level.

What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Running a business.

Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Karen Grant, my employee, because she is a strong, smart and independent women.

My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Sophie Brown with Blenz Coffee.

Some general comments I would like to share are
Don’t underestimate the power of positivity.

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.