In Focus | Courtney Mueller

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?
Courtney Mueller.

Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
I was born in Ontario and have moved around a lot, almost every five years of my life, so I am a bit of a gypsy. We have lived in the Kelowna/Lake Country area for over six years and I am happy to call this home.

Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My family, which includes my husband Shane, my two daughters, Marley and Shyloh, and our dog, Lola. Because taking the time to connect with those I love most brings me true happiness.

If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Bora Bora to enjoy the sunshine on my face, the warm sand between my toes and the amazing huts that have glass floors to the ocean beneath.

What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
Raw, the clothing there is unique, comfortable and durable

What is your favourite activity?
Running/surfing/skiing, it's a three-way tie.

If you had to choose: pizza, tacos, or burgers?
Tacos, hard shell.

What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
I have had many embarrassing things happen to me, but one in particular comes to mind. One time I accidentally exposed my right breast to a salesman as I had forgot to do up my nursing top after feeding our 3-month-old at the time. His facial expression was unforgettable.

What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
I am inspired daily by my two daughters, ages four and one. They are a constant reminder to live in the moment, carefree and full of life.

Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
We had a cottage growing up in Muskoka on Lake Rosseau. So many childhood memories were spent there with family and friends. Lots of laughter and carefree living.

Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I donate blood at the Canadian Blood Services. As they say, 'It's in you to give'. I have also volunteered at a few half-way houses in Vancouver.

If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
One thing, that's tough. It would be to make sure everyone has what they need.

What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Wine touring.

Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
Alone time for me is running. Kelowna has amazingly beautiful trails and running routes.

What do you think makes Kelowna great?
That you can enjoy skiing, biking and surfing all in the same day if you wanted to. Plus, the people are pretty great.

What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1) Sky diving;
2) Swim the english channel;
3) Travel to Africa.

Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
Before being an RMT I was a counsellor in a methadone clinic on Hastings street in Vancouver. This opportunity was incredible and really opened my eyes and my heart. I also swam in the 1996 Olympic Trials for swimming and ran the Boston Marathon in 2010.

What is the name of your business/organization?
Nalu Registered Massage Therapy and Wellness.

Why did you get into/start this business?
I am very passionate about the importance of health and wellness. Bringing awareness to living life fully with vitality and meaning.

What is the goal of your business?
To encourage people towards a greater awareness about their own health and taking care of their bodies.

What has been your biggest struggle either in work or life?
The balance, the work/life balance. The struggle is that I don't seem to have enough time to get it all done and something inevitably feels as if it fell through the cracks. Could truly use 34 hours in a day.

If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
The same. I truly try and live life with no regrets. Can't change the past so don't dwell on it, learn from it. So many teaching moments in life.

What do you always find yourself saying?
'Use your words', 'Make good choices' and 'Choose love'.

If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
I know this person is supposed to be 'alive', her spirit is alive, I would give anything to spend one day with my mom.

Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
To keep our community unique. Where we shop, eat and have fun, all of it makes our community home. Our one-of-a-kind businesses are an integral part of the distinctive character of Kelowna.

What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Giving birth to my two beautiful girls. They are truly incredible and I am so grateful for them each and every day.

Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
My husband Shane. I don't tell him often enough how truly incredible he is. This past year has had it's challenges starting a new business with a young family. You are my rock and I LOVE you.

My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Kim, from Vietnamese Village Restaurant.

Some general comments I would like to share are:
Thank you for this opportunity.

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.