In Focus | Dr. Nicole Hartman

Meet Dr. Nicole Hartman! Nicole is originally from Vancouver and moved here to Kelowna with her family late last year. She enjoys snowshoeing up the mountains in the winter, visiting the local wineries in the summer and spending some quality time with her son.


Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
I grew up in Vancouver and moved to Kelowna in late 2018. My husband is from Kelowna and after we had our first child, it was a no-brainer to move back so he could grow up close to family.

Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My son! I have a 6-month-old little boy and he lights up my days. He already knows how to make me laugh so we have a great time together.

What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
There are so many fantastic local shops in Kelowna but Mosaic Books is one of my favourites. Their book selection is fantastic and they have some great unique gift ideas as well!

Describe yourself in one word.
Hopeful.

If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
I would love to go to Tanzania to hike Mount Kilimanjaro as it's been on my bucket list for years.

What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Wine tasting in the summer and snowshoeing in the winter.

What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
When I was in high school I really wanted to get blonde highlights in my hair. I went to a salon that I had never been to before and ended up with bright orange hair. To top it off, it was a week before graduation!


What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
This didn't actually happen to me but it's a story from the life of my grandfather. My mom's family immigrated to Canada as refugees from Uganda. They arrived in Vancouver in the middle of winter with no winter jackets to keep them warm. The Salvation Army donated jackets to the entire family to get them through. As soon as my grandfather was able to, he donated back to the Salvation Army so that they could continue to provide for people in need. Every time I hear that story it reminds me of all the good in the world.

Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
I have loved cats from a very young age. I remember the day that my parents brought me home my first kitten after years of begging for a cat. That was probably the most excitement I ever experienced as a child.

Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I like to donate to charities that mean a lot to me like women's shelters and the BCSPCA. This year as a clinic we have the goal of participating in some community charity events like The Terry Fox Run.

If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
I would make sure that every child has a family and is loved.

Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
There's a hiking trail behind my house that I use to find some quiet. I feel most at peace in nature listening to the birds.

Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
I would love to see a composting program implemented by the city to keep food waste out of the landfill.

What do you think makes Kelowna great?
The people - everyone is so friendly here!


What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1. Hike Mount Kilimanjaro
2. Publish a book
3. Do a cross-Canada road trip with my family

Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I have two Savannah cats, Kato & Zola.

How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
Facebook: Dr. Nicole Hartman - Naturopathic Physician, Instagram: @drhartman.nd

What is the name of your business/organization?
Dr. Nicole Hartman, ND. I practice out of Mind, Body, Soul Integrative Health Clinic as part of a great team of health practitioners.

Why did you get into/start this business?
I love naturopathy's approach to medicine - to treat the person, not the disease. I appreciate the freedom to treat with whatever modality is going to provide the safest and most effective results, whether that's pharmaceuticals, nutrition or herbs.

What is the goal of your business?
To provide compassionate healthcare and ensure my patients feel listened to.

What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
I was working in Langley for 4 years prior to moving to the Okanagan. It was a hard decision to uproot not only my life but also my practice that I worked so hard to build.


If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I don't believe in regrets. Every experience we have we either benefit from or learn from.

What do you always find yourself saying?
"Thank you."

Tell us your best piece of life advice.
"Do what makes you happy."

If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
My husband. Life can be so busy for both of us that I cherish those days that we get to spend together and connect.

Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
Shopping locally creates community. Supporting your neighbours will allow Kelowna to thrive.

What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Graduating from naturopathic medical school. Those four years were probably the most demanding time of my life and I have never been so proud as the day I walked across the stage for graduation.


Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Every member of the team at Mind, Body Soul! I work alongside such an inspiring group of individuals that I feel blessed to be there.

My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Melissa Kuan

Some general comments I would like to share are:
Dr. Hartman, ND is a naturopathic doctor at Mind Body Soul Integrative Health Clinic located downtown on Pandosy. She works as a primary care naturopathic physician with an expertise in digestive health, thyroid health and weight loss. Dr. Hartman has a special interest in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome, hypothyroidism and menopause. Learn more at www.drhartman.ca.

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In Focus is our gift to the community. A way for us to help show our recognition of the people, businesses, and organizations that help make our city great. Thank you, Kelowna!