In Focus | Melanie Brandt

Meet Melanie. Melanie is Okanagan born and raised! She enjoys spending time outdoors with her kids, sampling all the incredible wines of the Okanagan, and spending some quality time with her husband & bestfriend, Paul.


Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
Born and raised in Kelowna! I moved to Vancouver for undergrad, then Portland for Chiropractic.

Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My husband, Paul. We are bestfriends and just get eachother. My favourite times are filled with love & laughter, celebrating milestones and talking about our dreams. You know you have your person when you can sit in silence together and feel comfortable in that.

What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
Lakeview Market - it's a "small town" feel and a staple in our community.

Describe yourself in one word.
Driven.


If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Kona, Hawaii. My happy place :)

What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Getting outside with the kids. Exploring, walking barefoot. Oh, and wine tasting ;)

What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
Oh man...probably best to leave this one blank...lol

What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
My patients inspire me every day and for different reasons. I get to hear all different stories, from struggles to celebrations; each one I am grateful for and inspired by.


Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
I grew up in a family of 6 and we were lucky to grow up on the property. My favourite times were spent exploring our property - building forts by the creek, exploring SE Kelowna on the horses, swimming and suntanning by the pool, walking to Harvest Grocery for 5 cent candy, and riding around on ATVs and snowmobiles.

Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
As a clinic, we love volunteering our services at local events. In more recent years this has included helping treat golfers on the Mackenzie Tour, various Kelowna Running Club events, and the Across the Lake Swim.

If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
I would send us back to a time pre-smart phone and social media when we used to connect with the person and not their on-line presence.

Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
Anywhere with water and a breeze! So lucky, you can throw a stone from anywhere in Kelowna and find a spot!!


Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
I feel like Kelowna is already making steps in the right direction! In recent years there have been many improvements to trails and bike lanes, waterfront areas, parks, etc. Our South Pandosy area is always improving, with the exception of available parking in our area.

What do you think makes Kelowna great?
Kelowna is the heart of the Okanagan. We get 4 seasons and have a mountains and lakes. And amazing wine. What more could you ask for!?

What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1 - Take an entire summer off and travel/camp around BC with my family.
2 - Spend time exploring Europe with my husband.
3 - Finish my DNS training/certification in Prague.

Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I love thrill rides - rollercoasters, etc. I am looking forward to 6 Flags in July!! One of my favourite memories is Sky-diving with my husband and I hope to do this over the Hawaiian Islands one day!


How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
https://www.facebook.com/activelivingkelowna/ https://www.instagram.com/chiroactiveliving/

What is the name of your business/organization?
Active Living Chiropractic

Why did you get into/start this business?
I started into Chiropractic because of my love for anatomy and physiology as well as my passion to help people. What a great profession - to be able to help people and the ability to do that using just your hands! Amazing.

What is the goal of your business?
To be an amazing place to work with a great team of professionals who take pride in our approach - keeping our patients our number one priority and the center of our practice.


What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Like a lot of business owners, I struggle with work/life balance. I have learned to make health a priority so I can be the best me for my family and my patients.

If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I wouldn't change a thing!

What do you always find yourself saying?
"Sorry, I'm running behind!"...good thing I have the best and most understanding patients and staff!

Tell us your best piece of life advice.
"Just go for it. Life's short; figure out what you want out of life, work hard, and make it happen!! And enjoy the process!"


If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
My mom. Hands down. I'm lucky - I get to spend lots of days with her. She always lifts me up and supports me in any way she can. She has taught me compassion and how to be a genuine & kind person. I still learn from her everyday! I hope one day my kids can say the same thing about me.

Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
It's important to support local businesses, many of them family owned and creating jobs for others in our community. It creates a sense of connection, we are all in this together!

What has been your proudest accomplishment?
My proudest accomplishment and probably my hardest job to date - becoming a mom to my two beautiful girls.

Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
My Team at Active Living!


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

Some general comments I would like to share are:
Thanks Kelowna Now for this opportunity and for your support! I know I speak for the whole team at Active Living when I say we are so grateful to all our patients, family, friends, and this amazing community for trusting us with your health and supporting us for the past 10 years. Cheers!

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.