In Focus | Shannon Mackenzie

Meet Shannon Mackenzie. She is originally from a ranch in Saskatchewan. She went to college in Alberta and made her way to Kelowna five years ago.

Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My favourite people to spend time with are my husband and bestie. My husband is my Lego. we fit together perfectly and my best friends sarcastic humour brightens my days with laughter.

What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
I love Namaste Day Spa. Kim’s hot stone massages are my #1 favourite way to unwind.

Describe yourself in one word.
Sunshine.

If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
The Maldives with my husband. It looks so romantic and like a dream come true. I’m dying to go to the underwater spa in Huvafen Fushi resort.

What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Definitely yoga.

What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
I went to a BABES in Business Meeting. Turns out I had a tear in the backside of my dress pants the entire time I was there. It turned into a positive though. The lady who let me know is now an amazing friend and we will always remember how we met!

What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Four years ago I was in a cliff jumping accident. I jumped off a 50-foot cliff and when I hit the water I broke bones, bulged discs and caused a lot of damage to my muscles and nerves. It was a giant obstacle that I overcame. I started my business and became Canada’s 11th director in my company. It has helped me to prove and show that no matter your circumstances in life, you can succeed.

Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Growing up, I was in the Royal Conservatory of Music. Many of my favourite childhood memories include performing at festival and recitals.

Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
My team and I have organized a gratitude squad. This year’s goal is to organize 10 events to give back to our local community. Our most recent one was a Vision Board Party and where we organized a drop off for survival kit supplies. We were able to put together close to 60 survival kits for the homeless and handed them out at Metro Community Centre. I also have a personal goal this year to donate 5,000 - 10,000 dollars to the SPCA and Paws It Forward.

If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
It is so important to me that we stop thinking that the norm is that it’s okay to put harsh chemicals on our bodies and in our hair.

Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
Kinsmen Park.

Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
I would like to see positive change in mental health and addiction in our city. With the opiate crisis, we need to have more awareness and access for people to find help.

What do you think makes Kelowna great?
This is such a beautiful city and I believe that people in our community have so much gratitude for the beauty that we live in and I have felt that from the day I moved here.

What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1. A month-long travel vacation with my husband
2. Meet Chris Martin from Coldplay
3. Get my yoga teacher training certification

Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
That I have my addiction studies certification.

How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

What is the name of your business/organization?
MONAT Global.

Why did you get into/start this business?
I love naturally based products and had seen my friends get incredible results. I researched the ingredients of the products, the company, the opportunity and I fell in love.

What is the goal of your business?
My mission is to help others find healthy and fabulous hair and to help my team succeed and grow.

What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
My biggest struggle in life has been not believing in myself. I’ve had loved ones, family and friends believe in me but until I did the work to better myself, believe in myself and really truly become my own best friend in life, I just kept struggling.

If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I would never want to start over. Every obstacle, every struggle, every triumph and every celebration has made me the person I am today. Not only do I have an incredible life because of it, I get to help others by sharing my journey.

What do you always find yourself saying?
'Fabulous!'

Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Stand in your truth. Develop an allergy to drama and gossip and enjoy the journey!

If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Chris Martin!

Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
I love supporting our community and the beautiful people in it.

What has been your proudest accomplishment?
I earned a white Cadillac of my choice in my first year of business with MONAT.

Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
My husband, Doug. He has worked tirelessly and passionately in the addictions field for 26 years. The heart he has put into his work and the impact that he has had inspires me every day.

My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Justina LeeStolz.

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.

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