In Focus | Terri Knox

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?
Terri Knox.

Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
Originally from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan but have lived in Kelowna for 12 years.

Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My best friend and husband Brad. He brings out the very best in me.

If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Kelowna. Because I believe and know this is the best place in the world.

What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
Quality Greens Farm Market. It's local food and I believe in supporting local business.

What is your favourite activity?
Boating.

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

What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
Wearing two different earrings and once I also wore two different shoes to speak at a conference.

What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Rededicating my faith.

Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Being the youngest of 11 children, there were so many things we did without. Getting boxes of clothing from our church was a wonderful memory along with getting my very own bike in grade 5.

Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
Women's shelter, Women's Enterprise, and delivering my sessions to many groups that couldn't and or can't afford to pay.

If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
Having the entire universe embrace the biggest emotion of all emotions, LOVE. Practicing and demonstrating love removes judgement and all other toxins in life.

What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Rock the Lake along with Parks Alive.

Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
Kasugai Japanese Garden, hands down.

Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
There are numerous vacant lots and buildings in the downtown area and along Harvey. It would terrific to see these buildings torn down or re-purposed. Possibly the empty lots or buildings could house the homeless or made into skateboarding activities for our future generation and the list goes on. It's most likely much harder legally and financially to make this happen but it's wonderful to dream of the possibilities.

What do you think makes Kelowna great?
The people, the environment, our attitude, the many cultures, wineries and orchards, the weather. Then of course... Our beautiful lake.

What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1. Go Zip lining
2. Get my motorcycle license
3. Speak for Women Ministries

Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I have a very sensitive and shy side to me. This would never be recognized from the outside.

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

What is the name of your business/organization?
Terri Knox.

Why did you get into/start this business?
My passion for service. My background is in the airline industry. Passengers asked daily if I was always so friendly. My response; 'What's my option?' I then took my energy and message to others through seminars and keynote speaking. That was 22 years ago.

What is the goal of your business?
To mentor others and have them recognize their significance. My desire is for individuals to embrace my message, allowing them to super exceed their expectations. My goal is also to demonstrate my message through personal behaviour.

What has been your biggest struggle either in work or life?
Having Kelowna and British Columbia recognize that we have terrific outstanding speakers right here in our very own city. I'd rather speak here in my very own beautiful Kelowna, than have to fly to Dubai in order to deliver my message.

If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
Interesting question! I believe, all the things I did wrong or could have done better have brought me here to where I am. For that I'm so grateful! Every step of my career has been a blessing and an honour for me. If I were to do one thing different, maybe move to Kelowna many more years earlier! I had been coming here, every summer for 21 years previous to me moving here. This is where my heart has always been.

What do you always find yourself saying?
'You wouldn't worry what people think of you, if you knew how seldom that they did!' Another one of my favorite sayings is, 'Your body speaks so loud, I can't hear what you are saying'

If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Oprah or maybe even Kelly!

Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
I'm very passionate about this! In order for our Kelowna economy to survive, we must support it! Maybe that's why my wish is to speak here locally! If we make a conscious decision to keep our spending dollars here in Kelowna, this would allow our economy to flourish!

What has been your proudest accomplishment?
My number one accomplishment is being the mom of two amazing adult children. Second is starting my speaking business at 42 years of age and never looking back. Being a woman entrepreneur. Having spoken to every single province in Canada, and also speaking across North America. Now I'm having an ha-ha moment. I can't believe I didn't initially mention my authored book, it's called 'You're The Boss Of You' in its second printing!

Give someone you think that deserves a shout out and explain why!
My husband Brad. He always has my back!

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.