Meet Anita! Anita is originally from Kamloops and has been living here in Kelowna for about 16 years. She enjoys practicing yoga, sitting by the lake, and creating her own essential oils.
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
I was raised in Kamloops and lived in Kelowna off and on for 16 years.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My yoga teacher Bikram because he makes me think before I talk.
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
Lucky Bamboo because the store makes people feel good and calm when you walk in. The owner is a very kind-hearted and lovely person.
Describe yourself in one word.
Determined.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Where ever the Mistic Shad Guru is because I would like to learn from him.
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Sitting by the lake.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
When I was a child my family doctor was very large. I thought his big leather bag was his lunch kit and asked him if it was. His nurse and my mom laughed but he didn't.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
In 1999, I worked as a massage therapist in the high-end spas and decided to learn about essential oils to help my clients and myself as I found the work to be very laborious and hard on my body. I met Master Herbalist Blaine Andrusek who taught me the science of how to blend and respect the oils. He explained to me that I was a natural alchemist and had a unique gift. He and I have been working together ever since. His knowledge is brilliant and I continually learn from him.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
My parents would take our family to the Shuswap Lake provincial park campgrounds every year for summer break. My Aunt would also come from Alberta with my cousins and we would camp, ride bikes and swim for 3 weeks. We were surrounded by the huge forest trees and our family's had so much fun every year together.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I like to gift my work to people when I am out in the community with my essential oil potions. We gift free samples by the thousands. I have also been teaching yoga for the last 15 years.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
The racism that causes so much harm and lowers our conscious state. We have to work to eliminate this, it serves no one.
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
Gellatly Bay has my heart. It's my slice of heaven.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
The housing situation exemplifies the stark contrast between the "haves and the have not's."
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
Our beautiful geography.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
Meet one of my mentors Jeff Olsen, the author of The Slight Edge.
Take Shad Guru's teacher training.
Move my Mom to live by me when she can no longer live alone.
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
The first 10 days of my life I lived in an incubator.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
Personally, Facebook and Instagram.
What is the name of your business/organization?
Yoga Potion & Neora
Why did you get into/start this business?
I had a health scare in 1997 that took me from the hospitality industry to the holistic industry. To Improve my lifestyle and others.
What is the goal of your business?
To help people with their health and happiness with natural products and yoga.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Myself.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I have made a ton of mistakes, but at the same time, I have been blessed with multiple brilliant teachers so, nothing. It has brought me to who I am today, and along the way, I have had a lot of fun in my life.
What do you always find yourself saying?
Thank you. Gratitude is everything.
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
"Having means nothing if you don't know how to use it."
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
My most senior yoga teacher Emmy Cleaves. She is in her mid 90's and still teaches yoga today in LA California. Her wisdom is golden.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
Supporting our community is essential.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
The creation of my essential oil line Yoga Potion.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
My life partner Stephen Webb. He is an incredible Yoga teacher and yoga practitioner. He teaches with his heart and gives himself unconditionally to his students. His knowledge of yoga is always evolving and humble. He never brings his own issues to the mat.
My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Phillip Henry whom I have the pleasure of working with. He is a Ph.D. population genetic scientist and Master Botanist working with medicinal cannabis.
Some general comments I would like to share are:
I am grateful to live in this beautiful city. It is my #1 choice to live anywhere in the world. I love my work and I am surrounded by my loving family who is always there for me. I also have the pleasure of working with both my sister and my mother from home with anti-aging products that everyone wants and business that everyone can do.
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 organizations that help make our city great. Thank you, Kelowna!
