In Focus | Mandy Wong

Meet Mandy Wong. She's originally from Hong Kong.

Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My husband. He needs me to laugh at his jokes.

What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
Lakehouse. I love to cook and want everything in there.

If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Palm Springs to waterski on my friend's lake.

What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Waterskiing early in the morning in the summer.

What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
Being asked if I am Wesla Wong's mother. Do I look that old?

What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
I get inspired every day when I see vibrant people older than me living active, fulfilling lives.

Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
As much as I grumbled about getting up so early, fishing trips to Beaver Lake in Alberta with my family.

Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I find it hard to donate my time, so I donate in dollars to charities I feel most passionate about. We, as a clinic, are presently involved in Swinging with the Stars to raise money for the Central Okanagan Hospice Association. Come cheer us on!

If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
To put prejudice aside.

Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
Run along the boardwalk downtown.

Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
I would love to see a road constructed to bypass the city and perhaps some overpasses to avoid all the lights on Harvey from the bridge to the Sexsmith Rd.

What do you think makes Kelowna great?
It is beautiful and still feels like a small community, although it is definitely growing.

What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1. Cruise the Yangtze River
2. Go on an African safari
3. Enroll in a bunch of cooking classes in Hong Kong

Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I watch 'The Bachelor' religiously.

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

What is the name of your business/organization?
Restore Vein & Skin Centre.

Why did you get into/start this business?
Two years ago I started this business, but I have been in this field for about 15 years. I love what I do.

What is the goal of your business?
We want to be a centre of excellence for all the services we offer.

What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
There never seems to be enough time to do everything that I would like to do.

If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I wish I did more when I was younger and didn't have all the responsibilities I do now.

What do you always find yourself saying?
'If only there were 30 hours in a day'

Tell us your best piece of life advice.
This is something I need to remind myself of all the time. Take time to do what you want while you can do it. Life is short.

If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
I would love nothing more than to spend it with my husband. We always seem to be so busy and travelling in different directions. He truly is my best friend.

Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
Especially as a business owner, I find this so important. I love to support local artists and am on the best customer list of several local shoe and clothing stores. Making our local economy thrive will help all business owners.

What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Getting my new clinic accredited as a level two non-hospital medical-surgical facility and having a thriving practice after only two years.

Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Harmony Mir, because she always takes the time that is needed to make my husband and I function.

My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Harmony Mir.

Some general comments I would like to share are:
I would like to thank all our patients for being so supportive and trusting us with their skin and body health.

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!