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 KamloopsBCNow.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?
Cindy Nagel.
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kamloops?
Born and raised in Kamloops! I’ve moved around a little. Between Kamloops and Kelowna, then Montreal to attend dental school at McGill University, and finally Calgary to work as a hospital dentist before returning to Kamloops in 2013.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My husband, Angus is my favourite person. We have such a strong and supportive relationship and are both very adventurous and ambitious. We make a great team!
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
If I could be anywhere right now, I would be sitting on a gorgeous beach in Hawaii getting some rest and relaxation spending some quality time with Angus.
What is your favourite local store or restaurant in Kamloops and why?
My favourite local stores in Kamloops are Real Deals because of the great décor and clothing selections. Knit2 Yarns also does a great job of feeding my yarn stash!
What is your favourite activity?
I love yoga and have been a member at Kamloops Hot Yoga for almost 4 years. It’s a great way to exercise and relieve stress.
If you had to choose: pizza, tacos, or burgers?
Definitely a big cheesy pizza!
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
My most embarrassing moment was around age 8. I was playing with my cousin in a school playground and I laughed so hard I peed my pants! I had to wrap his shirt around my waist to hide it and ran all the way home.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
It’s hard to pick an inspiring moment, but the most inspiring person in my life is my dad. He has always worked hard and done everything he could for our family. He’s sacrificed and given me so much that I try hard everyday to make him proud.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
I have lots of happy childhood memories. I think my favourite childhood memories are the big family Christmas dinners we used to have when my grandparents lived at Lac Le Jeune. All the aunts, uncles, cousins together eating food and playing in the snow. It was perfect.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I’m involved in as many community events as I have time for! I always have a booth at Overlanders Day in August. I also support several community programs by donating to KISSM, Bantam Baseball, Kamloops Ambassadors, and several other organizations. I spent five months volunteering at the non-profit dental clinic in the NLM in 2015 while Horizon Dental was under construction. I am also an active member of the Kamloops North Rotary Club and enjoy participating in several initiatives through Rotary, such as the street clean-up, food bank drive, and fundraising for McQueen Lake.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
That’s an impossible question. I could pick anything global, reverse climate change or end systemic racism; Or I could be selfish and pick 'free dental care for all'!
What is your favourite activity in Kamloops?
Anything outdoors. We live in such a beautiful place and I especially love paddle boarding and hiking
Where would you sneak away to in Kamloops to spend some time alone?
I would hike up the hills near my home in Batchelor Heights. It’s peaceful, quiet, close to home, and has an amazing view.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kamloops and why?
I’d like to see continued efforts to re-vitalize the North Shore and address the crime in our area. It’s such a great part of town with a rather poor reputation considering how much the area has to offer.
What do you think makes Kamloops great?
Our community spirit! Just look at how everyone came together during the firestorms this summer. People really care about each other and the city.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1. Drive a supercar
2. Kiss the Blarney Stone
3. Take ballet dancing lessions
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I have a serious fear of apes, especially chimpanzees and gorillas. No reason, but I won’t even watch them in movies so needless to say I’ve never seen Planet of the Apes!
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest)
I am very active on social media – it’s really fun and a great way to connect with my patients and the community.
What is the name of your business/organization?
Horizon Dental.
Why did you get into/start this business?
I’ve wanted to be a dentist forever. I knew I wanted to help people and I had the brains to be a doctor. I also really love the tools and the artistry of dentistry, it brings me a lot of joy and allows me to be creative.
What is the goal of your business?
Brightening lives, one smile at a time!
What has been your biggest struggle either in work or life?
Not taking things personally. I’m a very sensitive and compassionate person, which I believe helps me to connect with my patients and treat both children and patients with dental phobias. Yet, sometimes it’s hard not to make everyone else’s problems my problems.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I am right where I want to be. I have a loving family, growing business, great people in my life and I live in a great city. The only thing I would do differently is start doing yoga in my teens, it would really help with work!
What do you always find yourself saying?
I’m sure my team would tell you, but I have a lot of little catch-phrases. They make the day more fun and I don’t even notice I’m saying them anymore.
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
I would love to spend a day with Oprah! She’s an amazing businesswoman, philanthropist, and gives great advice. I’m sure I would learn a lot from her.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
It’s so important to shop locally. We need to support our neighbours and encourage local businesses to thrive. It’s what drives the city and keeps Kamloops growing.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
That’s probably a tie between finishing dental school by age 25 and opening Horizon Dental by age 28. Imagine what my 30's will look like!
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
It’s hard to pick one person but I would love to give a shout out to my amazing team at Horizon Dental! They support me and keep my business going, they give me their best effort everyday and even put up with all my social media photography and games.
My choice for the KamloopsBCNow In Focus spotlight is:
Melissa West RMT, Change Your Pain Kamloops.
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, Kamloops.
