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?
Meridee Hlokoff.
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kamloops?
I was born and raised in the lower mainland until 16 when my parents divorced when I moved to a small town named Nimpo Lake. I moved to Kamloops in 2004.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
I don’t have one favourite, I have many. I love meeting new people and working with my clients!
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Bali. It’s warm and sunny, has beautiful beaches, mediation and spiritual growth, peace, and it would be a great experience.
What is your favourite local store in Kamloops and why?
Peters Pasta. Peter and his wife are wonderful people and make incredible food. His children are doing a great job taking over!
What is your favourite activity?
I love to paddle board, ride horses, bungee jump, sky dive, ride dirt bikes or street bikes,or anything that gets my adrenaline going.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
When I was in high school, I had very blonde eyebrows and couldn’t wear makeup without penciling them in. If my older sister got upset with me at school or just for the fun of it, she would walk by, lick her finger and wipe off one eyebrow. I had to go makeup-less because one eyebrow was gone!
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Having Tony Robbins pull me back towards him as I was walking past, to give me a hug, kiss my forehead and tell me I am amazing! He’s inspirational to watch.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Not my favourite memories but funniest. My little brother is almost seven years younger than I am and when he was just a baby, I asked my mom if I could take him for a walk. She agreed, thinking I would get stuck in our gravel driveway and come back. Instead I struggled to the end of the driveway where the pram went sideways into the four foot deep ditch, which was thankfully empty at the time. Not sure what happened next but I ended up back in the house without him and my mom asked where he was and I nonchalantly said I didn’t know. We went to go find him and our dog had pulled him up by the washable diaper and was sitting on the side of the road with my brother. Man was I in trouble.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I donate regularly to various causes. Discounted or free treatments for people who truly need it and can’t afford it. My family and I did 'Free Hugs' for donations for three families who were in need in Kamloops at Christmas time.
What is your favourite activity in Kamloops?
Floating the river or paddle boarding locally.
Where would you sneak away to in Kamloops to spend some time alone?
Always by the river, there are some beautiful places hidden away.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kamloops and why?
North Kamloops, because it is a wonderful place that has gotten such a bad rap for the homeless and addicted. This is everywhere and it is talked about much worse than it is. I’m not saying its perfect but the majority of people in Kamloops are pretty great, these people are just living their lives.
What do you think makes Kamloops great?
The people!
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
I’ve been lucky to start crossing things off but 3 things I still want to do are:
1. Cuddle a tiger
2. Travel to Cambodia, Thailand and Bali
3. Have 100 LaserQuit divisions across Canada and the US.
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I’m pretty transparent, so generally when people get to know me they are able to see who I am and what I stand for pretty quickly.
What is the name of your business/organization?
LaserQuit Therapies.
Why did you get into/start this business?
I started LaserQuit on my own. The reason I did was because I was a smoker and had finally found a successful way to quit. I absolutely love what I do and helping people succeed!
What is the goal of your business?
100 locations in Canada and the USA within five years and perhaps exit and start another.
What has been your biggest struggle either in work or life?
Growing up with a disfunctional family and learning how become the opposite. Learning to be grateful for what I have and appreciating life.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I would do things the same because everything I have been thru, good and bad has turned me into the person I have become and I really like her!
What do you always find yourself saying?
'Everything happens for a reason.' Or 'find the lesson in the situation.'
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Tony Robbins and P!nk.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
Keep our money in our community. I shop locally as much as I can and of course, I truly appreciate when people shop locally with me. I also feel like you get what you pay for and sometimes the price may be higher but so is the quality!
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
So far having my first official division sale of LaserQuit! Truly reaching out of my comfort zone and stepping into my dreams. Its been an insane ride but I’ve grown so much as a person and helping others is my biggest passion!
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Justin Grover, he’s amazing for all that he does in the community and his businesses! Fernando Silva, he’s such a great guy and a quality business owner!
My choice for the KamloopsBCNow In Focus spotlight is:
Lisa Watson Energy Medicine.
Some general comments/thoughts I would like to share are:
Kamloops has been the most “home” I’ve ever lived, with the small town feel in a small city with all the amenities! I love this place! The more I travel the more I appreciate Kamloops and the people.
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.
