Meet Melissa Tocheri. Melissa was born in Abbotsford but has lived in Penticton since last September. She's a driven woman who loves to hang out with her cat, go hiking, ride bikes and much more.
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Penticton?
I was born and raised in Abbotsford, BC. Since then I have moved around lots and lived in various places throughout BC, most recently in downtown Vancouver. I moved to Penticton in September of last year (2018).
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
Can I say my cat? I know he's not a person but he's seriously the best. He comes everywhere with me and his name is "Catrick Swayze" which I've shortened to Tricky!
What is your favourite local store in Penticton and why?
I'm still new to town so I haven't been to them all yet but I love Bohotique! Shopping for cute boho-inspired clothes in a decked out mobile van is such a unique and fun concept!
Describe yourself in one word.
Creative, driven and friendly. Oops, that's 3. ;)
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
The Amalfi Coast in Italy because of its breathtaking natural Mediterranean landscape, elegant glamour, secret beaches, amazing wine and because I'm part Italian! :)
What is your favourite activity in Penticton?
There's so many! I love hiking, riding my bike along the KVR Trail, wine tasting at the awesome local wineries, boating on Okanagan and Skaha lakes, hanging at the beach, patio parties in the summer... I love it all.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
Here's a good one for ya lol... I've always struggled with being on time so for my first day of university, I was frantically trying to get ready and get out the door because I didn't want to be late. I had my clothes all picked out the night before and was super stoked to wear the new outfit I'd bought. I got to school and walked into my first class ON TIME, feeling confident and thinking I looked pretty cool but when I sat down, I bent over to put my bag on the floor and to my horror... I discovered that I was wearing two different shoes!!! I was trying on each pair in the mirror by the door before I left my place to see which ones looked the best with my outfit but since I was in a rush (as per usual) I got sidetracked and accidentally ran out the door wearing one of each pair! SO embarrassing hahaha. Luckily I was an art student at the time so my classmates told me they thought I was making a statement and we laughed it off. But still... I was mortified lol.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
There have been many... but most recently, "I’ve been routinely inspired by the engaging vibe of comfort and peace; amidst the alternately refreshing exuberance that fills the fresh, soft Okanagan air." for the full article - check out the "About" page in my blog, okanaganelements.com. :)
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Most of my favourite childhood memories took place at my Gram's house. She lived in the country on a beautiful, secluded and picturesque piece of property way up on top of a hill with its own private, long, winding dirt-road driveway. It was paradise up there. She had horses, a pony for me to ride, chickens, dogs, cats, you name it and the most beautiful English garden I've ever seen to date. We would play endless games like croquet in the backyard and board games like "Sorry" and "Connect 4" and I loved that we would always pause for tea-time in the afternoon. My brother, sister and I all share the best memories of going to Gram's place as kids. Some of my earliest memories of drawing and making crafts were at the old desk in Gram's living room where I would create all sorts of crazy masterpieces that she'd proudly display around her house. She was the best Gram EVER and I miss her so much. RIP Gram.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I have recently become a volunteer at the Summerland Ornamental Gardens! I'm excited to be part of such an important organization. I'm passionate about conserving the environment and all the creatures that live within it. Summerland Ornamental Gardens was established in 1916 as part of the Agricultural Research Station. Today, you can walk by the demonstration garden beds and learn principles of water-wise gardening with the diverse Welcome Garden, the Xeriscape Demonstration Garden, the Cactus Garden, Iris Beds, Meadow, Butterfly Garden, Shade Gardens, and more. It's a special place with stunning views of Okanagan Lake, Giant's Head Mountain and the Trout Creek Trestle Railroad bridge. For more information, please visit http://www.summerlandgardens.org/. I look forward to becoming an active member in my new community and will continue to look for opportunities to give back wherever and whenever I can.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
That's a loaded question! In my blog, okanaganelements.com, I assure readers they are in a "Judgement-Free zone" and continue to explain they have landed (metaphorically) in a cozy, comfy nest high above any societal strains they may struggle with no implied pressure to conform and adhere to socially accepted standards, expectations, and out-dated conventions. Inequality, ignorance, arrogance, negativity, and hate do NOT exist at Okanagan Elements, which from my point of view, would be an idealistic world. So I suppose to answer the question, I would make the world free of all the topics I just made reference to. I would also STOP ALL CRUELTY TOWARDS ANIMALS. And I would STOP CLIMATE CHANGE. Easy peasy, right? ;)
Where would you sneak away to in Penticton to spend some time alone?
I would sneak away to the secret pink waterfall in Naramata. It's sort of a hidden gem as far as I know, and I had the pleasure of discovering it a couple of summers ago when my best friend and I went on a hike which we thought would end up somewhere else! It was definitely a happy accident because since then, whenever I need to find peace and clarity, I hike into the woods to that special, serene spot underneath the breathtakingly beautiful pink waterfall.
Where would you like to see positive change in Penticton and why?
This is a tough one since I'm fairly new to town, but one smaller thing I've noticed and would really like to see fixed is the KVR Trail on the West Bench. From what I've gathered, it's currently owned by CP Rail but the maintenance of the trail is at the very bottom of their laundry list of priorities. Therefore it gets neglected and some sections have become quite dangerous. In fact, a cyclist recently fell into one of the sinkholes and was badly injured.
What do you think makes Penticton great?
The residents! The people here are so friendly and welcoming compared to other parts of the country I've visited. Also, the beautiful landscape! I understand there are only two places in the world which are situated between two lakes and the other one is in Switzerland, so I feel pretty lucky to live here!
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
Something that not everyone knows about me is that I suffer from anxiety and depression which I've kept a secret my entire life. I'm naturally quite an out-going person so I hide it well and it's just recently that I have started to become braver about speaking out about my struggles with it. I think it's of intrinsic importance to encourage an open dialogue on the subject of mental illness in order to lessen the shame, which is unfortunately felt by many of those who struggle with it. We are still stuck in the infancy stage of medical research into developing more effective remedies for mental illnesses and I strongly feel that social acceptance and public education on the topic is the first step towards improvement.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media?
I'd be happy for you to connect with me through my social media! The links to all my social networks can be found on my newly created blog, okanaganelements.com.
My social accounts that I use the most are Instagram and Pinterest.
Instagram: @melissatocheri
Pinterest: @okanaganelements
I can also be reached by email: [email protected] or [email protected].
What is the name of your business/organization?
I have two businesses! I'm a Realtor who is genuinely passionate about helping people invest wisely in real estate. I have a university education in Marketing as well as my real estate license, so I absolutely love developing personalized marketing strategies, unique to each client, in order to achieve the highest value for their properties. My marketing materials and methods, i.e. online advertisements, brochures, print media, open houses, etc. offer a modern and innovative approach to the tried, tested and TIRED old school methods of real estate marketing, which in many cases - don't work anymore! My online presence is also influential and always growing, which is incredibly important in today's market because 99% of home buyers begin their property search ONLINE. With those kinds of statistics, homeowners and investors can't afford to lose out on maximizing their potential profit with a Realtor who isn't up-to-the-minute in the latest technology, marketing and/or with a crappy online presence! So... yunno.. call me obviously ;) lol.
I'm also (newly) a Blogger! I have recently created and launched okanaganelements.com which I am very proud of! I have tons of interesting content for readers to connect within the works, so please know that although there isn't a ton uploaded on the blog yet - there will be soon! Okanagan Elements is my unique perspective on the Five Elements (Earth, Air, Fire, Water and Spirit/Aether) which I express via channels of honest and organic creativity. I hope that readers will feel encouraged to gift themselves with moments of stillness; remember to listen to the silence; engage with their surroundings; and to truly feel and embrace the essence of the Elements, as they apply and exist in their world. As I post more content, readers will see a compilation of my poetry, deep thinks, arts & crafts with a focus on modern macrame (some pieces will be available for sale), DIY's, home decor inspiration and wellness info. I'll also be highlighting nature, local businesses and things to do in the Okanagan! The blog is currently in the beginning stages, but if you'd like to collaborate with Okanagan Elements now or in the future, please let me know!
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
I've had many struggles, but learning to cope with my anxiety has really broadened my world and allowed me to accomplish a lot more. I've always known I'm capable of doing bigger things but have been held back by the grips of anxiety for so many years. Combating it is a constant work-in-progress but I've been putting in the time to practice self-care, to be nicer to myself and to meditate regularly; all of which have helped immensely in my battle to overcome anxiety. I encourage others who feel held back by their mental illness to try and take action because there's so much more to life that you otherwise miss out on.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
Oh, the good old "what if" scenario is something I ask myself regularly although I try not to! I don't think I'd change anything because I don't like to live with regret, but I sometimes wish that I could be 20 years old again with the life knowledge I have now... And it would also be fun to go back in time and screw over a couple of my a**hole ex-boyfriends!! Haha just kidding... Well, not really.
What do you always find yourself saying?
"Sorry I'm late."
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Don't sweat the small stuff.
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Steve Gold from the reality show, Million Dollar Listing New York so that we can go on an epic date, fall madly in love with each other and live happily ever after. Haha, it could happen, right?? ;p
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
I touched upon this topic earlier when speaking about my volunteering. I feel it's incredibly important to give back to the community you reside in and to be an active community member. Part of that, of course, is shopping locally and supporting our small business owners.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Well, one of my most recent accomplishments was passing my real estate exam at UBC and doing really well during my first year of real estate in the Fraser Valley. Now I'm super excited for the next chapter in my career and will soon be servicing the Okanagan! :)
Some general comments I would like to share are:
Thanks for taking an interest in my life! :) I’d love to hear from you too! I'm still trying to get to know more people in Penticton so hit me up! Check out okanaganelements.com for links to all of my social media accounts as well as creative content for you to connect with, which I'll be continuing to post regularly. I look forward to further integrating myself into the awesome community of Penticton which I feel privileged to now call home! Also, if you have real estate questions, I'd be more than happy to answer them for you! If you see me out around town, please be sure to say hi! Cheers and best wishes for 2019!
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