NoMiNoU Ambassador Profile: Alicia Ohana
Despite being just 5’2″, NoMiNoU ambassador Alicia Ohana is a powerhouse to be reckoned with. Last year, she won the titles for both Miss British Columbia Petite and Miss Canada Petite. But that was just the beginning. Since then, she has used her platform to advocate and volunteer for many charities and organizations in Vancouver, and also works to bring awareness to mental health. We love that she is determined to make a difference and couldn’t be happier to have her as a brand ambassador!
What does wellness mean to you?
Wellness means being balanced holistically. Personally, I have trouble taking care of my physical health when I am feeling mentally low and vice versa. I make sure to maintain wellness by treating myself through knowledge, food, vacations, and so on. I always make sure that I am doing something that makes me happy.
How long have wellness and mindfulness been important parts of your life? Walk us through your personal wellness journey.
I used to think I was always happy and well. I think working in the customer service industry, we tend to push our needs to the side. It’s always about making others happy first. Then I realized I was getting tired and irritable. I loved helping people but I found it exhausting because I wasn’t taking care of myself.
So I started doing small things like treating myself to dinner solo and celebrating achievements like going to the gym for a week. I was appreciating myself all of a sudden. I was doing things just for me instead of for others, putting happiness first for once. I encourage everyone to find moments each day to appreciate what they do for themselves and their family or friends. Achievements are made every day and should be celebrated, no matter how “small” they are.
With such a busy life, how do you maintain balance?
There are two things that I do to maintain balance daily: I go to the gym, and I do my makeup. I absolutely have to do those two things every day. Both help me feel my best physically and mentally.
What are your top three wellness tips?
1. Lift weights! Muscles shape your body. Cardio burns fat but doesn’t improve your shape. I overdid cardio without lifting and don’t recommend it.
2. Mentally take care of problems or worries before it turns into anxiety. Avoid “what if?” thoughts and talk to someone if professional help is needed. Worries cannot only make you mentally unwell, but can make you physically sick.
3. It’s better to go to the gym and do 10 minutes than to not do anything at all. Working out does so much for your overall health!
Words you live by?
“Ten years from now, make sure you can say you chose your life, you didn’t settle for it.”
What are your favourite items in the current NoMiNoU collection?
My top three items are:
1. The EP Eagle and Raven Yin Yang
2. The EP Maple Leaf in white
3. The MG Wolf in teal
What or who is currently inspiring you?
Someone who has inspired me all my life is Elizabeth Taylor.. I found everything about her so elegant and beautiful. She was a humanitarian, a businesswoman and an entertainer. She also portrayed Cleopatra, which is one of my favourite stories.
What’s next for you?
I will be competing for the title of Miss Universal Petite this November in Florida, and I have many photo shoots and collaborations coming up! I’m also helping girls compete for Miss Canada Globe.
Are you interested in becoming a NoMiNoU ambassador like Alicia? If so, check out our ambassador program!
