What makes Kim Pursley influentual?Talk to her for a few minutes, get to know her and her story. Her way of connecting with others including all she gives back to our commUNITY and especially our schools influences others to do the same. So many of our schools have raised funds for our kids because of the generous donations that Kim and Kalani Day Spa have given. But it is not about the money, its about the kindness and the community spirit that Kim represents.
And that, you can’t put a price tag on.
Before coming to Scotts Valley, where did you live?
I was born in Southern California
What brought you to Scotts Valley and how long have you lived here?
My Dad’s job transferred him here. We moved to Ben Lomond when I was five.
What do you love most about living here?
What don’t I love about living here? In the early part of my corporate career, as a young adult, I was blessed to be able to travel all over the United States. I think growing up in a small town had my curiosity piqued. I wanted to see what the big world was all about. I left my options completely open to see all that I could see, wanting to experience what was out there. And no matter where I was, it just never felt right. I visited some incredible places all over the United States and would think, “Could this be my new home?” And, as soon as I was back in my hotel, all I could think about was, “It wasn’t here”. It wasn’t Scotts Valley.
There is something truly special about our communities. It’s heartwarming that we still have traditions like our 4th of July Parade, our Art, Wine & Beer Festival, and our tree lighting ceremony. And you can’t beat our beautiful environment and our amazing food! I love that my parents still live in the house I grew up in; that the softball fields I played on when I grew up are still here; that my daughter can walk around town with her friends and feel safe. It’s like Mayberry meets the modern world in all the right ways.
Please describe what drives and motivates you to do more for others and for the people of Scotts Valley.
Growing up in SV & SLV in the early 80’s, we had terrible storms. There was so much devastation without the advanced technology we have now. I remember, even as a young girl, watching strangers helping strangers with random acts of kindness–watching our communities come together to help each other. Even in recent years, I still see the people in our communities come together to help each other when needed. I wanted to keep that energy going and see more random acts of kindness, stronger than the stressors we now see globally. It all starts with one kind act from one person. Could you imagine what our world would feel like, be like, if we all did that every day?
When I left the corporate hustle and bustle, I knew exactly what I wanted to do. I wanted to create a place that gave back to the community, where people like me, yearning f could receive genuine relaxation. I wanted to create a place whose foundation was built on giving back with all kinds of true acts of compassion and kindness here in Scotts Valley, where I grew up. I envisioned a place that would shine a light as bright as possible to remind us all that even with our very busy lives, there’s a place they could come visit to receive those acts of kindness, love, and compassion. I keep lights on every night at the spa as a symbol of just that. During COVID, I had the salt lamp in the front window that was on 24/7 as a symbol of hope. I still keep that lamp on every day and every night.
As I think about how I brought my vision to life, I knew I wanted to build a community within our community and give thanks to our front line and first responders, give healing moments
for our seniors, and give our youth relaxation from their stressful lives. I wanted to give back to our schools and teachers. It was clear that I wanted to create a place that was more than just a day spa, where healing happened and where people could come to feel safe and feel good, hit the pause button on their daily struggles, even for just a little while.
In the process, I also strive to create a harmonious workplace for my team of healers. I do my best to apply what I have learned from my own journey, from the mentors that influenced my life, to balance all the responsibilities as a Leader with kindness and compassion. There was no other place I wanted to do this than in the communities I love so dearly. That was how Kalani was born.