Why I Became a Fitness Coach: A Story of Transformation

There’s a Japanese concept called Kintsugi—the art of mending broken pottery with gold. This ancient practice teaches us that we can transform adversity into something beautiful and resilient. It shows us that healing is possible, that we can embrace our imperfections, and emerge stronger. Like those golden seams in repaired pottery, our challenges can become the very things that make us unique and powerful.

I became a Fitness Coach because I intimately understand what it feels like to believe you’re not good enough. Fitness became my vehicle for cultivating both inner and outer strength, alongside genuine self-compassion.

My journey began in adolescence at an all-girls private school, where excellence wasn’t just encouraged—it was expected in everything from academics to athletics. As my body began changing with puberty, I struggled with my reflection. I had internalized a dangerous belief: if I could just match the idealized image of beauty (the skinny Cover Girl model whose picture I’d taped to my wall), I would finally be worthy.

This mindset led me down a destructive path. I fell into the trap of believing that starvation and endless cardio would somehow make me “better.” The resulting eating disorder led to multiple hospitalizations during my teenage years. I know firsthand the grip of addiction and all-or-nothing thinking. The mental burden was crushing—constantly counting calories, obsessing over meal plans, weighing myself, and calculating how to burn off every morsel of food I consumed.

Climbing out of that dark place took years, but through strength training, I discovered a new path. I learned to fuel my body with love instead of deprivation and began rewiring my internal dialogue. Gradually, I found freedom. My perspective shifted dramatically—I started seeing my body not as something to fix, but as an ally, a vessel for strength, vitality, and joy. I knew with absolute certainty that my pain would serve a purpose; I would help others navigate the fire I had walked through.

This journey was further shaped by watching my mother’s unwavering battle with cancer throughout my youth. Her fight illuminated how precious life truly is, and the vital importance of self-compassion. It was a stark awakening: while I had been slowly destroying myself, others facing terminal illnesses didn’t have the luxury of choice about their health.

This realization led me to become a Certified Health Coach and Personal Trainer. I chose to become a lighthouse for women, illuminating a better path forward. My mission is to show them that strength is within reach, that empowerment is possible, and that they can honor and fuel their bodies in ways that make them feel radiant, vibrant, and truly alive.

Health forms the foundation from which everything else in life grows—it determines how we show up in every moment. My purpose is to help women build that foundation, to feel like badasses both in the gym and in their lives. To cultivate self-love. To embrace life boldly, unapologetically, and without reservation.

This isn’t just what I do—it’s who I am and why I’m here.