In the midst of always being in the light, there was a lot of darkness that I was experiencing as a teen at home. My family dealt with my mother’s health struggle in the best way that we could, which caused me to step up in ways that made me grow up very quickly. Witnessing her slow decline both mentally and physically was very emotional and painful to watch. I was still so young and although she was physically still there, she was unable to support my growth and development into a young woman, which left me feeling lost most of the time. Her strength and our story is very dear to my heart.

Not to mention that when I wasn’t at home fighting this battle with my family, I was spending all of my time growing up in the dance world. I was mentally, physically and emotionally exhausted from killing myself to keep up with someone else’s unrealistic standards + developed eating disorders and body image issues. When I found fitness, I went straight to the extreme which caused my back injuries from dance to worsen, leading to chronic pain.

I was challenged to my physical, emotional, mental and spiritual thresholds and somehow, I was always able to hold it all together: always a straight A student, always the lead role in dance, always progressing and experiencing success in the work space. I wore a mask everyday to cover the deep pain that I held inside from these heavy experiences. When I couldn’t hold it together any longer, I let go of my embarrassment and shame to ask for help and finally took action.

Knowing that I am the only person in control of my life, I have been working my butt off like it it’s my full time job just to heal myself + I did not let any parts of my story hold me back. I have built my self-love and confidence to a level I could never imagined, I am stronger and healthier than I have ever been in the past.

All of these life changing experiences and hard lessons have shaped my view of myself, the world + how I help and serve others through my work, so much so that it has become my Brand Mission to bring my knowledge and story to help enhance the lives of women through a holistic approach to fitness, wellness and life.

The Story behind my "WHY" by Rosie