THE BEGINNING
I was born in a refugee camp in the Sudan after my parents escaped a civil war in their homeland of Ethiopia. Despite very meager and humbling living conditions, their ultimate dream was to move our family to America. Our lives changed forever when we received a God-sent blessing from a church family in Virginia. After being touched by a picture they saw of me smiling at 4 years old - they sponsored my family to come live in America. I was taught the value of an education and hard work, working minimum wage jobs while studying Political Science at the University of Missouri.
PREGNANCY
During my pregnancy with my 1st son, my hopes turned to heartbreak when the doctor told me there was a strong chance he would be an extreme special needs child. However, it was “my smile” that doctors said lit up the room when I gave birth to Josiah and held him close to my heart.
Six days later I experienced a heart attack at only 23 years of age.“Fitness became mandatory because I wanted to live for my kids and just as importantly ME!” After a full recovery, I committed to a five day/week workout regimen and eventually lost 60lbs off what was then a 220lb 5’3 frame.
MOTHERHOOD
After giving birth to my 2nd son Jeremiah - I felt the demands, emotional stress and constant pressures of a worried Mommy as I reached a near breaking point when Josiah was diagnosed with Autism, after years of rigorous tests.
Due to the exhaustive responsibilities of motherhood and special needs parenting, along with the insecurities I constantly wrestled with as a woman - I realized I had lost myself. I was a Mom but I wasn’t happy because I wasn’t ME.
MY PURPOSE
I knew I had to find my purpose, my “why” and reason to put a “smile” back on my face. I chose to rediscover myself by embracing a radically new and healthier lifestyle.
This breakthrough is what I’ve coined the “Lovestyle.” I’ve discovered my Lovestyle that empowers me as a Mother, Wife, Advocate and Boss through fitness and beauty - shaping not only amazing results physically, but an all-encompassing state of mental and spiritual wellness as well. My Lovestyle allows me to feel phenomenal about pursuing anything I feel I deserve...with a big ole Kool-aid smile!
