I’ve reached a place where I no longer let my autoimmune disease and chronic pain define or control me. I don’t live despite my challenges—I live in spite of them. My journey hasn’t just been about accepting the medical aspects of who I am, but about navigating the trauma and hardships life has thrown my way. For the first time, I’ve laid it all out on the table. And for the first time, I fully embrace everything that makes me who I am, even the hard parts.

How did I get here? Through relentless self-work and lots of therapy. About four years ago, I started noticing signs of autoimmune disorder. You know how it goes: you get misdiagnosed, feel better after a flare-up, forget to follow up, and the cycle repeats—again and again. At the time, I was an international hairdresser, traveling the world for runway shows. But after the pandemic, I couldn’t get back to the life I once had. Not only did I realize the stress wasn’t worth it, but my body was breaking down. I was constantly sick and flaring up. Something had to change.

So what finally made me take charge of my life and health?

I got fed up.

Fed up with a broken system that leaves us working until we collapse. Fed up with a medical system that doesn’t see us. Fed up with wellness programs, treatments, and therapies that are inaccessible, unaffordable, or ineffective. I was tired of not being seen—until I found a doctor who finally understood me. That was my breakthrough.

After countless tests, I finally had a diagnosis: HLAB-27 Gene. Hereditary. Fibromyalgia. Spondyloarthritis. Ankylosing Spondylitis. If you’ve been through this, you know the relief of finally putting a name to your struggles. That diagnosis didn’t just give me clarity—it gave me power. I could finally take control, not just endure my condition, but live and thrive with it.

I dove headfirst into reclaiming my life. I enrolled in NASM’s Certified Personal Training program and passed with flying colors. Then I earned my Virtual Coaching certification, First Aid/CPR, and I’m currently working on my NASM Certified Nutrition Coach and Weight Loss Specialization certifications. Taking my power back has been transformative. I know firsthand what it feels like to be debilitated, but I also know how to rise from that place and get stronger. That’s why I do what I do.

This is me—open, empowered, and ready to share my journey so I can help others move through their struggles with confidence. Representation matters, and I’m here to be that advocate. Let’s spread the medicine.

Hoka hey!