Guys, I can't tell you how much I am looking forward to introducing you to this week's boss woman: Krista.
Krista is a body love activist, wellness coach, wife, mother, and CT-technologist. But what makes her truly shine is her ability to connect with other women by being honest, raw, and vulnerable.
Krista is the realest person I know. She says out loud what you are thinking. She knows all your fears, because she has them too - and she is not afraid to talk about it. Her vulnerability is what makes her so strong, and her openness is what makes her one of my role models.
She is a sweetheart, spit-your-coffee-out hilarious, and we share a mutual love of chocolate, wine, and dreaming big.
Take it away, Krista!
Q: Can you tell us a little bit about your business?
A: I am a wellness coach who focuses on empowering women to find themselves again. As women it is so common for us to put everyone else's needs before our own. Through private coaching, clean (ish!) eating, daily exercise and being a part of the most awesome tribe of ladies... we work together to focus on learning to love our bodies while we create a place for growth.
Q: How did you get started on your fitness journey?
A: After I had my second child I felt trapped in a body I didn't recognize. I had been struggling with depression after two high risk pregnancies. I was in a dark place and didn't know what to do. I decided it was time to take control of my happiness when my daughter was about a year old. I started going to therapy and planned on going to the gym a few times a week. The therapy worked... but the gym just didn't. Packing up two small children is no easy task on your own... and the gym daycare was too stimulating for my young daughter. The whole task seemed too overwhelming and I gave up almost as soon as I started.
I was introduced to Beachbody and the concept of it immediately got me excited. I could work out at home... whenever I could fit it in 30 minutes of me time. I was told what to eat and how much. But what truly changed everything for me was the incredible tribe of women I met.
Being a new mom is a lonely time... the days of girls nights and shopping days were long gone. Lack of sleep had left me half crazy and I could barely string a full sentence together that didn't involve sometime of song attached to it!! Finally I was able to connect with other women who were working on similar changes, who inspired me daily and who celebrated every little win I had along the way. I had never been around such a positive group of ladies and it was something I knew I needed in my life.
Q: Your 5 am-workouts are infamous. Do you work out every day? How do you manage to get up so early??
A: LOL the first time my coach suggested I wake up before my kiddos to fit my workout in I told her she was crazy! Why on earth would I sacrifice sleep for burpees? After a few months of trying to fit my workouts into the cracks of my busy days I decided to try it... and it has been such a change in my days. Waking up when the house is quiet, doing something that is just for me and spending some time working on my goals has allowed me to be more present with my family. Also, starting your day off with an endorphin high is such a great way to handle the stresses of mom life!
Q: When and why did you decide to become a coach?
A: I never thought about becoming a coach or having my own business. My journey started out as a way for me to find myself again but it ended up reinventing my entire being in the process. I started out desperate to lose the baby weight and ended up focusing more on how I felt and how I can spread more love into the world.
2015 was a tough year for my family. We lost two young men in a short amount of time. I was quickly falling deeper into my familiar depression and I knew I needed to do something to stop the spiral. I woke up on my 34th birthday and knew exactly what I needed to do. Through my journey with my coach I had finally found a way to unshackle myself from the grasps of body bullying. It was time to share that gift with others. I took the pain I felt and turned it into hope. I showed myself that on the other side of fear is the life you dream of. And I made it my focus to show as many women as possible that they are worthy of the life they desire.
Q: You are very open on social media. Do you sometimes get nervous before posting something personal? How does your family feel about it?
A: My social media posts have become a way for me to process my feelings through depression, anxiety, and grief. I write what my prior self needed to hear and what I hope my followers will resonate with. I am an introvert by nature so being able to open up this way has been a surprise to myself... and my family. There are times when my nerves kick in for sure... but I remember my mission, have a glass of wine and press Send anyways.
Q: What does a typical day look like?
A: My alarm goes off at 4:45 am every morning. I spend 10-15 minutes meditating and snuggling my dog Rosie. Now it's time to do my workout... 30 minutes in my basement. I check in with my challengers, coaches and post to social media. My kiddos are early risers and rarely sleep past 6 am. Once they are up it's time to shift hats and focus all my energy on starting their day off right.
We are an active family with gymnastics, hockey, skating and school. Our days are filled with fun family time, activities and walks with our sweet dog. My business is run in the tiny gaps in my day... before 6 am, during episodes of Peppa Pig and bathroom breaks lol! My kids are my inspiration and why I do what I do.
My days are definitely busy but I wouldn't have it any other way!
Q: What is the best part about being a coach?
A: The best part of being a coach is when I receive messages from my challengers. It is absolutely incredible to be a part of a woman's transformation and it brings me to tears every time someone has been able to shift their mindset to self love.
Q: What is the worst part?
A: The worst part of being a coach is when I just can't help someone. Timing is everything when it comes to lifestyle change and sometimes taking a step back gives you the clarity you need. Every challenger of mine gets a piece of my heart and I wish my help was the answer for everyone.
Q: You are a working mom, wife, and you have your own business. How do you find balance?
A: Being a working mom of two and building a business is definitely tough! I've had to get a lot better at time management and learning how to say no to things that just don't serve me and what I'm working towards. I have had to work hard to make sure I manage my stress levels (meditation, essential oils and therapy certainly help). I also go to bed early (my inner granny shows up around 8:30 pm lol!). My husband is so supportive and takes such an active role in allowing me the time I need to run my business. All this being said, I definitely have my days where I need to reset, binge watch a show on Netflix and shut my brain off!!
Q: What are your plans for the future?
A: My plans for the future are evolving all the time. As I get more and more comfortable with allowing myself to dream of the life I want... the more excited I get and I am even more focused on spreading more love and light into the world. I envision a life of freedom, choice and a whole lot of sunshine!
A: My plans for the future are evolving all the time. As I get more and more comfortable with allowing myself to dream of the life I want... the more excited I get and I am even more focused on spreading more love and light into the world. I envision a life of freedom, choice and a whole lot of sunshine!
This spring I lost my brother suddenly and it shook me to my core. I truly believe that I became a coach to get me through this excruciating time. The inner strength I've built in the last 2 years has given me tools I know I didn't have before. The community around me has lifted me up through the hardest period of my life and inspired me to keep dreaming. My business has become so close to my heart and I will keep shining as bright as I can into the world with my brother watching over me.
I love you, girl.
For daily fitness- and life-inspiration, check out Krista's Website, Facebook, or Instagram.
Comments are turned off, go and say hi to this inspiring and fierce mama!
xoxo Miriam
