I remember the day like it was yesterday.
It was the day I decided that I was going to be in control of my fate. I didn’t know how or when, but I knew that I was not destined to live the life my family had planned for me.
I was 17 years old and was in my Auntie’s house in Turkey. I lived in Australia, but we would spend the summers in Turkey every few years. This summer was very different.
There were three suitors waiting for my decision. My mum, my Uncle and my Auntie all had made arrangements with each one, not aware of the others. I had done the traditional; make them coffee and serve them. I was sitting in a room away from everyone, crying. This couldn’t be it for me. I have so much more to offer this world. I didn’t know what it was at the time, but I knew an arranged marriage wasn’t going to be it.
Let’s fast forward 20 years.
- I live in Florida.
- My daughter is almost one year old.
- I’m married to my American husband that I met in Los Angeles six years ago.
- We have two dogs.
- He manages a restaurant in Tampa
- I get to do what I love; changing people’s lives, helping them become better versions of themselves, whilst raising my daughter.
- I’m a fitness coach at F45, a private coach, an online coach (check out Angels IG Live Recovery Session she did with us!), and a nutritionist.
- I make my own schedule and work around my husband’s and daughter’s schedule. When I’m not working, I’m learning! I work out when I can and most days I do it with my daughter, because I can’t always get to the gym.
I had never even dreamed of a life like this. How could I with all the obstacles in my way?
It was not as easy as fast forwarding. I did a lot of soul searching to get here. I didn’t accept my traditions and fought with my family. I suffered depression, anxiety and I was even homeless for a couple days.
It all started when I ran away from home and moved to another state. This time it was to the Gold Coast, because my gut told me that my life would be better there. The fitness community was huge there. It was perfect for me; outdoor workouts, beautiful beaches and the best breakfast and coffee spots.
I found myself. I met many people who inspired me, believed in me and treated me well.
One thing I always wanted to do was travel the world. My family said I could only do this when I get married. But, after six months of working and saving, I had enough to make this dream a reality. I went to Europe by myself for two months and had the trip of a lifetime.
My next trip was to the United States with a friend to celebrate the legacy of her boyfriend, who tragically passed away. That’s where I met my husband.
Before I moved to Los Angeles, I went back to Australia and got my personal training certification. I was also training private clients at the time. When I was planning to move, my husband recommended that I apply at Equinox in Santa Monica. As soon as I got my working visa, I applied and got the job.
I found out I was pregnant during lockdown and I knew it was time to live somewhere more peaceful. We packed up our things in Los Angeles and drove across America with the dogs to start a family in St. Petersburg, Florida.
My only goal is to now inspire other women to take control of their lives. To encourage my daughter to go after her dreams and make the world a healthier place, one client at a time.
To all the women out there…you can do ANYTHING you put your mind to. Don’t let anyone tell you you can’t.
If I listened to everyone else, my life would have been very different.
- MOBOT Roll Model, Angel
