Valpresious Ham
Success is not always a linear process, and individuals like Tatyana Flowers are a great example. While many may take a more traditional approach to find their place in the world, Tatyana describes a series of turns she took on the path to living her dream. Coming from a long line of education professionals, Tatyana enrolled in Delaware State University’s middle-level education program after graduating high school.
Although she loves the idea of teaching, she quickly found that she was longing for a field she could feel passionate about. She recalls experiencing periods of extreme frustration and depression as a result of her discontent. It was at that point of frustration she began working out and bodybuilding to manage her depression. She soon found her passion in that process and began piecing together a dream of her own.
It was through that process that, at 25 years old, Tatyana began to work with her family to create a business of her own. Now she is the owner of her own activewear brand, the head training at her family-owned and operated training facility, and has been featured in a number of published works highlighting her crafted physique. Now, she hopes her passion will become an empire.
Q: Thank you for agreeing to do this interview. Can we get to meet the man/woman behind the face?
A: My name is Tatyana and I’m 26 years old and I’m a personal trainer and fitness influencer.
Q: Where were you born and what was your upbringing like?
A: I was actually born in Philadelphia. We moved to Delaware when I was about 10. I was more like the active kid, trying to dibble and dabble with everything and I think it was the same with me deciding I wanted to be a trainer. I kind of was an enthusiastic kid and wanted to try everything.
Q: Who has been the greatest influence in your life that has impacted the man/woman you are today?
A:It might sound sexist but I would say a lot of the females in my family. It ranges from my aunt to my mom to my older sister. They all have impacted me in some sort of way.
Q: Can you tell me of your education history and what your goals or life ambition was when you were a student in High School/College?
A: My initial path in highschool was Animal Science because I wanted to be a veterinarian. When I would talk to certain family members about it, they would tell me “You know you will have to do this and that” and it kind of turned me away from it. Even though it shouldn’t have.
Q: What was the most memorable point that changed your trajectory from your major at the time you made the decision to change course and follow your dream?
A: I would say at Delstate when I decided. Education was my major which I still want to complete, but I remember not being enthusiastic at all and I just always wanted to leave class to go to the gym. I just would always think this is what I really want to do (be in the gym), so why am I doing this?
Q: Is this where you thought you’d be 5 or so years ago?
A: No but it worked out.
Q. What informed your decision on doing what you’re doing now?
A: Really people just reaching out and telling me of how inspiring they found what I was doing to be.
Q: When you say reaching out, do you mean because you were sharing videos of your own personal transformation?
A: Yes. I began posting my routines and plans online and got a lot of really positive feedback and it encouraged me to begin training.
Q: What are your plans for the future?
A: I would say to be able to travel while doing the same thing and inspiring people at the same time.
Q: What kind of advice would you offer a student, who is undecided on his or her career path?
A: Listen to your heart. If you’re in school, to join different organizations and learn about different things. Try new things.
Q: How would you describe the state of higher education in America today?
A: I don’t think about it a lot but I think it’s good there is a lot of variety for people to choose from.
Q: Have you ever travelled outside of the United States? Where, and how does life outside compare to that in the US?
A: I’ve been to Jamaica. I think it’s interesting that most people there don’t have as much when it comes to material things but they’re still happy.Their mindset makes them the happiest people. It gave me a different perspective coming back home to the United States.
Q: What does the future hold for America?
A: As of now it’s kind of hard to say, but I do hope we are able to settle our differences.
Q: With all of this talk about the U.S., are you interested in politics?
A: I don’t like politics.
Q: How are you responding to the outbreak of the Convid-19 virus? How are you handling this stay-at-home order?
A: In the beginning it was pretty scary. Right now I’m trying to go with the flow of things.
Q: What keeps you going during these trying times?
A: Reading for one. I have a book called Being Grateful. It helps me list things I am grateful for and things to look forward to. I set an alarm to make sure I’m getting up at 6 am every morning to stay on a strict schedule. Especially with seasonal depression hitting a lot of people, it’s more important than anything.
Q: How can the government better handle the situation?
A: I would say they shouldn’t have taken so long to decide what to do. I think other countries made a faster decision to shut things down.
Q: What are your hobbies or extracurricular activities?
A: Exercising such as hiking, running, and biking. It’s therapeutic for me. It’s fun but it gives you a peace of mind. It gives you time to think.
Q: How would you describe your philosophy of life? That is, how do you see
this life and what principles get you grounded and moving forward?
A: I’d say it’s “Life is what you make it.” You could spend time overthinking, but if there’s something you really want to do you can do it as long as you believe that.
Q: Let us end this interview with a memorable quote from you. How would you describe yourself to the world? Complete the sentence: I am…
A: I am Tatyana flowers and I aspire to inspire.
Tatyana Flowers performing at home quarantine-fitness routine for her followers.
Q: Would advice would you like to leave people with?
A: You have to be yourself and you have to be as dedicated to your dreams and passion as much as you would be for anything or anyone else in this life. You don’t want to leave this life with regret.