Today we’d like to introduce you to Sebo Hernandez.
Hi Sebo, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
As a kid, I grew up watching YouTube and seeing how much fun creators had making videos. YouTube became a getaway for me, and it gave my friends and I fun activities to do together. We were just kids making dumb videos, having fun, and recreating videos from our favorite creators, like David Dobrik.
During my last year of high school, COVID hit, and what was supposed to be a short spring break turned into a much longer one. Quarantine happened, and video games and pizza slowly took over my life. I stopped making as many videos with my friends and focused more on simply having fun with them. At the time, I didn’t realize it, but I had gained quite a bit of weight. It wasn’t until I got a body scan that I realized I was technically considered obese, at around 26% body fat.
That was when I started taking the gym more seriously. I made some progress, but nothing major. Then one day, David Dobrik’s best friend, Ilya Fedorovich, created his own fitness brand, XEELA, and started helping his friends transform their bodies. I thought, “Why not give this a try?” So I completed the XEELA 75 Day Hard challenge and dropped down to around 15% body fat.
Even then, I still wasn’t completely satisfied with myself. Life happened, I got sick, and I became unmotivated. I was on and off with the gym and eventually stepped away from XEELA as well.
Then XEELA put out an opportunity for people who wanted to transform their bodies, share their journey with the world, and represent the brand along the way. I thought, “What do I have to lose?” I submitted my entry, hoping I would get accepted and, honestly, hoping it would give me the motivation I needed to get back into the gym.
I got accepted.
I became a member of the XEELA Made program, and now I have my own fitness account where I get to partner with XEELA and be part of a community that motivates and supports each other through our individual journeys.
Going from watching these creators on a screen as a kid to now talking to them and being part of their community feels like such a full-circle moment. I’m incredibly thankful for the opportunity to continue my own journey, share it with others, and hopefully show people that no matter where you start, you can work toward your goals and become the person you want to be.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There have been several bumps along the way. For me, one of the biggest struggles has been staying consistent and finding the motivation to keep going, especially when it’s easier to become comfortable or lazy. Everyone goes through ups and downs, but I’ve learned that if you can get back up and keep pushing, it eventually becomes easier. Sometimes, all you have to do is take that first step. The first step is often the hardest, but it’s also the most important.
Another major challenge I struggle with every day is nutrition. It can be difficult to figure out what your body needs, how much it needs, and what foods actually work for you. I used to think I could eat whatever I wanted as long as I worked out, but I’ve learned that what you put into your body is just as important as what you do in the gym.
Nutrition has been especially challenging for me because I’m also dealing with ongoing stomach issues that I’m still trying to understand. I’ve had multiple doctor visits, undergone several tests, and spent thousands of dollars trying to figure out why certain foods cause me pain, but I still don’t have a clear answer. Sometimes even foods that are considered “healthy” can cause problems, so I’ve had to experiment and figure out what foods my body is sensitive to.
It’s definitely been a journey, and I know I’ll eventually figure it out. But that’s also why I want to share my journey with other people who are going through similar struggles. I’m still learning, still figuring things out, and still pushing forward just like everyone else.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a man of many trades, but creativity is what really calls to me. What started as a dream of becoming a YouTuber eventually led me into photography, which opened the door to meeting so many different people—from local artists to celebrities like Nick Cannon, Druski, and Armani White.
Photography also introduced me to one of the most important people in my life. One of my clients eventually got me into fitness, and along the way, he became one of my best friends and more like a brother to me. Shoutout to Rah.
Right now, I specialize in photography and content creation, while working toward becoming a personal trainer and fitness influencer. I love being able to combine creativity, fitness, and storytelling into something that people can connect with.
What I’m most proud of is how much I’ve been able to accomplish at my age. I’ve had opportunities to work with amazing people, build meaningful relationships, and continue finding new things that I’m passionate about. At the same time, I know I’m nowhere near where I want to be. I’m proud of how far I’ve come, but I also know I have to keep pushing myself harder.
I think what sets me apart is that I’m not afraid to explore different paths. I’m constantly learning, creating, and trying something new. Whether I’m behind the camera, in front of it, or helping someone else with their journey, I want to create something that people can relate to and be inspired by.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Honestly, I think the biggest thing is to just get out there and step outside of your comfort zone. I live by the idea that everything comes with a sacrifice. If you want something badly enough, you might have to give something else up to get there.
For example, I’m fortunate to have a lot on my plate right now, but sometimes I miss being able to sit down and play video games like I used to. At the same time, I know that the time I’m investing now is helping me work toward something bigger.
I also believe that if you’re nervous or uncomfortable about doing something, it might be a sign that you should go for it. Trust your instincts and don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. Be a good person, be genuine, and be yourself. You never know who you might meet or what opportunity might come from simply starting a conversation.
You don’t always need to go into a situation looking for a mentor or trying to network. Sometimes, the best connections happen naturally when you’re simply putting yourself out there, working hard, and treating people well. If you stay true to yourself and keep showing up, I believe you can go a long way.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/yoitssebo?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAdGRleATsGg5wZG9mAmZkaWQWUMcqdz-_Mi5U6skTkS08BCZnuIRkK2V4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkDzEyNDAyNDU3NDI4NzQxNAABp7Bclouf4k56Kg8BG6mXildN7ZeOUjeLM9Ul9bl8zXdnTelsX9EZyw96A3a8_aem_NuUDRYtMj0v7K_o6x804zQ
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sebo.lifts?igsh=Z285eTlhNTZ2amty&utm_source=qr
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/yoitssebo?igsh=b2N3ZzA4bHpiN3Zs&utm_source=qr
