Today we’d like to introduce you to Maria Lopez.
Hi Maria, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
In my early 30’s I decided to join an MMA gym to learn self-defense. Reason being I have been in multiple physically abusive relationships/domestic violence. I have also suffered with severe issues with self-confidence and self-esteem my entire life. In addition, being bullied. It was important for me to learn how to defend myself and build my confidence. I am a single parent and took my son along with me to the gym. We started training together and as the years went by we became very committed and progressed in skill. We never started with the intention to compete, but we both ended up competing a few years down the road. My son was an amateur boxer and I was an MMA fighter. It’s kind of interesting since most of the time, you hear about fathers and sons doing something like this. We even sparred each other to prepare for upcoming fights. The looks on everyone’s faces when they found out we were mother and son was priceless! Haha! As a few more years went by, we both eventually became pro fighters and started competing at a higher level. This was such a great experience. I have always struggled with self-confidence and self-esteem and this changed everything for me. I was very involved in my son’s training/coaching/nutrition for his fight camps.
Also, since I, too, had some experience in actual fights, I was very aware of all the hard work and emotion that came with fight camps. This helped me become a better coach. I started training very late in age for this particular sport and it was short-lived. I wouldn’t change a thing. It was one of the best experiences of my life. With the knowledge I gained from it, I became so passionate towards the entire process of getting in shape and living a healthier and fit lifestyle. There are so many benefits! I was very familiar with the nutrition that was necessary for a fighter while preparing for a fight or simply to “stay ready” for a possible last-minute offer to fight. I was responsible for my son’s nutrition/meal prep for all his camps. Neither of us ever missed weight for a competition. I would post all the meals I would make for us and all of a sudden people started reaching out asking if I’d prepare meals for them, too! It became a small business. I enjoy cooking in general as it is but to be able to provide healthy meals to another to help them live a healthier lifestyle, or even assist in a fight camp, really made me happy. My fighter name was “MINJA”. That is how MINJAFIT was created. I felt it was a perfect business name for me and very catchy. In addition to meal prepping, I also started doing group fitness classes as well as personal training. My son is also a coach and personal trainer at this time….while still actively keeping his pro status as a boxer. Although I work a full-time job, I still make time to fulfill my passion with health and fitness. It keeps me so busy but I love it. I love to help others who have goals and just need that little extra push. I also know how expensive these types of services can be and I do my best to be very affordable. I never want money to be a reason why someone can’t attend classes, learn self-defense or get a weeks worth of healthy meals if it’s going to help them reach their goals. I want to make a positive impact on as many people as I can while I am still here! 🙂
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
NOT AT ALL!!! I have faced so many challenges, obstacles and bumps in the road! This is why it is so important to have that drive to keep pushing forward no matter what. You have to decide that nothing and no one will stop you from getting where you want to be.
Being a female, I have struggled with coaches with bad intentions. Several times. This caused me to change gyms more than once and it was such an inconvenience and hurtful situation. And causes serious trust issues.
I have struggled with being extremely discouraged. Reaching that point where a part of you wants to quit. But I never did.
I have struggled with bullying, cyberbullying and “haters”. I have a history of dealing with depression and anxiety which made this was very hard for me. People can be so mean and cruel. It hurts. It sucks. But, still, you can’t let it stop you. It took me years to understand clearly that “I” am in control of my life. No one else. Thankfully over the years, I learned to care less about what others think of me and more about what I think of myself. Again, a turning point in my life.
Exhaustion. At one point, I opened my own gym with a business partner. It was HARD. To juggle my full-time job, running a gym, a meal prep business, training for fights, helping my son get ready for his fights……IT WAS HARD. I have reached such a high level of exhaustion that made me physically ill several times.
Financial. Running a business has its ups and downs. You can have a great couple of months then a really bad one. It can be unpredictable. It takes money to make money, especially in the beginning.
Single mom. I’ve been a single mom since I was 18 years old. It’s been a tough learning experience. Ever since my son was born, he has become my “why”. My reason. He is my rock and has always kept me on my feet simply by existing. Trying to maintain work, school, training, being a mom and running a business has been crazy challenging! It has built me into a strong, independent woman and I wouldn’t change a thing.
Ultimately, it’s all about believing in yourself.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I work full-time in hospitality management. I am the director of sales and office out of one of the hotels near the Austin airport. I have been in this profession for 16 years and enjoy it! However, MinjaFit (the fitness side of things) is all on my spare time. I have somehow managed to fit it all in my life with out over exhausting myself. Currently, I teach adult workout/boxing classes twice a week at Buffalo Boxing Club in South Austin. I also offer personal training sessions on the weekends by appointment only. Meal prep is on an individual basis at this time due to limited time during the week. I am a certified USA Boxing coach and certified food manager. Although I no longer compete, I am still here to help anyone who needs help preparing for a competition. I am confident in what I do and what I have to offer.
I am most proud of all that I have overcome on a personal level while working on my goals and accomplishments. Now that I am in a great place with myself, it allows me to pay it forward. That is the best feeling!
What sets me apart is that I am not in it for the money. Although it is a business…..money will never ultimately be the reason why I do what I do. I am genuinely passionate and driven to motivate, encourage and help anyone who is struggling because I have been there. I know what it feels like. If you are willing to put in the work, I am here to push you and help get you where you want to be. I believe in anyone who wants it bad enough.
How do you define success?
Success is being able to do what you love every day. Having the opportunity to provide a service that impacts others positively. Changing lives.
Contact Info:
- Email: minjafit@gmail.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/minjafit/
