We recently had the chance to connect with Devin Symone and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Devin , thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
Right now, I’m being called to focus more intentionally on building my own brand, Devin Symone Fitness. I’ve spent years pouring into other people’s businesses, but now it’s time to fully step into my own vision and voice. I love creating, and I’ve been showing up on Instagram and recently exploring TikTok, but where I know I’ll really shine is YouTube.
That’s also where I’ve held back the most. The editing, the tech, the longer-form content all of it has felt so overwhelming at times. But recently, someone left a comment asking for more videos, and it reminded me that people are tuning in not just for me, but for what I bring. So I’m leaning in. I’m letting go of perfectionism and fear, and choosing to show up anyway. Because this isn’t just about building a brand, it’s about giving people something real. I want to offer free workouts that bring the energy and connection of a great group fitness class right into people’s homes. That’s what drives me. And I’m ready to go all in, even if I’m figuring it out as I go.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Since my interview in 2022, everything has changed; in the BEST way! I moved to New York City, left the hospitality industry behind FOR GOOD, and I’m about to hit my first full year as a full-time fitness instructor. Making a full career switch especially after so many years in hospitality was a huge move. I put so much pressure on myself to make this dream happen… and now I’m actually living it. In New York fing* City eeek!!!
I’m certified in personal training, Lagree Fitness, and recently got my mat Pilates cert with plans to keep learning and expanding. At EQUINOX, I teach a mix of their signature formats that range from strength training and lifting to high-intensity cardio. I also teach at TRAPHAUS, a vibrant, Black-owned boutique studio that blends two of my favorite things Xformer Pilates and strength training bringing the best of both my worlds to my clients.
My teaching style is energetic, encouraging, and super hands-on. I’m big on form and safety, and I won’t let you move wrong in my class, but I’m also patient. I meet people where they are. I want every person who walks into my class to feel seen, supported, and like they belong in the room. It’s not just about pushing hard, it’s about building confidence and showing people what they’re capable of. This first year in NYC as a full time fitness instructor is all about getting my name out there in the wellness space and continuing to grow Devin Symone Fitness into a brand that isn’t just about workouts, but represents strength, confidence, growing out loud, and showing up for yourself just like I’m learning to do every day.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
As a kid, I really believed I wasn’t smart. I remember one year in middle school, I kept getting C’s in math, and my mom grounded me for the entire year. She’d say, “You’re not average, you’re above average. You’re just doing the bare minimum.” And deep down, I knew she was right… but in my head I’d still think (and maybe have said under my breath), “Well, what if I am just average, Mom?”
But the truth was… I wasn’t applying myself. I wasn’t pushing, I wasn’t trying. That moment stuck with me. Not just the grades, but the realization that I was selling myself short because I didn’t want to put in the effort. Now, that lesson shows up in every part of my life. I know what it feels like to coast, but I also know the power of choosing to show up fully, even on the days I don’t feel like it. Whether I’m teaching, training, or building my brand, I remind myself that consistency, effort, and intention matter way more than raw talent. You can’t grow if you don’t show up!
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
You’re not lazy. You’re not average. You’re just afraid of how powerful you actually are. But once you start choosing effort over fear…everything changes. And I’m so proud of the woman you’re becoming. Okay, I know that’s more than one thing… but she needed to hear all of it!
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
My best friend Allie. She’s the yin to my yang! truly a Gemini queen in all the best ways. I admire her for who she is at her core: beautiful, thoughtful, angelic, mindful, sweet, hilarious, courageous, and so gentle with the world around her. We’ve been besties since college so over 10 years, and her steady presence has shaped every version of me. She’s never judged any part of my journey and has always shown up with unconditional love and understanding. There’s something so grounding and inspiring about the way she moves through life, and I’m so grateful to have her by my side.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I want people to remember me as unapologetically, authentically me, whether we’re hanging out in person or vibing online. The real, raw, vibrant Devin with a big, giving heart. The one who shows up even on those days when she’s tired, drained from the NYC chaos, or PMSing (because the world always knows when I am, sorry not sorry) but still gives her all. I want to inspire people to be their best selves in all aspects of life especially in health and wellness. To know they don’t need anyone’s permission or validation to show up fully. To keep their hearts wide open even when they’ve been bruised. And to always, ALWAYS use their voice, not just for themselves, but for others too. That kind of strength? That’s confidence. And honey, we were born to SHINE!
Oh, and people will always remember my bomb, moist Funfetti cupcakes. I bake ‘em for everyone’s birthday because duh, everyone deserves cake (and a little sparkle) on their special day!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @devsymone
- Youtube: @devsymonefitness
- Other: tiktok: @devsymone spotify: Devin Symone
Image Credits
1) Ben Miller @millshop.studio
2) Felix Kunze @felixkunze
3) Dave Jeffers @davefotogram
4) @photoshootsavage
7) Jus @newyork.penn (product designer)
