We were lucky to catch up with Sunrise Mendoza recently and have shared our conversation below.

Sunrise, appreciate you joining us today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

When I first started college, I enrolled in a mix of business, nutrition, and health promotion courses, which helped me build a strong foundation in understanding how the body works, what fuels it, and how to approach fitness and wellness holistically. I also took several physical education classes like cross-training and strength training, which taught me proper exercise form and how to structure effective workouts. On top of that, I explored different fitness classes outside of school, including cycling, yoga, and HIIT, which gave me exposure to a wide range of fitness techniques.

I also had the opportunity to take a cooking class where I learned how to create healthy, flavorful meals that are low in calories but still satisfying—something that’s been essential for promoting balance in my own fitness journey and sharing tips with my audience. Physical therapy was another big part of my learning process, especially after a knee injury in 2021. I learned a lot about body mechanics, recovery, and how to adapt my training to work around injuries.

Looking back, one thing that could have sped up my learning process was diving deeper into mental health earlier on. After my injury, I struggled with depression, which impacted my motivation and progress. Addressing my mental health sooner—by seeking therapy and finding ways to balance my physical and mental well-being—would have helped me overcome obstacles more effectively.

I believe the most essential skills in this journey have been resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous learning. The biggest obstacle for me has been my mental health. Overcoming the emotional and mental barriers has been just as important as the physical ones, and it’s something I’m still working on through therapy and self-care

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m a micro-influencer on TikTok, and my content is centered around body positivity and plus-size weightlifting. I create videos that showcase my journey in the gym, from intense leg days and active rest days to outdoor hikes in the mountains or something as simple as a mindful walk. My goal is to normalize fitness for people of all body types, especially those who might feel overlooked or discouraged due to their size.

In addition to my fitness content, I share personal reflections on mental health, which is a huge part of my own story. My posts are meant to inspire confidence, self-love, and strength—both mentally and physically—regardless of race, gender, or background. I want my audience to see that fitness and mental well-being are for everyone and that it’s okay to embrace the process, even if it’s imperfect or difficult.

What sets me apart is that I don’t cater to the typical beauty standards or the male gaze. My content is created with my younger self in mind—the girl who didn’t see anyone who looked like her in fitness spaces, and who struggled with self-love and mental health. I’m building a community for people who feel less than because of their size or the challenges they face mentally. My platform is a place where they can find motivation, encouragement, and a reminder that they’re more than enough just as they are.

I’m most proud of the impact I’ve had on those who message me saying that my content has helped them feel more confident, or that they’ve found the courage to start their own fitness journey. At the end of the day, I want my brand to be a safe space that promotes growth, acceptance, and self-care. Whether someone comes to my page for workout tips or just a reminder to keep going through tough mental health days, I hope they leave feeling empowered and seen.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding part of what I do is the process of creating something I’m genuinely proud of. I love making videos, and over time, I’ve grown comfortable being on camera. I enjoy the whole creative journey—from being filmed, to editing, to seeing the final result come together. Even though editing can be time-consuming, it’s incredibly satisfying to look at a finished video and think, “Wow, this looks great.”

I put a lot of effort into my workout videos to ensure that my form is clear and easy to follow for anyone who might want to replicate the exercises at home. I make sure to include the names of the exercises on the screen, along with the number of reps and sets, or the method I’m using, so that people can follow along and feel confident in their workouts.

For me, it’s not just about tracking weight loss; my content is more about building strength, endurance, and overall well-being. Weight loss is just one part of my journey, but I’m more focused on encouraging others to be active, strong, and to give their best effort, whatever that may look like for them. It’s less about losing five pounds in a week and more about showing up for yourself, pushing to be stronger, and making progress that lasts. That’s what truly makes this journey rewarding for me—knowing that I’m helping people embrace their strength and encouraging them to be the best version of themselves.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

Absolutely. Since I was about 18 or 19, I’ve always dreamed of becoming an influencer so I could self-fund a nonprofit organization that offers makeup classes to women in shelters. My vision is to partner with affordable and high-quality brands like ELF or NYX, teaching women how to use makeup as a tool for self-expression and empowerment. Each woman would leave with a makeup bag of essentials to help her rediscover her sense of self.

For me, makeup has always been about self-expression, not about meeting beauty standards. When I was 18, I left an abusive relationship, and makeup became a way for me to process my emotions and find myself again. I would create bold, expressive looks that helped me cope, even if no one ever saw them. Over time, as I healed, the dark shades I used gradually shifted to lighter ones, reflecting my mood and emotional growth.

On my wedding day, I didn’t wear foundation but used pink eyeshadow to symbolize the love and joy in my life. That’s the power of makeup—it’s not about looking pretty but about expressing who you are and how you feel. My goal is to bring that same sense of empowerment to women in shelters, showing them how to reclaim their identity and confidence through makeup as they rebuild their lives and reenter the workforce.

Another goal of mine is to work with brands that align with my values and my mission for my supporters, helping them feel seen, supported, and inspired. My creative journey is about more than just fitness and content creation; it’s about making a real impact and helping people find their voice through self-expression, just like I did.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/sunrisemendoza
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunrisemendoza/
• Twitter: https://linktr.ee/sunrisemendoza
• Youtube: https://linktr.ee/sunrisemendoza
• Other: https://linktr.ee/sunrisemendoza

Image Credits

they are my own photos