We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Dylan Storme Smith. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Dylan Storme below.

Dylan Storme, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

Within my story lies a captivating tale that traverses continents, crosses oceans, and bridges cultures. It is the story where I embarked on an extraordinary journey, leaving behind a familiar landscape and venturing into the unknown, driven by a profound desire for a better life, a risk that I took. From the challenges of leaving one’s family and friends behind, adapting to a new culture and way of life to the bittersweet yearning for the sights and sounds of home, this story paints a vivid portrait of the immigration experience. I embarked on a courageous adventure in pursuit of education, career, or passion, embracing the unfamiliar with determination and tenacity. I obtained an internship In soccer coaching around the Bay Area back in 2021. This wasn’t exactly within my field of study however I saw it as an opportunity to work abroad to experience a different life and gain work experience in a different environment and culture and see where it goes after not wanting to settle back home in South Africa where opportunities were minimal and life itself was ‘slow and developing’ in a third world country. This was a step I took into the unknown not knowing a single person in the United States, not knowing what may come from this and leaving behind friends and family. Today, two years later, I find myself having completed an International internship and all settled in.

Dylan Storme, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m Dylan Storme Smith, a 26-year-old native of Cape Town, South Africa. My soccer journey began at the age of eight, fueled by dreams of a professional career. To enhance my skills and reach the highest level, I delved into researching ways to improve my soccer abilities. This passion for sports ultimately led me to pursue a BSc in Sports and Exercise Science.

Initially focused on a career as a professional soccer player, my priorities shifted as I discovered my enjoyment in helping others achieve their fitness goals and enhance their athletic performance. During my studies, I took on the role of a soccer coach at a local organization, nurturing a deep passion for guiding young athletes toward success.

Upon completing my education, the coaching experience opened doors to a soccer coaching internship in the United States. Seizing this opportunity, I told myself, “Let’s do this!” While it wasn’t directly aligned with my degree, I couldn’t resist the chance to gain valuable work experience in a new environment and culture. I was willing to temporarily set aside further studies to explore this path.

Today, I stand as an immigrant who ventured far from home, completed an international internship, and embarked on a solo journey to establish ‘Storme Fitness.’ My business offers a range of services, including one-on-one or group soccer sessions, one-on-one or group strength and conditioning sessions, online training, and personalized meal plans. This is the life I envisioned, where I’ve transformed my dreams into reality.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

When I seized the opportunity to come to the United States (U.S.), I encountered numerous obstacles. Amid the COVID pandemic, I pursued a U.S. soccer coaching internship, and my first hurdle was the Visa application. Unfortunately, the U.S. Consulate in Cape Town was shut down, necessitating a five-month wait. Driven by my unwavering determination to achieve my dream, I devised a solution: I obtained a European Visa, allowing me to apply for a U.S. Visa from Romania.

Leaving behind my family and the life I knew in South Africa, I arrived in Romania, uncertain about Visa approval and required to undergo a 14-day quarantine. The waiting period was grueling, as I took a leap of faith in something I deeply believed in. On the 15th day, I had my interview with the U.S. consulate in Bucharest and received the news of my U.S. Visa approval. I was overwhelmed with joy as I realized my dream of working abroad had come true. Without hesitation, I called my family and booked my flight to the United States.

Enduring the anxiety, anticipation, and a whirlwind of emotions was undeniably worth it.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

My journey in the United States was a wake-up call. Initially, I believed that coming to the U.S. would be a breeze, enticed by the allure of higher earnings compared to South Africa. However, enduring nights with an empty stomach quickly shattered those illusions. Being far from loved ones and my familiar support systems made it even more challenging. I found myself living out of a suitcase, shifting from one host family to another. This wasn’t how I had envisioned living my dream.

Then, a wise woman, who eventually became my wife, offered me a crucial piece of advice: I had to work twice as hard as everyone else because I was essentially starting from scratch. Her words prompted me to take action. I began networking with professionals in the sports industry, gaining valuable insights on how to succeed. My aspirations grew, and one of my biggest dreams is to establish soccer facilities across the U.S., a goal that’s still on the horizon. To set the wheels in motion, Storme Fitness was born, serving as the initial step toward realizing this ambitious vision.

My journey in the United States was far from easy, but it was these trials and tribulations that truly shaped my path and turned a dream into a thriving reality.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/StormeFitness
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dylanstormesmith/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dylan.s.smith.148
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dylanstormesmith/
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@dylanstormesmith_