Today we’d like to introduce you to Sunshine Zerda.

Sunshine, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?

Overcoming the challenges of my childhood has been a profound journey that has shaped who I am today. As a survivor of child abuse, I grew up in an environment marked by physical, mental, and emotional turmoil. However, these early experiences instilled in me a remarkable resilience that has become an essential quality in my life.

One of the pivotal moments in my journey was being recruited by the United States Junior Olympic program for gymnastics at a young age. This opportunity not only provided me with a safe haven but also served as a transformative outlet for my energy and emotions. Through gymnastics, I developed a strong sense of focus and discipline, which kept me on a positive trajectory during a tumultuous time.

Moreover, the community I found within my gymnastics program became my “chosen family.” The bonds I formed with my teammates were invaluable, teaching me the importance of support and connection. Together, we celebrated each other’s successes and navigated challenges, reinforcing the idea that we are stronger together.

In addition to emotional support, gymnastics equipped me with essential life skills such as time management, goal setting, and perseverance. These skills have proven to be instrumental in all areas of my life, enabling me to approach challenges with confidence and determination.

Today, I carry the lessons learned from my past with me, using them to inspire others and foster a sense of hope. My journey has not only made me a survivor but also a champion for resilience and community, and I am committed to sharing this message with those who may be facing their own challenges.

With a foundation rooted in the discipline and perseverance of gymnastics, I transitioned into the corporate world after completing my university education. The skills I honed as a young athlete equipped me with the insights and resilience needed to tackle the challenges of corporate life. As I took positive initiatives, I quickly stepped into leadership roles, navigating the high-stakes environment with determination and creativity.

However, the weight of climbing the corporate ladder soon revealed the hidden costs—stress levels soared, my health began to wane, and personal fulfillment felt increasingly elusive. It became clear that a high paycheck came with its own burdens, and I found myself neglecting the vital aspects of health, movement, and rest as work hours stretched on. It was a turning point when my best friend and life partner illuminated the path forward with encouragement and unwavering support.

After 11 transformative years in the corporate sector, I chose to release my doubts and fears, embracing a new chapter of adventure and passion. I embarked on a journey into the realms of music and wellness, redefining my career to align with my true passions. Today, as an entrepreneur, I cherish the flexibility to select clients who resonate with my values, prioritize self-care, and listen to my body’s needs for rest and rejuvenation.

My path has allowed me the incredible opportunity to travel and collaborate with brands around the globe, all while doing what I love most. Each day is a celebration of creativity, health, and fulfillment—a life I’ve manifested through dedication and belief in myself. I am excited to continue this journey, sharing my passion for music and wellness with others.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?

Not a smooth road at all! Absolutely, overcoming obstacles like self-doubt, fear, and negative self-talk can be incredibly challenging, and it’s something that many people face, especially in a corporate context where societal expectations often play a significant role in our career choices.

For me, the journey of navigating these internal struggles has been transformative. Initially, I felt pressure to conform to what I thought was expected of me—a conventional career path that, while stable, didn’t resonate with my true passions in music, wellness, and fitness. Growing up in a first-generation immigrant family further compounded this pressure as I was taught to prioritize security and practicality.

The turning point came when I realized that my choices should align with my authentic self rather than societal standards. I began actively challenging my negative self-talk by reframing my thoughts and focusing on my strengths and passions. Each day, I practiced mindfulness techniques and positive affirmations to cultivate self-compassion and rediscover my purpose. I sought mentors and communities that shared my interests to help reinforce my belief that pursuing my dharma isn’t just viable—it’s essential for my well-being and happiness.

Through this process, I learned that it’s okay to step outside of societal norms to forge my path. Embracing my passions has not only boosted my confidence but also enhanced my resilience in the face of obstacles. Today, I view challenges as opportunities for growth, fueling my determination to merge my professional pursuits with my passions in music, wellness, and fitness. This journey has instilled in me a profound sense of purpose, and I aim to inspire others to embrace their true selves despite societal and family pressures.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?

I engage in two main areas of work: music curation and consulting for wellness and fitness brands. Each of these paths offers a diverse range of opportunities that I’m truly passionate about.

In the realm of music, I am fortunate to travel the world as a DJ, performing at various venues, including music festivals and private events. This role allows me to create uplifting experiences, as I believe strongly that music is a form of medicine. I take great care in curating playlists designed to resonate with people, helping them discover joy and connection through my musical selections. For brands such as boutique hotels, wellness studios, and retreat centers, I specialize in crafting unique music playlists that enhance the guest experience and create lasting memories.

As a consultant for wellness and fitness brands, I support new ventures in areas such as design, development, build-out, teacher training, and programming for fitness studios, boutique hotels, and retreat spaces. For established brands, I conduct assessments to identify areas for improvement, develop new programming, and facilitate teacher trainings to expand staff expertise in various wellness modalities.

In response to the increasing prevalence of toxic skincare products, I have dedicated time to research and develop my own line of non-toxic skincare products. My goal is to provide my community with healthier alternatives that promote well-being.

I am always enthusiastic about collaboration and building community, which I consider essential to my work. I thrive when partnering with like-minded brands and individuals who are dedicated to enhancing wellness, health, and fitness in all its forms. Whether you’re involved with hotels, retreat centers, wellness studios, or events of any scale, I welcome the opportunity to connect. Please feel free to reach out through my website: www.sunshinezerda.com

What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?

The most important lesson I’ve learned on this incredible journey of life is that gratitude is truly everything. Embracing gratitude not only elevates my own spirit, but it also radiates a contagious positive energy that touches everyone around me. There’s something profoundly uplifting about sharing this energy with my community, and it fills me with joy.

Through my meditation and movement practices, I find the consistency to cultivate gratitude daily, allowing it to flow through me like a vibrant wave of light. My heart overflows when I can contribute positively to the lives of others by doing what I love. It’s a wonderful reminder that when we focus on the blessings in our lives, we create a ripple effect of love and inspiration that transforms not only ourselves but also the world around us.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.sunshinezerda.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunshinezerda
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/SunshineZerda
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SunshineZerda/playlists
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/djsunnyz