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

Ariel, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Was there a defining moment in your professional career? A moment that changed the trajectory of your career?

I’ve dabbled in entrepreneurship for a while. In college, I pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology (Exercise Science, to simplify) with the goal of becoming a Physical Therapist—like many who enter this field.

However, early in my undergraduate journey, I realized this path wasn’t for me. During my internship at 3WINS Fitness, I had the opportunity to step into a leadership role as a Program Director. That experience completely shifted my perspective. I discovered my passion for leadership, event coordination, and administration. What I truly loved was empowering my peers—helping them take control of their skills and develop their own leadership potential.

That was just the beginning. During this time, I started my own CPR business and began certifying 3WINS Fitness instructors. I thought to myself, Why not pivot this into a full-scale health and wellness business someday? I didn’t have a clear vision of what that would look like, but I was determined to figure it out.

Even though I didn’t know the exact steps to achieve my goal, I took action anyway. About a year and a half later, I transitioned out of my leadership role at 3WINS Fitness, passing the baton to someone else who could grow in the position. I asked myself, What am I waiting for? The time to pursue my dream of running my own business was now.

The LLC for my CPR business was already formed, my WordPress website was in its early stages, and I started mapping out how to move forward. The CPR business grew quickly—I was certifying the entire internship program, local gyms, and anyone who reached out for my services. It was 2018, my third year of undergrad, and I asked myself, How can I level up?

That year, I didn’t get into the core classes I wanted, so I took 23 units—eight classes between two colleges—to make sure I could graduate in four years. I knew it would be overwhelming, but I was determined to get through it, no matter what challenges came my way. Between the eight classes, working part-time as a coach, navigating a new relationship, taking care of myself, and juggling life, what could possibly go wrong?

Then, everything changed. I hired a photographer to update photos for my business website, feeling confident and ready to define what my business could become. But during that process, I was sexually assaulted by the photographer.

I reported the case, but, as is too often the case, nothing came of it. On top of that, I also discovered an ovarian cyst the size of two fists that required surgery to prevent it from rupturing. I vividly remember reminding myself of my commitment at the beginning of the year: Go at your pace, but finish what you started.

Despite this trauma, I pushed through. I started therapy, maintained my healthy relationship, managed a 3.8 GPA, exercised to take care of myself, and even made time for Disneyland trips to find joy amidst the chaos.

This was my defining moment:

I realized that my purpose was far bigger than I had initially imagined. I refused to let that individual or any hardship define who I am or what I could achieve. It became a declaration: I WILL succeed, regardless of your actions. Watch me.

My business stands for more than just teaching fitness or healthy habits.

I stand for all the women who feel they’re not good enough. For women who believe they’ll never overcome hardship. For anyone who feels stuck in the box society has confined them to and for those who need that support to start embodying their highest potential to take up space.

I stand for the little girls and the next generation who experience self-doubt, resistance, and feelings of exclusion—just like I once did.

This is my purpose that continues to drive my professional endeavors.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Hi, I’m Ariel Pasion, a health coach, entrepreneur, and founder of FocusWithin Health. I help women take charge of their health, create habits that actually stick, and feel confident prioritizing themselves—without guilt or overwhelm. I know how easy it is to let your health fall to the bottom of your to-do list when life gets busy. That’s exactly why I do what I do: to help you realize that taking care of yourself is not a luxury; it’s essential to achieving the life you desire.

Let’s start with how I can support you, wherever you’re starting. If you’re looking to make some quick changes and jumpstart your routine, my Free Momentum Builders are a great place to begin. The No Snooze 30-Day Challenge is designed to help you reclaim your mornings with more energy and intention. Did you know that hitting snooze too often can leave you feeling groggy and unfocused, like a bad case of jet lag? This challenge helps you break that cycle, so you can wake up energized and ready to take on your day with purpose. If you’ve been struggling to get out of bed without dragging your feet, this is the perfect first step.

For nutrition, my Macro & Meal Prep Mastery Guide simplifies everything. I know how overwhelming it can feel to figure out what to eat, calculate macros, or even plan meals consistently. This guide takes the guesswork out and helps you build a system that feels simple and manageable, so you can feel more in control of your nutrition without all the stress.

If you’re ready for something more tailored to your specific needs, my Healthy Habits Audit is where we get personal. Picture us sitting at a cute café, sipping on coffee or tea, and diving deep into your health and wellness goals!!

But because I can’t multiply mah self to teleport everywhere… here’s how what this looks like instead: You fill out a detailed questionnaire about your current habits and lifestyle, I create a 60-minute recorded video just for you with a Healthy Habits Playbook. In this video, I’ll break down exactly what’s working, what’s not, and what changes you can make to create a healthier lifestyle and adjust any fat loss goals. It’s like having your own personalized roadmap to success. And because I meet women exactly where they are, this isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. Whether you’re navigating hormones, your period, birth control, pregnancy, or menopause, I’ll tailor my recommendations to fit your unique season of life.

If you’re ready to go all in and fully commit to yourself, my 1:1 FocusWithin Health Coaching is where true transformation happens. Together, we’ll create a fully customized plan that works for your life—not the other way around. Whether you’re focusing on fitness, nutrition, mindset, or all of the above, I’ll guide you through your unique challenges, whether that’s balancing a busy schedule, managing hormones, or adapting to big life transitions. This coaching experience is designed to help you stay consistent, feel supported, and create habits that last long AND build the body of your dreams after our time together.

I believe this work is so powerful because I’ve lived it. I’ve been in your shoes, juggling overwhelming schedules, doubting myself, and wondering if I could ever truly make time for my health. Over time, I learned how to show up for myself in a way that felt realistic and empowering. Now, I’m passionate about helping other women do the same.

If you’re ready to stop putting yourself last and start living with more energy, confidence, and consistency, I’m here for you. Let’s work together to make it happen—because taking care of yourself is not a luxury; it’s essential to achieving the life you desire.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

Authenticity and Leading by Example
When I first started on social media, it was because I was going through my first heartbreak. I shared motivational content as a way to inspire myself, but I quickly realized that others related to it and gravitated toward my message. Since then, I’ve always practiced what I preach—not the other way around.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

Absolutely! There are several resources that have profoundly influenced my entrepreneurial journey and management philosophy—shaping how I show up for both my business and myself.

One book that stands out is The 12-Week Year by Brian P. Moran and Michael Lennington. It completely changed how I approach goal setting by focusing on shorter, 12-week cycles instead of traditional yearly plans. This method keeps me intentional and motivated, making it easier to stay consistent and achieve meaningful progress.

Another favorite is You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero. It’s such an empowering read, blending inspiration, humor, and practical advice. Jen’s words helped me embrace confidence and take bold action, reminding me that belief in yourself is foundational to any kind of success.

I also love IntuWitchin by Mia Magik. This book dives deep into intuition, spirituality, and aligning with your inner wisdom. It’s been a beautiful reminder to trust myself, honor my values, and lead in a way that feels authentic and empowering.

Podcasts have also been a huge source of inspiration. The She Means Business Show by Carrie Green is packed with practical advice and relatable stories for women navigating entrepreneurship. I also love The Highest Self Podcast by Sahara Rose, which focuses on spirituality, self-discovery, and integrating balance into everyday life. These shows remind me to stay connected to my purpose and find alignment between my work and personal growth.

Beyond books and podcasts, I’ve been exploring the balance between feminine and masculine energies in my life and business. For a long time, I operated heavily in masculine energy—focused on structure, execution, and doing. While those qualities are essential, I’ve learned the importance of leaning into my feminine energy too—embracing flow, intuition, creativity, and rest. Finding this balance has allowed me to approach my work in a way that feels less forceful and more aligned with who I am.

Another game-changer has been becoming aware of my menstrual cycle and how it influences my energy throughout the month. I’ve started to align my workload and self-care routines with the natural phases of my cycle, recognizing when to lean into my creativity and productivity (like during my follicular phase) versus when to rest and reflect (like during my luteal phase). Honoring how my body works has helped me navigate life and business with more grace and understanding.

These books, podcasts, and personal explorations have taught me that entrepreneurship isn’t just about strategy—it’s about alignment, balance, and truly understanding yourself. When you combine practical tools with self-awareness and trust in your intuition, you create something that’s not just successful, but deeply fulfilling.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.arielpasion.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/apasionlifestyle

Image Credits

PAUL KHOURY