We recently connected with Benzii Diaz and have shared our conversation below.
Benzii , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. If you had a defining moment that you feel really changed the trajectory of your career, we’d love to hear the story and details.
A defining moment in my career? It wasn’t a single moment but a series of choices I made in the face of adversity. At 17, I escaped sex trafficking—a reality I never imagined I would have to fight my way out of. I had no roadmap, no safety net, just a deep knowing that I had to rebuild my life on my own terms. That meant rediscovering my autonomy, my strength, and my purpose.
When I got to college, I realized fitness wasn’t just about aesthetics or even strength—it was about survival. Movement became my therapy. Every rep, every drop of sweat, every goal I crushed in the gym reminded me that I was reclaiming ownership over my body and my life. That’s when the spark for Bodied By Benzii was lit. I didn’t just want to train—I wanted to create a space where women, especially survivors, could rebuild themselves through movement, just as I had.
Starting a business in college with no money, no connections, and no blueprint was overwhelming. I took on odd jobs, studied my craft relentlessly, and trained people whenever I could. I wasn’t just building a brand—I was building a new life. It was exhausting, but every time I felt like quitting, I reminded myself why I started. I refused to let my past dictate my future.
That journey changed the trajectory of my career. What started as a side hustle became my mission: to create spaces where women could feel safe, strong, and seen. The biggest lesson I’ve learned? You don’t have to accept the circumstances you were given. You can rewrite your story, brick by brick, rep by rep. No matter where you come from, you have the power to build something greater.
Benzii , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
My name is Benzii Diaz and I’m the founder of Bodied By Benzii, a fitness and wellness brand dedicated to helping women reclaim their power through movement. My journey into the fitness industry is deeply personal—escaping sex trafficking at 17 and rebuilding my life from the ground up ignited my passion for strength, both physical and mental. While pursuing my education in college, I laid the foundation for my business, recognizing that fitness was more than just physical transformation—it was a means of empowerment, healing, and self-reclamation.
Through Bodied By Benzii, I offer personal training, strength and conditioning coaching, nutrition guidance, and women-centered fitness experiences that break the mold of male-dominated gym culture. My mission is to create inclusive, judgment-free spaces where women of all levels can build confidence, resilience, and community through movement.
What sets Bodied By Benzii apart is the focus on holistic strength and empowerment—it’s not just about lifting weights; it’s about lifting yourself. Whether it’s through one-on-one training, group workshops, or events like the Bodied Babe Combine, I prioritize education, support, and motivation that extends beyond the gym.
I’m incredibly proud of the community I’ve built—women who show up for themselves, push past limitations, and rewrite their own narratives. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced athlete, my goal is to make fitness fun, accessible, and transformative. I believe every woman deserves to feel strong, capable, and Bodied.
What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?
The most effective strategies for growing Bodied By Benzii have been a mix of community-building, branding, and partnerships. The focus has always been on creating an inclusive and empowering space where women feel strong, supported, and motivated to push past their limits. Instead of just offering workouts, the brand delivers an experience—one that makes fitness accessible, fun, and free from toxic gym culture.
One of the biggest growth drivers has been hosting engaging events that introduce people to the brand in a hands-on way. These experiences foster a sense of community, helping women feel connected and inspired. Alongside this, social media storytelling has played a huge role, allowing for authentic connections through shared struggles, victories, and a commitment to breaking barriers in fitness.
Word-of-mouth referrals have been another major factor. Clients don’t just come for a workout—they stay for the uplifting environment that keeps them accountable and motivated. When women feel seen, heard, and empowered, they naturally bring others into the space.
Strategic collaborations with like-minded brands and businesses have helped expand visibility, while affordable and flexible training options ensure accessibility. At the core of everything is a commitment to building a movement, not just a fitness brand. By putting people first, Bodied By Benzii continues to grow in impact and reach.
Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?
Beyond training and knowledge, what really makes someone thrive in this field is building real connections, staying resilient, and knowing how to move with the industry. Fitness isn’t just about workouts—it’s about creating a space where people feel supported, challenged, and inspired to keep showing up.
Community is everything. Clients aren’t just looking for a trainer; they’re looking for someone who understands them, pushes them, and makes them feel capable. The relationship you build with each person is what keeps them coming back. If they don’t feel seen, they won’t stay.
Resilience is a must. This industry is competitive, and things won’t always go as planned—whether it’s business setbacks, slow months, or personal challenges. The ones who succeed long-term are the ones who find solutions instead of excuses and keep evolving no matter what.
Branding and marketing matter more than people think. You could be the best trainer in the world, but if no one knows about you, it won’t matter. Storytelling, a strong online presence, and networking all help you stand out. It’s not just about selling a service; it’s about building a brand that speaks to people and makes them want to be part of what you’re creating.
Adaptability is key. Fitness trends, technology, and client needs are always changing, so staying ahead means being open to new methods, new tools, and new ways of working with people. The best trainers don’t get stuck in their ways—they grow with the industry and keep learning.
And last but not least, business skills make the difference. A lot of trainers fail not because they aren’t good, but because they don’t understand how to run a business. Knowing how to price your services, retain clients, scale your work, and create partnerships will separate you from the ones who just “love fitness” but struggle to make a career out of it.
At the end of the day, it’s about impact. If you can make people feel stronger—physically, mentally, and emotionally—you’ll always have a place in this industry.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bodiedbybenzii.com
- Instagram: @bodiedbybenzii
- Facebook: Benzii Diaz
- Linkedin: Benzii Diaz
