Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Gina Perin. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Gina, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Setting up an independent practice is a daunting endeavor. Can you talk to us about what it was like for you – what were some of the main steps, challenges, etc.
The decision to transition from being a fitness instructor in local gyms to establishing my own health and wellness practice was driven by a desire to make a broader impact. When the pandemic closed gym doors in 2020, I embarked on a journey of self-discovery and education, focusing on health and wellness through the lens of positive psychology. Key steps involved obtaining relevant certifications, defining my niche within the wellness landscape, crafting a detailed business plan, and building a strong digital presence. Challenges included adapting to the online realm, building a client base, and balancing business aspects. Looking back, I wouldn’t change a thing about this transformative journey. My advice to young professionals considering starting their practice is to invest in education, find their unique niche, establish a robust online presence, embrace challenges with persistence, seek guidance, and always prioritize making a positive impact on the lives of others. It’s been a fulfilling and rewarding path.
Gina, 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 thrilled to have the opportunity to share my journey with your readers. I’ve always been deeply passionate about health and wellness, and my path into this industry has been a dynamic one. While I initially started as a fitness instructor in local gyms, the transformative moment came when the pandemic struck in 2020. It forced me to reevaluate how I could make a more profound impact on people’s lives. That’s when I decided to pursue further education in health and wellness, anchored in positive psychology.
One aspect that sets me apart is my personal journey. I’ve experienced major life events, from navigating through the challenges of divorce to coping with the loss of loved ones. These experiences have taught me the true value of resilience and the importance of addressing both physical and mental well-being. Today, I run a holistic health and wellness practice that’s centered around empowering individuals to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives. The services I provide encompass a wide spectrum, including personalized wellness coaching, fitness programs, stress management, and nutrition guidance, all underpinned by the principles of positive psychology.
My proudest achievement is the community of individuals I’ve had the privilege to work with. Witnessing their personal growth, seeing them achieve their goals, and helping them navigate life’s ups and downs is profoundly rewarding. What I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know about my brand is that it’s not just about fitness or nutrition; it’s about holistic well-being. It’s about embracing the journey towards a healthier, happier you, and doing so with positivity, resilience, and a commitment to lifelong wellness.
At its core, my brand stands for empowerment, transformation, and well-being, and I’m excited to continue sharing this journey with those who seek positive change in their lives.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
Certainly. One of the most profound moments that underscored my resilience occurred in 2010 when I faced the devastating loss of my brother to suicide. It was an experience that shook me to my core and sent my life into a downward spiral. Over the next several years, I found myself grappling with grief, emotional turmoil, and a deep sense of loss. I turned to unhealthy coping mechanisms, gaining a significant amount of weight, increasing my alcohol consumption, and falling into a severe depression.
It was during this dark period that I hit rock bottom, quite literally. I vividly remember lying on my apartment floor, overwhelmed by despair. In that moment, my resilience, though buried beneath layers of grief and pain, began to stir. I realized that I couldn’t continue down this destructive path and that I needed help, both physically and mentally. It was a pivotal moment of self-awareness and the first step towards rebuilding my life.
This experience taught me that resilience isn’t about being impervious to life’s challenges; it’s about finding the strength to rise again, even when you’ve been brought to your knees. It’s a journey that I draw upon daily, both in my personal life and in my work, to help others navigate their own adversities and find their path to healing and well-being.
If you could go back, would you choose the same profession, specialty, etc.?
One thousand percent, I would make the same choice without a moment’s hesitation. My journey into the realm of health and wellness, particularly with a focus on positive psychology, has been a calling that I can’t imagine ever turning away from. I’ve come to realize that I was meant to help people, to dedicate the second half of my life to being of service.
What makes this profession so incredibly rewarding is witnessing the transformative “Ah-Ha” moments in my clients’ lives. Their breakthroughs, their successes, and their journeys toward better health and well-being are, in essence, my own “Ah-Ha” moments. It’s a deeply fulfilling path, one where I get to be a catalyst for positive change, and there’s no greater privilege than that.
In hindsight, every step of my journey has led me here, and I can’t imagine a more purposeful and meaningful profession than this one. It’s not just what I do; it’s who I am, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ginaperin.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gina_perin
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gglifestylellc/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ginaperin/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/ginaperin2
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ginaperin8860
Image Credits
ashley barrett photography