Conozcan a la señorita Victoria
Last year, I had a pleasure of going to Mexico for the first time. I basked in the sun, had a lot of great food and margaritas, and met some lovely people. While on vacation, I was still on duty with my camera. Being in Mexico was such a great opportunity to meet awesome women and shoot with them for the blog. I just couldn't miss it. I'm so happy to have met Victoria, a kind, smart, and gorgeous woman who empowers women around her.
I met Victoria thanks to my best friend Kasia who happened to live in Mexico at the time of my visit there. She was the one who figured Victoria and I should connect. A few years ago Victoria started Studio 101, a pole dancing studio in Queretaro where she works as an instructor. Not only does she help other women to improve on their fitness, but also teaches them how to appreciate their bodies and take their power back. It's such a beautiful thing that in today's society which makes money on women's insecurities, Victoria makes money on the opposite.
I visited Studio 101 and I loved what I saw. A caption on the wall read: "I DO POLE FITNESS FOR ME". I loved it so much cuz even though there's nothing wrong with pole dancing for someone else, it's so much more powerful when you do it for yourself. The great energy and self-acceptance was to be felt all around the studio.. and let me tell ya.. those girls had moves.. One of the stars shinning the brightest in he studio was Kasia who just a couple years before was a skinny, asthmatic girl.. and then there she was, proudly presenting her 16-pack swirling down the pole. The place Victoria created is awesome! I love when empowered women empower women.
I spent a great half of the day with Victoria. We roamed the lovely streets of Queretaro’s old town in search for unique spots to shoot. I spent such a creative and rewarding time with her. She is a kind and social person. Also, my camera loved what she could do with her body. After a few hours of shooting and vibing together, Victoria and I had an honest conversation about femininity.
AsW: When did you make yourself the most proud?
I think when I opened my own business, it was very fulfilling. It made me feel happy and complete. Before that I was just wandering through life and I didn't really know what to do. I had lots of problems with drugs, alcohol, and that kind of world. When I started to pole dance, I really felt like I was good at something. I started giving classes to really close friends, at my house. Then I started looking for a place, cuz the group was getting bigger. When I first opened the studio, I couldn't believe it.. I couldn't believe it was my own place. It was my reason to keep going, my motivation. My business was the most important thing for me at the time and it kept growing and growing and I still can't believe I created that place. This year we expanded the space, we added a new room to grow more. It makes me feel good to see so many girls to go through the process from being shy to getting more confident and in the end to thriving. It's really cool to watch that process. You can see it even with their outfits. In the beginning, they ask me "can we wear leggings?" and right now some of those girls, who have been with us for three years, are up for wearing whatever and they change in front of everyone. It's very cool that they start excepting their bodies.
AsW: What do you think women have in common across cultures or different backgrounds?
I think, the growth.. Sometimes when we feel like our lives aren’t worth it or we feel really down, we know how to overcome that. We are fighters. We fight to achieve what we think we deserve and what we want in life. Also, I think, for the most part, we are a very bonding group. We accept And support one another. When I read something about a woman across the world and I don't even know her personally, I'm empathetic to her cuz I feel what she might be going through.
I have a really close family, my mom and my sisters whom I see daily and we talk to each other almost every day. We really fight to maintain that part of our lives, to be together, to grow together, to fight together. It's really nice, I like that about women, that mutual support.
AsW: You partially just responded to this question, but can you give me any examples of women who embodies the traits you mentioned? Like empathy, bonding..
I would say my mom and my sisters. They've always been there for me, even when I was in a really really bad situation with all the things that I was talking about. When they saw I needed help, they were there for me with no judgement, but just willing to help. They love me and they know that maybe sometimes we get lost in our way. They were always there, always.. and that’s what I most appropriate about my family. It's the same the other way around. If I see my mom or my sisters are going through something harsh, I will be there for them. I will help them. That part of helping one another and supporting one another is very feminine. I don't think men are like that.
If you wanna know more about Studio 101, visit their Facebook page. If you wanna know more about Victoria and see some samples of her awesome performances, find her o IG at @victoriaserratos .
PS.
Dear Victoria,
Thank you so much for your time and great energy! You are a kind and positive soul. Keep doing what you're doing cuz you're awesome! Wish for your business to grow and give you as much personal satisfaction as possible. I wish for you all love and support in the dark times cuz you deserve it! Girl! Ima try pole dancing this month! Wish me luck lol!
With love,
Anja
