Karen, the Fitnomada
It’s just one of those classic stories when a girl meets a girl and they show appreciation to each other. It’s exactly what the fairytales have thought us since we were little girls, right? Right? Anyway, that’s exactly what happened when I met Karen. It was a sunny June afternoon, about three months before I started this blog, and we were just two strangers vibing at Nowadays. There was a colorful celebration going on at the time and everyone was in great moods, sippin’ on that Pinot Grigio ;) I noticed Karen because she was emitting true, natural beauty and positive vibes. What also caught my attention, was her awesome Cocker Spaniel dog. We had a quick chat with Karen and I took some photos of the both of them. We also exchanged our IG handles and casually stayed in touch.
When I started this blog a few months later, my mind kept going back to Karen. She didn't know it at the time, but I was going to reach out to her to meet and talk, and of course, have a gorgeous photo shoot. In the meantime, not knowing about my upcoming offer, Karen gave me a lot of emotional support about the blog on social media. Her beautiful, selfless words of appreciation and sisterhood gave me more energy to keep going with my project. It's a beautiful thing to get a positive feedback from your close ones, but when it comes from a stranger, it's even more rewarding.
Karen is a gorgeous woman, which is obvious when you look at her photos. Her beauty is deeply grounded inside her as well. She is a warm and kind woman, but also a very professional and focused person. She is an independent personal trainer and collaborates with one of the most prominent fitness club chains. She helps other people to achieve their goals. Some of her skills are easily noticeable on the photos.
Karen and I met in the end of last summer in one of my absolute favorite neighborhoods of Manhattan, in Lower East Side. I have some great friends working in the area who gave me the opportunity to shoot at a little secret rooftop. I really wanted to show Karen’s beautiful body in a special scenery. We took the photos right before and during sunset and had a brief conversation about appreciation of women. Please enjoy the fruits of our conversation!
AsW: When did you make yourself the most proud?
KAREN: I made myself the most proud when I went back to school. I learned how to be a fitness instructor and got my license. It was a hard moment because I didn't want to go back to school, I just wanted to keep working and making money. However, I decided the school was important to me. I wanted to make it right, I wanted to help people.
AsW: What do you most appreciate other women for? Can you give an example of a person embodying those traits?
KAREN: What I appreciate is a complement, words of support from other women, even from strangers. That's what we normally get from guys. It's granted no matter what we do, but when you get it from another woman, it's very special. Giving the words of support to one another like "you're amazing", "you're beautiful", "you're doing an amazing job" is a great thing. Even if we are strangers.
AsW: Hey! that's what you do!
KAREN: Yes! and you too! You are actually my example. You didn't even know me when we met at Nowadays. You just came over and gave me words of appreciation and you photographed me. I think, that's what you do with other women for this blog. You interview them, listen to them and find something special about them. We don't have to be artistic or create stuff, but we all have something special about us.
AsW: Do you think there's something we have in common as women across cultures and different backgrounds?
KAREN: As women, we have the ability to bring life, when we have a kid. In my opinion, wherever we go, we bring that light, that femininity, that energy. Beauty, life, light, that's how I see women.
If you want to know more about Karen and get ideas about your daily workouts, check out her IG account @fitnomada ! She is also working on her new website so go, give it a goog! Stay in touch! You're welcome!
Dear Karen,
I really enjoyed the time spent with you. You were one of the most focused and prepared women I shot with. Working with you was a true pleasure. I'm very proud of what we created together. The beauty of your body says a lot about your character and self-discipline. I admire your hard work and I wish you the best of luck with all your endeavors. You deserve it girl!
With love,
Anja
Unexpected, my favorite!
