Alexandria Mazzurco

Meet Alexandria Mazzurco - I want to encourage people, specifically young women, that they can have their (buff) cake and eat it too. While it is impossible to spot reduce fat, you can change your body composition. You can create a shape and you can enjoy foods, you only have to throw everything you've ever been taught about losing weight out the window. You are not stuck where you land, your journey doesn't have a destination but it will lead you through many. via www.almazzurcofit.com . (SISS)  Hi Alex, where are you from and where are you currently spending your time?  (ALEX) Hi! I was born in Toledo, Ohio but I have been building my life in Cleveland Ohio for the last Five years!  (SISS)  What was one of the hardest things that you had to go through? What advice would you give someone going through the same struggle?  (ALEX) Coming out of college and not being able to get a job. No one would hire me at a full time (live able) salary. I worked 4 jobs at once while living with my Aunt and Uncle, it taught me the value of hard work and prepared me for the long days when owning your own business. I applied for job after job and I felt like it was 6 months of rejection. My biggest advice would be to not give up, it sounds cliche but you miss 100% of the shots you don't take. You also get back the energy that you're putting out into the world, if you're stressed and resentful that’s the energy you'll get back. Everything happens for a reason and it always works out!  (SISS) Coach, empowering women with food and fitness, tell us more, who is @AlMazzurco and what are you most proud of?  (ALEX) I never, ever, thought I would be a coach but I have always been an over-sharer and a little bit obsessive. I dove into fitness and I openly shared my journey, the ups and downs through many different avenues of fitness. When I made the decision to start my own business and dive fully in, I did still have a job that was long term contract based. A year into my business I made a difficult decision to terminate that contract and go completely on my own to expand my second business, Build Your Brand. I am most proud of taking the scary leaps and putting myself out there. I've learned you might not succeed but you'll never know if you don't try, and if you have the guts to try you'll likely succeed.  (SISS)  One year from now what do you hope to have accomplished (business or personal)?  (ALEX) One year from now I would love to expand Build Your Brand and bring more automation into my business. I just made my first hire and it has been rewarding and challenging navigating being a boss. Personally I would love to be in a home or looking for that home.  (SISS)  How dedicated are you to fitness?  What is your fitness goal?  On your body, what is your favorite body part and what is your least favorite?  (ALEX) There is a difference between dedication and motivation. No one is motivated 100% of the time, I am lucky to have a partner who pushes me and motivates me to go to them gym daily. We do it together. I am extremely dedicated because I know the physical and mental benefits fitness has provided me. My goal is to get healthy. I used to be a runner, I still consider myself a bodybuilder, but right now I am looking for that balance as I heal my body. The long term goal would be to step on the NPC stage again as a bikini competitor. My favorite part of my body is the upper half, my least is the lower. I have always had large quads and legs, I don't mind how I look, the frustration I have is finding clothes that fit my ratios!  (SISS)  What makes you the happiest? What is fun for you?  (ALEX) Travel. Travel and donuts make me happy. Fun for me is traveling, experiencing new places, new gyms, new food, new donut shops, new views and activities. I have a lot of friends in a lot of places (that's the beauty of the internet and social media) so it means a lot to have a flexible schedule and the ability to work from anywhere so I can travel to them.  (SISS)  How do you deal with disappointment? How do you Keep Going?  (ALEX) Unfortunately it happens a lot, whether it be with clients or partnerships you're in, companies you work with, family and friends not understanding what you do and I think the hardest is when you disappoint yourself. I've had times where it has consumed me for a month, I am a creative for more than half of my job and when you're feeling down it is hard to create good quality designs and content. I think it is easier when you don't have to show up for 15k followers and give them your energy. I have gotten into yoga, I take more me time, I say no to more things and I try to focus on all of the opportunities that will be created out of the situation. Strength in the struggle is my motto.  (SISS)  What is your superpower?  (ALEX) I think my biggest strength is also my biggest weakness. My superpower is my ability to extend myself no matter what for others. I care deeply about my clients and followers, and I have a hard time saying no... but I am trying. I have learned if you give so much of yourself there is nothing left for you at the end of the day to recharge and reset. My gut health journey has forced me to find a balance with this super power.  (SISS)  What is your weakness and what do you do to overcome it?  (ALEX) The inability to say no. I jump at chances to help, to collaborate, to travel, to teach and often forget about the down time that everyone needs. Like I stated above, my gut health journey has really forced me to take a step back and evaluate my time and my energy and the amount of that I can realistically give out.  (SISS)  Can you tell us where else can our readers follow your daily inspiration?  (ALEX) I put my entire life on Instagram, you can find me @almazzurco. If you're looking for more about my business and what I do to help women ditch the fear of food and fitness, head over to www.almazzurcofit.com!  (SISS)  What’s your favorite quote? (ALEX) "We're all mad here." from Alice in Wonderland. I actually have it tattooed on my arm. I went through a long spout of anxiety and depression when I was younger and I thought I was a "freak" because I was on medication, turns out it is more common than I ever could have imagine. I really did find a light at the tunnel with fitness but the quote and the tattoo remind me that no matter what everyone is a little "mad" and to embrace everything I've been through.  (SISS)  At Smart is so sexy we love to see women who are thriving in their career or business.  What are you most passionate about?  (ALEX) I'm most passionate about helping women see the strength in the struggle, whether that be through health and fitness or through branding and business. There is always a light at the end of the tunnel and I find it funny that we often think we're alone or the only one going through something... I will let you in on a secret, you're not alone, ever.  (SISS)  Who was the most influential person in your life and why?  (ALEX) My mom, she raised my brother and I on her own. She never made a crazy amount of money but we never went without. She taught me how to be strong and to pave my own path and make it work.  (SISS)  Where were you five years ago? What advice would you tell your five years younger self?  (ALEX) LOL. I was living with my Aunt and Uncle post college, I couldn't find a stable job, and I was depressed. I was working 4 part time jobs and applying to 10+ jobs a week and was diving deep into a depression. If I could go back, I would tell myself to take the risks I did a year ago then. To start building my businesses sooner. You don't need anyone’s approval or permission to grow something on your own.  (SISS)  Can you take us through a typical day? From Waking up to going to bed, Can you give us a play by play of a typical day for you?  (ALEX) I wake up around 7am everyday. I go through my morning routine (make bed, wash face, brush teeth), I hate to admit this but sometimes I don't change out of my PJ's... work from home perks. I then make my warm lemon water and celery juice, #guthealth. I work for 2 hours then make breakfast, when eating breakfast I turn off work. I work for three more hours (emails, design work, Instagram messages and content) then I eat lunch. I work for two more hours and shut off at 4pm, that’s when Paul gets home, we spend quality time together and get ready for the gym. Gym from 5-7pm, shower and dinner 7-8pm, then I try and shut off work for the night. That doesn't always happen. I head to bed between 10-11pm.  (SISS)  What is your favorite meal? What is your favorite book and/or the latest one you’ve read?  What is your favorite song?  (ALEX) My favorite meal is brunch, I have to order something sweet and savory. My favorite book is Grit by Angela Duckworth or Be Obsessed or Be Average by Grant Cardone. My favorite song currently is Remind Me to Forget by Kygo.  (SISS)  When do you feel the sexiest?  (ALEX) When I am working out, no matter what I feel good, I can see my curves and muscles that I've worked hard for. I know I am doing something good for my body and my mind.  (SISS)  Is there someone on social media that inspires you and is a great follow?  (ALEX) There are a few! @thefitnesslioness  @fearstofit  @thatswhatsheeats  (SISS)  What does Smart is so Sexy mean to you?  (ALEX) Smart is so Sexy doesn't mean you're the smartest person in the room, but you're the person who is going to figure out what you need to to get your goals accomplished. When I see people doing what truly makes them happy they are sexy, radiant and beautiful.  (SISS)  Thank you so much for sharing with us Alex, you have an awesome business, Keep Going #SISS follow her on Instagram @almazzurco