Today we’d like to introduce you to Allison Vega.
Allison, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I was born in Nicaragua and moved to Miami at the age of nine. I come from an immigrant family who crossed the border for me to have a better future, and that is the main reason why I work so hard every day; their sacrifice doesn’t go unnoticed. Being an immigrant came with many challenges; for example, not speaking English was one of them; but I learned, and now I’m proud to be fully bilingual in English and Spanish. Like many others, I had my struggles to get to where I am today, but as cliche, as it sounds, “hard work does pay off.” I’ve been working in the legal field for about seven years. Two years ago, I earned my bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice. I have experience in litigation, Intellectual Property, Corporate Law, and Landlord, and Tenant disputes. However, having a full-time job is not enough for me. I’ve been active in the fitness and martial arts community for five years.
I practice Muay Thai at Black House Miami Beach & Beat The Gym (outdoors workouts). The fitness and martial arts community have opened doors for me to expand and grow as a person and a professional. I was part of a “martial arts” exhibition for Art Basel in 2017 and many fitness events in Miami Beach throughout the years. At the beginning of 2020, I decided to continue my education; I’m currently pursuing my master’s degree in Marketing at Florida International University Chapman Business School. FIU’s Master of Science in Marketing (MSM) program has a specialized focus on three key strategic areas that are essential in today’s business environment: Digital Marketing, Brand Development, and Marketing Analytics. It has been extremely challenging, but this program provides me the skills I need to work on my 2021 plans. Stay tuned!
Has it been a smooth road?
The path to where I am today is never without trials and tribulations. However, it is so gratifying not to give up and accomplish the goals I’ve worked hard for. Some of the challenges I faced as an immigrant were not speaking the language; some people would make fun of my accent, and at that time, it bothered me, not anymore! Trying to juggle work and school while taking care of my little brother, who is 17 years younger than me, was also very challenging. I had to take a few years off from school, but If I had to do it all over again, I would. I’m a woman of many passions and If I don’t do what I love, then I can’t be myself 100% and that is why I need to be active in the martial arts and fitness community. Naps and the regular “eight hours” of sleep do not exist in my life.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
Currently, I’m working full-time at a big corporate firm while juggling being a full-time grad student and martial artist. I also assist my coach in training as well as staying active in the fitness community. What sets me apart from others is my empathy; no matter what, if someone needs help, whether it is at work, school, or training, I’m here to help and listen. I enjoy assisting new students in Muay Thai fixing their technique, encouraging and reassuring them that as long as they practice consistently and stay disciplined, they will get better. I enjoy helping women search for jobs, provide tips on how to better their LinkedIn accounts, apply for financial aid, anything that I can help with, I genuinely enjoy. My plans as soon as I finish my graduate program are to teach women and children martial arts and the importance of self-care as well as inspire them that they can do anything they put their mind to. We are badasses. We just need a little push to realize that we can be a “professional badass.”
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
In the next five to ten years, I see the fitness industry growing tremendously, ever since this pandemic came into our lives, people have realized the importance of self-care through fitness. Some have found to love it, and others have realized they cannot live without it (that is me, I cannot live without Muay Thai) for those that don’t know, Muay Thai or Thai Boxing is the national sport and cultural martial art of Thailand. It was developed several hundreds of years ago as a form of close-combat that utilizes the entire body as a weapon. It has honestly changed my life for the better and I only hope I can inspire others to do the same. To teach women to be badasses in their personal and professional lives!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.allisonvega.com
- Email: allisonvega23@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_allyv/
- Other: www.blackhousemiamibeach.com
Image Credit:
William Abreu (martial arts pictures)
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