Today we’d like to introduce you to Fanny Rivas.
Hi Fanny, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Alright so let’s walk through bits and pieces of my story. 🙂 I started working in the food & beverage industry since I was 16 at steak & shake. Hospitality and social networking was something I enjoyed doing. After graduating high school I was hired at the Kendall alehouse to serve, and eventually, bartend.
After working at the ale house for 4 years, I was hired at the Shoreclub Hotel to serve the pool & beach. The commute to the beach was insane, so I decided to move out. Loved that for me!
Shortly after, I was transferred to the Mondrian Hotel to begin bartending at the pool. It was a bunch of fun, the team I worked with became family, and it was overall a great experience. However, working with food & beverage had its cons. I would be working late night closing up to open early morning the following day. Most work days were 10+ hours, 5-6 days a week.
My fitness routine? Inconsistent. I told myself I wanted to be a part of the fitness community and started making moves with those I surrounded myself with. I got my co-worker to start the gym with me and my journey took on from there. I remember taking classes at fight club and admiring the instructors. How they had their fitness in check plus also had a fun life.
I started studying for ACE fitness and became a certified personal trainer. It was during the pandemic that my fitness career took off. I went full throttle on working for my brand, Viva Move and doing live workouts every Monday, Wednesday, & Friday at 12PM on my Instagram. Dedicating time to my Instagram helped me gain a fitness audience and gain clients. I was thriving! I made the decision to quit food & beverage and take on Viva Move & my fitness full-time.
After the pandemic, I applied to UFC midtown where I am currently at. 🙂 At the moment, I am working on building a fitness/production brand called Viva Move. It’s a brand dedicated to movement. Movement in our fitness apparel, and movement in production. I have built a team around me that believes in the movement and we are taking off from there. 😀 P.S. I also work with Celsius as a merchandiser!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It’s been a smooth road but with some hesitations, doubts, and procrastination along the way. when I was still bartending part-time I had no confidence in my fitness career. I felt like I wouldn’t do well for myself just being a coach. during the pandemic, I kept thinking of what I was going to do in order to make a living for myself since bartending was out the window. I decided to take on private clients and went full-throttle. I started working on online programs for clients, and figuring out the next move. with all the struggles, the best thing to do was keep it moving.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I do a little bit of everything. I am currently a fitness coach, group instructor at UFC Midtown, photographer, content creator, merchandiser and ambassador for Celsius. I specialize in training legs, growing a peach, and making others feel their BEST. Besides being known for the peach, I had my followers answer what I’m known for and here are some answers that were mentioned.
“The peach, celsius, work/fun life balance, motivation, being your best self, my positivity, and being able to motivate others and radiate love.” Honestly, so thankful!
I’m most proud of my dedication and how far I have gotten. the dreams may only get bigger! I believe what sets everyone apart from others is their energy at the time being.
What matters most to you?
Family 100%. Your family should also be your team. My only family in the states is my mother, father, younger sister & brother. so we are TIGHT. Grandparents, cousins, aunts, uncles, all in Cuba. We have so much admiration and appreciation for our parents. They left their home country to start a family in a new country. Speaking little to no English and made it! Eternally grateful.
Contact Info:
- Email: vivafanny@gmail.com
- Website: https://www.fannyrivas.com/
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/vivafanny
- Youtube: www.youtube.com/c/fannyrivas
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/user_details?userid=9-UT2zpN4LW35vCkIuI_vQ
