Today we’d like to introduce you to Tatiana Cabrera.
Hi Tatiana, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Tatiana Cabrera, and I was born in Caracas, Venezuela. I’ve been married for 30 years and have two wonderful daughters, aged 23 and 21. In 2010, we moved to Florida, which gave me the incredible opportunity to be a full-time mother and dedicate quality time to my daughters. However, as they grew up and left for university, I found myself struggling with depression, unsure of what to do next. During this time, I discovered CKO Kickboxing, a fitness regime I have been a part of since 2018.
Kickboxing not only helped me stay in shape, but it also became my mental sanctuary. It kept me sane amidst the challenges of life. Inspired by my own journey, the idea to open my own business began to take shape while passionately punching and kicking a bag at CKO. CKO Kickboxing is a franchise created 25 years ago by Joe Andreula in New Jersey, with over 100 locations across the nation. Originally, I considered opening a studio in either Kendall or Aventura, but the COVID-19 pandemic put everything on hold. However, on January 5, 2021, I received a call that changed everything—an opportunity to open a studio at the newly constructed River Landing Mall in Allapattah, also known as the River District.
When asked if I was scared to invest in an area that no one else was bidding on, my answer was a resounding no. Having witnessed the growth and development of various areas in the past, I am confident that our community will thrive in all aspects. This area will be no exception.
I take immense pride in showing others, especially women, that age should never limit one’s ability to embark on new projects and practice self-love. The key ingredients are a strong desire and unwavering willpower.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Now, looking back, I can say that the road to where I am today hasn’t been without its challenges. The pandemic brought everything to a halt, and starting from scratch in a brand-new mall meant facing construction delays and permit hurdles, extending the process to a year and a half. However, I am grateful for the smooth journey, especially with the City of Miami’s helpful support.
Along this journey, my greatest struggle was battling the self-doubt and negative messages that plagued my mind. Overcoming these barriers was a matter of self-awareness and embracing the belief in my own capabilities. I learned to trust in my own magic.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Certainly! I graduated as a paralegal from Berkeley College in Manhattan and worked as a Paralegal at Craig Meltzer’s law office in New York City and Queens Supreme Court under Judge Smith. However, after getting pregnant, I made the decision to stay at home and raise my daughters, as I mentioned earlier. Now, I am the proud owner of my own kickboxing studio.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
For those looking to network or find a mentor, my advice would be to connect with and contribute positively to your community. Engage in meaningful interactions, be clear about your goals, and understand how networking can benefit you.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ckoriverlanding.
com - Instagram: @ckoriverlanding
- Facebook: @ckoriverlanding
Image Credits
Tomas Regalado (https://mega.tv/noticias/hoy-con-tomas-regalado-04-08-23-entrevista-a-tatiana-cabrera-presidente-cko-kickboxing)
