Today’s Notable Young Professional is Montreal-based fitness trainer and Pilates instructor Sarah Molluzzo De Carvalho, whose passion for her career ignited when she started working out in a gym at just 14 years old…
Elevator Pitch: Describe your job in a nutshell.
I am a fitness trainer and Pilates instructor, so my job is to make people happy and healthy while making them look good, teaching the fundamentals of a balanced lifestyle.
Why did you start working at your company? What was the inspiration for this career route?
I started working out in a gym when I was 14 years old, following the footsteps of my super-fit dad and straying away from the path of my unhealthy mom. Soon after joining the gym, I created this little crush on a personal trainer (who was a female) and knew at this moment I wanted to be like her! She was so full of knowledge and beautiful inside and out. So right out of high school I studied to become a fitness trainer. I became a teacher for Equinox, one of the best athletic clubs in New York City. I quickly climbed the ladder to a Tier 3 trainer, which is the highest level. With this status I received clients during their pregnancy and this lead me into becoming a pre and post-natal certified instructor. After the babies were born, the new mothers were looking for help to regain strength and looks in their mid-section. This is what ultimately brought me to Pilates.
I then moved to the Reebok Club in Manhattan, a very prestigious center, to finish my Pilates certification. After learning how beneficial Pilates can be, I couldn’t look back. I saw how it could help with numerous injuries, flexibility, core strength, and a stunning, toned physique. As usual, my career path from the beginning always had a way of falling on my lap. I started with basic weight training and I am now working in my own studio in another country with business professionals, athletes, pregnant women, brides to be, the injured folk… you name it!
What is the best part of what you do on a day-to-day basis? The most challenging part?
The best part of my day is the look my clients’ faces when they are happy or getting the results they wanted. Nothing is better than this. The challenging part is getting them to this point! Most of my clientele are professionals and have the stress of day-to-day life. My job is to help them achieve their goals by focusing on the exercises and allowing them to leave the stress and preoccupations outside the studio.
What is one sign that you’ve seen over the years to suggest that your work/life balance is off?
Honestly speaking, I really love my job. I get so much pleasure out of it and I am truly lucky. Having my own business that is three blocks from my house is great. It’s like an extension of my home. I love my clients, I love helping and teaching others, transforming bodies and life habits, and I am my own boss. To say my work-life balance is off would be wrong. My job is a lifestyle that I love living.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
I am from New York and have recently landed here in Montreal. I am fortunate for having met so many great professionals here that have helped me build a successful business, but my goal is to keep expanding my network and collaborating with the best in each domain related to my core beliefs. This way I will be able to offer the most complete services to my clientele. To me Montreal has been a land of opportunity and I will be working on larger projects, which I hope to announce in the near future.
What is one major challenge that you’ve had to overcome in your career? How did you overcome it?
I started fitness training at the young age of 18. I had so much to learn and experience to gain, and I always knew it. It was hard keeping up with the veteran trainers and trying to get people to take me seriously. To overcome it I flooded myself with education so I had the knowledge to keep up. After dedication, studying and a few mistakes, I was able to build a clientele that believed in me. Most importantly, I saw a change in their bodies and life, without pain.
What does success look like to you? Does Money = Happiness?
Success is practicing what I preach. Health and happiness. When money comes along with it, you don’t see me complaining!
What is the most memorable milestone in your career?
I went to a National Pilates Conference in 2013 and Mary Bowen was teaching; she was one of the students of Joseph Pilates for over six years. She is 91 years old now, and if you can see her swinging on the Cadillac (Pilates equipment) you would die. She is so full of life and experience, it’s amazing. I hope to be practicing Pilates at 91! She taught me a great life lesson: “Even if people don’t think that you’re right, and think you are crazy for doing it, do it anyway. Stay out of the box!”
Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
Stay true to yourself. Take the time to think about what you are really passionate about before picking your profession. Don’t only listen to what society wants you to do or what you think will bring you more money. We face professional challenges every day, but overcoming them is much easier when we love what we do.
Where is your favourite place to wine/dine in your city and why?
Dolcetto! Its great how you can go and enjoy Italian food without over-indulging and also get to watch them cook their delicious pizza. Italian, tapas-style – sign me up!
When you’re not working how do you love to spend your “Me” time?
I have an adorable puppy, Lady Lola, who I enjoy walking around my neighbourhood, Griffintown. There are so many new restaurants, shops, and salons opening up and its fun to see. It almost feels like every week there is something new. When I need ‘me’ time, I go to M Salon for a mani, pedi… oh, and a glass of wine!
Where is your favourite place to travel? Why?
BRAZIL! My second home. Sexy people, sexy music, fresh coconuts, caipirinha, family, beautiful landscape, surfing. I can go on forever!
If you had to choose a theme song, what would it be?
Hall & Oates – Sara Smile
If you weren’t doing what you’re doing, what would you be doing?
I would be a doula! In fact, it may be where I am lead one day, helping women to deliver their children. There are so many methods to help control the experience without drugs – can we say hanging from a tree to deliver?! I think it’s super interesting, and I like it.
Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is that important to you?
Yes! I am on the committee for the Young Leaders Circle for the Montreal Children’s Hospital. This is a committee of young professional who host a couple of amazing events a year, Dolce and Incognito. I specifically work on Dolce, which is a sweets-themed event that has tons of great vendors that change each year. Last year we had Mimi melon, a kosher bakery, Leche Desserts, and Sucre Blue candy bar. There is also a silent auction with amazing gifts and of course our infamous balloons with great prizes, ranging from trips to Tremblant with Cote Nord to Michael Kors goodies and paintings by local artists. It takes about a year to organize and a lot of work from our team.
What to you is notable?
Going through life being kind and always helping others.
Blackberry, iPhone, Android, or Other?
iPhone.
#LYNL | (Live Your Notable Life)
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