Today we’d like to introduce you to Leila Hujic Cunningham.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I had a wonderful childhood living in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. My parents made sure that we learned how to swim, ski, ice skate, play tennis, soccer, and to live an active life. Living with parents who are both MD’s from a young age, I learned a lot about how to take care of my body. When I got older, I realized that it was just a common sense for me and my brothers about how to treat cuts, burns, bruises, fevers, stomach flues, what not to eat on empty stomach, teas to help you feel better, etc.
This was very unknown to most of my peers. Then in 1992, the war started in Bosnia and our life transitioned to living in fear and simply surviving. During the war, I was in Dental school and I also worked in the hospital as an assistant to physical therapists who came to Bosnia from all over the world to help. I had an opportunity to leave Bosnia in 2005 and to come to America with the goal of finishing my education. For ten years, my life mostly consisted of work and school. My active lifestyle didn’t exist. I worked in a corporate environment for five years. Then in 2005, I was introduced to the Pilates Method. I still vividly remember my first Pilates session. The moment I started moving with words and cues given to me by the instructor, I knew this was more than just a workout. This method helped me find a balance in my body and I discovered movements that I remember using when I was a child. It brought back the body awareness I had, the muscle memory that existed, and all that knowledge that I had from my previous experience about the body and body movement. I knew this was what I wanted to do.
I decided to get certified and become a Pilates Instructor. After over 1000 hours of practice and training, I received my certification. Two years later, I opened my first Pilates studio, Pilates Place in Hermosa Beach and I successfully ran it for eight years before selling it to a friend of mine who still operates it to this day. In 2019, I received my Master Health Coach Certification. Currently, I work as a wellness advisor to small corporations developing nutrition/wellness plans for their employees. I also consult private clients on family nutrition and wellness.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Leaving my home and living family behind. English being the second language. Working and going to school full time. Starting a new life in the USA.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about True Wellness by Leila – what should we know?
True Wellness specializes in Individual Consultation and Workplace Wellness.
Since I worked in the corporate world for five years then transitioned into the wellness world, I have a deep understanding of how to achieve well being by creating Wellness Visions and educating clients and reminding them about body and mind awareness.
Known for: “Deep study of health, along with wisdom and empathy from intense adversity in her own life.” by my friend, client, and writer, Tanya Monaghan
Sets me apart from the others: Being positive, honest, direct, and true!
Proud: True Wellness by Leila is a young brand but it has been driven by years of hard work, my own curiosity, continual education through research, evaluation, case studies, and on-going certifications. My biggest achievements are to help people, to improve their lifestyle and make them happy.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
To never give up, trust your “gut” and stay optimistic!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.leilahcunningham.com
- Email: cunningham.leila@gmail.com
- Instagram: @leilahcunningham
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/True-Wellness-by-Leila-100402781449474/
- Other: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leila-hujic-cunningham-20009992/
Image Credit:
Natalie Schutt (Photography)
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