Inspiring Conversations with Rose Sow of Rosemotivates Fitness

Today we’d like to introduce you to Rose Sow

Hi Rose, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Hello Voyage LA,

I am beyond honored to share my journey and, hopefully, inspire the vibrant community of Los Angeles. My name is Rose, and at 28 years old, I proudly wear the hats of both a technology business development team leader and a fitness professional. My fitness content and services can be found on www.rosemotivates.com, and I have the privilege of leading Strength and HIIT Group Class program at DTLA Fitness.

I was born and raised between the beautiful landscapes of Senegal and France. These two cultures have deeply shaped me—Senegal instilled in me the spirit of hospitality and respect, while France sparked my creativity and finesse. My mother, a professional basketball player, was a trailblazer, a woman who defied expectations and became a legend in her own right. Her influence fueled my love for basketball, which was my first passion. At 17, I made the bold move to the United States to chase my own basketball dreams.

Though basketball was my first calling, I soon found myself drawn to the world of business and marketing. The American culture of branding fascinated me, and I wanted to understand how great brands told their stories and made their mark. I returned to Paris and earned my Bachelor’s in Digital Marketing and Advertising from ESP, one of the city’s most prestigious private advertising schools. During that time, I gained invaluable experience at Publicis Group, France’s largest advertising agency working on L’Oreal Makeup digital strategy, and honed my leadership skills while working as a sales at Adidas’ flagship store in Paris.

It was during my time as a student that I began documenting my fitness journey. When my basketball career came to an end, I wanted to stay fit, and so did my friends. I started sharing my workouts on Instagram, and to my surprise, what began as a personal outlet quickly grew into a movement—Rosemotivates was born. Friends and strangers alike started reaching out to me, asking for fitness advice, and soon enough, people were paying me to coach them. It was the beginning of something greater than I had imagined.

But I wasn’t done learning. I wanted to deepen my understanding of business, so I pursued a Master’s in Business Development. This was the key that opened the door to building a successful business strategy and understanding the intricacies of running a thriving company.

California had always been my dream—a place where innovation meets nature, where you can work hard and still enjoy an active lifestyle. In August 2019, I took a leap of faith and moved to San Francisco, just months before the pandemic would change the world. It wasn’t easy, but it was exactly where I needed to be. I started personal training in boutique fitness studios such as All Around Fitness and launched a children’s fitness program in Duboce Park. I felt alive, empowered, and more connected to my purpose than ever before.

Meanwhile, I continued advancing in the tech world, working with companies like Aurora Solar, Credo.AI. I was fortunate to bring fresh ideas to business development processes and carve out my place in this dynamic industry. Today, I proudly serve as a Business Development Team Lead at GitLab, the leading sofrware engineering platfrom used by the world Fortune 500 companies leading a talented team.

I made the move to Los Angeles, settling in Echo Park—a neighborhood that buzzes with creativity, diversity, and a pulse of constant reinvention. Here, I began teaching pop-up classes at DTLA Fitness, a gym that champions inclusivity and community-driven fitness. I fell in love with the owner’s vision, and now I lead strength and HIIT classes that aim to push the boundaries of what my trainees believe they’re capable of.

My journey is not one I walk alone. Along the way, I met my partner, Charlie, in San Francisco. His unwavering support has been a cornerstone of my success—personally, emotionally, and professionally. Together, we have built a life that reflects our passions and ambitions.

From the basketball courts of Senegal to the tech boardrooms of San Francisco, and now to the fitness studios of Los Angeles, my story is one of perseverance, passion, and purpose. My hope is that through my journey, I can inspire others to chase their dreams, push their limits, and find the strength within themselves to create the life they envision.

Thank you for allowing me to share my story.

With gratitude,
Rose

Alright, 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?
Absolutely not—it’s been far from smooth. But every challenge along the way has shaped me into who I am today, and I wouldn’t change a thing.

Balancing academics with everything else in life was a big challenge. Earning both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree was no small feat. Juggling the relentless flow of assignments, exams, and projects taught me discipline and time management. There were moments where I questioned if I could keep up, but I pushed through because I knew that education would unlock the doors I wanted to walk through.

I also found myself learning skills I never thought I’d need, like becoming a caregiver to kids, which was a complete surprise but gave me valuable lessons in patience and empathy. And when I pursued my ACE certification, I had to tackle subjects like anatomy and math—two areas that never came easily to me in school. Yet, overcoming these hurdles pushed me out of my comfort zone and showed me that I’m capable of more than I imagined.

Cultural adaptation was another huge challenge. Moving from Senegal and France to the U.S. meant I had to adjust to a new pace of life and a different way of thinking. Simple things like the perception of time or understanding social nuances were a learning curve. And on top of that, I had to come to terms with standing out—whether it was my accent or the way I viewed the world. At times, it felt like I had to prove myself even more, but over time I’ve learned to embrace being different, to see it as a strength rather than a barrier.

Perhaps the toughest challenge was the process of immigration. Being away from my family for long periods was incredibly hard. I had to make difficult decisions and sacrifices to ensure I could build a future here. The uncertainty and waiting around my green card status were emotionally draining, but I stayed focused on my goal.

Every one of these obstacles—whether it was academic pressure, cultural adaptation, or immigration setbacks—has played a vital role in shaping my resilience, my grit, and my perspective. These experiences helped me grow in ways I never anticipated, and without them, I wouldn’t be the person I am today. I truly believe that the struggle is part of the story, and I wouldn’t do it any differently.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Rosemotivates Fitness is more than just a fitness service—it’s a movement dedicated to transforming lives through sustainable, results-driven fitness strategies. Rosemotivates Fitness have helped more than 50 individuals build 12-15lbs (6.8kg) of muscle in 3-4 months when simultaneously dropping 10-20 lbs of fat mass in average achieving a toned physique overtime. Our mission is to empower individuals to not only reach their fitness goals but also build lasting habits that help them look and feel their absolute best every day.

At Rosemotivates Fitness, we offer a comprehensive range of services to support individuals fitness journey:

– Fitness Content: Visit rosemotivates.com for monthly insights that go beyond workouts. We provide expert tips on exercise, nutrition, cultivating an active lifestyle, and even the latest trends in active fashion and beauty—everything you need to stay inspired and motivated.

– Fitness Services: Whether you’re looking for personalized one-on-one training, virtual coaching, or a custom-built fitness program, we tailor our services to meet your individual needs, helping you take control of your fitness journey, no matter where you are.

– Fitness Classes: Join our strength and cardio HIIT classes to experience high-energy, community-driven sessions designed to challenge your limits and push you toward greater strength, endurance, and confidence.

What sets Rosemotivates Fitness apart is our holistic approach. Using a combination of bodyweight exercises and free weight resistance training, we challenge your body in ways that promote rapid muscle adaptation, enhance balance, and boost flexibility. Our methods are designed to empower you to train anywhere, anytime—because fitness shouldn’t have boundaries, or be tied to a gym!

At Rosemotivates Fitness, we don’t just build strong bodies—we build strong, confident individuals ready to take on life’s challenges with energy, purpose, and a belief in their own potential. Our mission is to make fitness an integral part of life, helping people build lasting routines that nurture both their body and their mind. By doing so, we’re not just training muscles—we’re strengthening confidence, discipline, and the ability to live a healthy, fulfilled life.

So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
Building a life that balances physical, mental, and emotional well-being. In today’s fast-paced world, where the quality of nutrition and overall lifestyle is often compromised, exercise has become one of our greatest tools for staying healthy, both physically and mentally is my top priority. I believe that movement and fitness are essential to counteract the stresses of modern life, helping us feel energized, focused, and strong in the face of daily challenges.

Equally important is the pursuit of career advancement and business growth, but always with a mindful approach to maintaining a positive work-life balance. I am passionate about growing Rosemotivates Fitness and advancing in my career in tech, but not at the cost of personal wellness or joy. The key is building a career that fuels your ambitions while still leaving space for personal growth, self-care, and passion.

And finally, at the core of everything I do is the quality of the relationships I nurture. My family, my partner Charlie, and my friends have been my foundation of support and inspiration. Their presence keeps me grounded, and I make it a priority to cherish those connections. Additionally, growing my community here in LA has been a deeply fulfilling part of my journey. Surrounding myself with individuals who share my values and goals enriches not just my personal life, but the work I do through **Rosemotivates**.

Ultimately, Rosemotivates Fitness is about thriving in every area of life—by staying healthy, growing professionally, and cultivating meaningful relationships that support a life filled with balance and purpose.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.rosemotivates.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rosemotivates/
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@rosemotivates