Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Diaz.
Hi Michelle, 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.
I started in my fitness and fashion modeling and content creation after parting ways with my 9-5 (8-5:30 to be exact.) and making the jump to pursue these dreams that, for so long, seemed so scary and risky to give my all to.
I come from two parents, both of which were raised in the East LA area and taught by their immigrant parents that with hard work and drive, you can achieve anything you put your mind to. My family plays the biggest role in inspiring me to go after what I want and, when I’m feeling unfulfilled- to go out and get better. My love for my family and their support have always been a bittersweet role in my decision-making when it comes to my career choices, as it’s played a big role in my fears in freelance work. As much as I know I’m so lucky to have their love and support, I know as Mexican and Salvadoran immigrants, how much they value the stability and benefits a 9-5 would provide to their first-generation graduate.
I’ve made so many amazing friends in the marketing and creative sphere both during and after my college years, who I’ve looked to when navigating the journey of being a freelance in the fashion and digital space.
I know my loved ones play a big role in this journey, but I believe the biggest factor in being able to live off your passions is to make the decision to bet on yourself.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Making the decision to pursue freelance and modeling has been full of challenges, but my personal fulfillment outweighs the struggle enough to inspire me to keep pushing on.
Many of the struggles have been self-inflicted, like imposter syndrome and comparison, along with the frequent rejection that just comes with this line of work.
I think the toughest period for me was the transition from my corporate-type job to my current pursuits, where I really let the fears of failing paralyze me from making the jump to leave and give my full-time to my passions.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a part-time dance fitness instructor, UGC creator, and Model with a focus on activewear. As a Latina, I grew up around family members expressing joy and moments of celebration through dance, and that’s what really pushed me to teach dance cardio classes. I also have a personal connection towards this form of exercise as a few years ago, the gym was an intimidating space for me, and cardio was my start to moving my body and building a more active lifestyle, so I thought I’d bridge the two to lead a really fun form of cardio.
In my fashion and content creation pursuits, I really value chic, sporty, and sleek designs and aesthetics in both my personal style and the content I create.
Modeling for activewear brands has really satisfied me in so many ways, as fashion and fitness are top interests of mine, and I think my dance background really comes into play with my activewear modeling as I really get to utilize my fluidity and mindfulness in how I’m moving my body in front of the camera.
I think my current pursuits really feed into each other as my dancing, fitness, and love for fashion all inspire the other.
What do you think about happiness?
Moving my body and staying active makes me happy. I enjoy getting up and dedicating some time to something I know is not only good for me but also therapeutic. Whether it be through going on a walk in a beautiful place, lifting weights, or dancing to songs that I love, it’s time I really enjoy and value, and for a long time, it was something I wasn’t dedicating enough time to, and once I did, it did so much good for my mental health and happiness.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://swellmichelle.my.canva.site/michelle-ugc-portfolio
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swellmichelle/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@swellmichelle
Image Credits
Luna Lux Creative Agency
Andrea Baltodano
CSULB Associated Students Inc
