Kimberly Fowler

February 28, 2012

Kimberly Fowler is founder/CEO of YAS Fitness Centers, a growing chain of yoga and indoor cycling facilities. A motivational/business/fitness expert, Kimberly’s a former pro triathlete and lawyer.

With the courage and ballsyness to share her REAL story she put it ALL out there, revealing that her dad died homeless and that she had a brain tumor and was given six months. Kimberly realized that in order to be the face of her business she HAD to be who she was, no hiding, no exceptions.

I’ve always been a private person. I grew up poor. My background was not something I wanted anyone to know about. Still, I understood that if I really wanted people to get behind my new business, I was going to have to get out in front of it.

Kimberly is a shining example of REAL BEAUTY and we are honored to bring you our Exclusive Interview with her below.

 

How do you define real beauty?

Being comfortable with yourself. Meryl Streep comes to mind. Sometimes this just comes with age.

What are some things you do to feel good about yourself?

I help a lot of people, my business/YAS is very philanthropic & has been since I frist opened in 2001. It’s part of our culture. I’ve donated & raised over million dollars-this makes me feel good. I love the ability to help others. You can see why Oprah is so generous, it’s a great feeling.

What advice would you give to a woman struggling with her self-worth?

Lower the bar a little. I have struggled with this. I set my bar at Maratha Stewart when I first opened YAS Fitness Center. That’s a tuff goal to reach. Do I still want to be “The Maratha Stewart of Health & Fitness” yes, but I didn’t tie it to my self-worth.

How did you figure out your place in this world? How did you know when you were doing exactly what you were meant to do?

Well, I know I’m meant to be here, that I have a “mission.” My business is the vehicle that allows me to get the message out.

How important do you think it is for women to support each other?

I think it extremely important. I help women in business any way I can. I grew up during the Gloria Steinem area, so I had strong role models.

When you are confronted with fear or self-doubt what helps you move through these feelings?

I look back at how much I’ve accomplished then tell myself “Give yourself a break.”

Your tagline “I’m not your guru….you are” is a very empowered statement. What’s one of the MOST important things a woman can do to empower herself?

Believe in yourself, don’t give your power away to anyone.

What do you think needs to happen in order for a woman to truly break open and blossom into who she was meant to be?

For her to decided to do it, to break open. It’s the power of focus.

Do you feel like you have arrived into a place of “knowing your worth”? What does this mean for you? How does “knowing your worth play out in your everyday life?

Yes, but I still have good days and bad ones. But it makes life easier, more balanced.

Do you believe in miracles? explain!

Well, it would be hard for me not to believe in miracles. I’ve almost died a few times in my life. My life is a miracle.

If you could leave this world with only ONE message. What would it be?

“Believe in yourself & anything is possible.” I hope that’s what happens when people read my story, that they think – “if Kimberly can do it, so can I.”

Learn about YAS HERE
Follow Kimberly on Twitter @kimberlyYAS
Connect with Kimberly on Facebook

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