It’s Friday!!!!!! Which means I have another inspiring lady to share with you, and this time it is the go-getter that is our Friday Female:Teurai Chanakira! This young lady never fails to impress me with her determination, resilience and discipline that allows her to fearlessly pursue her dreams and make them a reality. She is lawyer, turned model, turned fitness trainer extraordinaire. Tee and I have actually never ‘physically’ met, although we’ve been virtual friends for over 5 years now and shared many a Skype date where we literally spilled our guts out to each other, shared our deepest insecurities and biggest dreams with each other. This young lady is a true friend and quite an inspiration to my life. So without further ado, Lets get on with the questions shall we?
PI Photography
Could you start off by introducing yourself, who are you, what do you do and what drives you?
I’m 35 years old and living in Albury, Australia. I am a Certified Personal Trainer, who runs a business – Fitness To A Tee. Fitness To A Tee coaches one on one clients based worldwide through its various online Flat Tummy programs. Clients that I help have been based in varied countries such as Australia, UK, USA, Canada, Greece, India, South Africa, Zimbabwe etc. I also have a certification in Nutrition, thus the programs include meal plans to help clients achieve their goals successfully. In terms of coaching people face to face, I also train clients in one of the local gyms in Albury.
I do what I do because I have a burning passion for fitness; to live life to the full through a healthy body, and I have a persistent desire to spread my passion by empowering and helping others through their fitness journey.
1) What was your very first paid job, and do you use any skills you acquired then in your present role?
My first paid job was when I was a teenager and worked as a Sales Assistant at a department store in Brent Cross, London called C&A. I think it has since closed but I thought it was so cool because I worked in the Women’s Clothes department and loved being around fashion and people. Yes I still use the skills acquired then such as communicating and interacting with people of all ages, ethnicities and backgrounds in a way which enables me to identify their individual needs and how I can help them in a personalised way – which suits them and their lifestyle
2) Which person has had the biggest influence in your life so far?
There are so many people who have influenced my life, but I would have to mention my late mother Elizabeth Chanakira. Her genuine love for people, passion for her work and constant smile will never leave me. Also, through watching her life end too soon, I promised myself to always live life doing what I love career wise – not just what is expected of me.
3) What is the best piece of advice you have been given?
Worrying about what people think will keep you in a self-built, lifelong prison.
4) What is the best piece of advice you have ever given and to whom?
The best piece of advice I feel I have ever given is to many of my clients who are seeking to lose weight. I tell them that they must have a deeper, inner why to losing weight and not focus just on the aesthetic reason. Losing weight, along with many other fitness goals, can be a very challenging journey – and you have to have a reason much more valuable than just how you look – to get you through to your goal, otherwise it will be easy to give up.
5) What has been your biggest obstacle in life and how did you get over it?
I have had so many obstacles which I celebrate as they make me who I am. However, one of my biggest obstacles in life was losing my mother Elizabeth to cancer in December 2010. It was hard watching her in immense pain for several weeks before that. I got through it through prayer, the comfort from close friends/family and also establishing the Elizabeth Chanakira Cancer Trust in Zimbabwe which supports 4 marginalised families in Zimbabwe affected by cancer. We support them with food, school fees for their kids and some medical costs.
6) How do you relax?
To relax, I love watching movies; and sitting in the sun in my garden, with my big sun hat on, some music playing and my feet up. Also, working out relaxes me. I put my music on and let my body lose itself in lifting metal or learning some calisthenics moves roar (haha).
7) Did you plan your career/life or have events just happened?
To be honest, I didn’t plan it in the beginning as I started off as a Lawyer. I thought that was how my life should be but after realising how miserable I was, that I was actually depressed doing that work – I finally found the courage to pursue a fitness based business.
8) One piece of advice/ words of wisdom you would tell your 16yr old self?
Be kinder to yourself. Stand up for yourself. It’s ok to dream and create. Embrace all those who cross your path and are willing to help you. Help them in turn – you are all on a path as you go through life’s journey.
9) How would you describe yourself in one word?
ROAR!!!!
10) What is your favourite saying, or piece of poetry, or book?
Favourite saying to my clients: ‘do you mean you can’t or you won’t?’
11) What has been your biggest achievement to date, the thing in your life that you are most proud of?
Starting my business and still going on with it from 2013, through highs and lows and never giving up. Even when some things have failed, I’ve got up again. Having my business has taught me so much about myself and I’m still learning, evolving and growing. It’s like the life teacher I never had.
12) If you could change one thing in your life right now, what would it be?
I would be able to travel even more.
There you have it, the bad-ass go getter that is Tee giving us a little friday inspiration to take us into the weekend. you can connect with her on her website, Instagram and Facebook if you’d like to find out out what she’s up to or if you’re interested in getting fit and healthy. Tee is offering download that gives you 10 ways to blast your belly bloat.
I have to say, I really think Friday female is quickly becoming my favourite blog post to write. If you know of or have an inspirational female in your life that you would like to see featured and celebrated on the blog, then drop me a line and let me know.
As usual, I always enjoy reading your comments so leave me a comment below and let me know what you think of today’s female. Until next time beauties, continue to live on YOUR terms and love the life you’re living! xoxo
I’m dedicated to wellness, constantly striving to be my best self while inspiring others to do the same. Embracing my journey, flaws and all, I’m committed to biohacking for a healthier, longer life—so I can be a present mama for my kids and inspire others to authentically live their best lives too. 💫
what a lovely post about your friend, she seems like the kind of person to have in your group of friends! (very jealous of those abs!)
Wow! What a lovely interview to read. So clear that this woman has passion for what she does and is just gorgeous! Very inspiring 🙂
She is amazing, what drive and determination to set up her own business. Great interview.
She is so energetic and determined. Thks for your amazing interview!!
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So lovely, I love to read this interview. Her body looks wow!!! My mum has big belly, so I will try to follow Tee on Facebook to see what I can do for her.
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