We had the good fortune of connecting with Miss Ikonic and we’ve shared our conversation below.

What was the thought process behind starting your fitness journey and sharing that process with your followers?

In truth, it was an accident. I’ve always been rather small framed, but I was never in true shape. About a year and a half ago, I decided to start working out and the superfluity of information out there discouraged me instead of encouraged me. I was confused and I wasn’t seeing any real results even though I showed up four to five days a week. Through that consistency, however, I found passion and fell in love with fitness and transforming my body. I documented my journey and shared it on my social media accounts because I wanted people to know that they weren’t alone and that your goal body cannot only be achieved but surpassed. I set new goals often but I’m proud of my growth and in absolute love with the process.

Risk taking: how do you think about risk, what role has taking risks played in your life / career?

Risk, in my opinion, includes the obvious challenges of potential profit loss or time loss etc. but risk also includes shifting your interests. Last year, I was intently focused on my brand Kulturally Appropriate which I have since put on hold so I can refocus and reevaluate my marketing efforts and overall plan for that particular business. Choosing to place my business on hold was not only a risk but it also made me feel like I had failed but I have not, I am simply taking some time away so I can learn more about my industry, network and delve deeper into the true manners of success as they relate to eCommerce.

Risk is a constant in life. When I began sharing my fitness journey with my online following, it made me feel a bit insecure because I knew that my body was far from my goal, but because I wasn’t afraid to document my ignorance, people are now inspired by my transformation. It didn’t happen overnight but over time. Most people just need to know that it’s possible. Sometimes understanding risk is also acknowledging that what you deem as a risk is typically a necessary stage or component of your growth and eventual success.

Delving into such a saturated industry can feel overwhelming and discouraging. That said, although there may be others in the fitness space, they aren’t me and that’s all the matters.

What is the most important factor behind the success of your fitness journey?

Consistency. I keep showing up. I keep learning. I never give up. I’m relentless when it comes to my body and overall physical health. Furthermore, I have fallen in love with the journey and not just the end result alone. Most of you love the end result. For example, you might like to eat but it doesn’t mean that you love to cook. To see true growth and results from fitness, you need to love the process and the results. You can’t get to your end result without indulging in the process first – remember that.

Lastly, I’m determined. I want it that bad. I’m willing to get up early. I’m willing to cut out certain foods. I’m willing to be disciplined and mindful about what I consume in all aspects of my life.

How to know whether to keep going or to give up?

I’m a fighter. I fight for what I want, the life I desire, the income I’d like to achieve, my body goals etc. The problem, however, with having a warrior mentality is that sometimes we hold on too long because we see letting go of something as failure instead of relief or rebalance.

It would behoove you to shift that thought process. It’s time to let go when something or someone no longer serves you. Forget about what people will think. Their thoughts do not devalue your worth. Sometimes you also just need to step away from your business or your job etc. to gather your thoughts, re-evaluate your intentions and take notice of any new interests that you want to explore. Don’t be afraid to try new things and let go of those things that no longer excite you.

Fitness life balance: how was your balance changed over time? How do you think about balance?

I can admit that I live a freer life than some. I go to the gym early mornings 5 to 6 days a week. And although this is not required for you to see results, it’s just what my schedule permits. I’d advise going to the gym or getting some form of exercise at least three times a week. Furthermore, if you are completely lost and have the extra funds, please hire a certified personal trainer or follow trainers on social media and YouTube for tips. If you hire a trainer, you don’t have to keep them forever but train with them for at least three to six months. While you are with your trainer learn from them and be inquisitive.

They say it takes three to six months to form a habit and I believe it takes six months to a year to make something a lifestyle. Once you make fitness a lifestyle, you’ll no longer want to work out, you’ll need to.

What makes you happy? Why?

The gym is truly my happy place. It’s the only place where I feel infinite. It’s also one of the few entities that gives back what I give it. I’ve kept showing up and now the victory is in my physique.

If you had asked me at my high-school graduation if I had aspirations to be an online fitness coach and fitness influencer, I would have looked at you like you were crazy. I also would have laughed and quickly dismissed the notion. I was a cheerleader in high school, but I certainly wasn’t in the gym lifting with the big boys. However, now I relish the idea and welcome the reality that fitness is a part of my life for the rest of it.

Why did you pursue an artistic or creative career?

I’m a peculiar individual, my brother once called me “strange” – such a fitting adjective to describe me. I’m not meant to fit in, and misfits love artistic or creative career endeavors because there’s no right or wrong way to be creative or influential. And with fitness, there’s no limit. I just keep showing up, I keep getting better and I’m never letting up.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to thank God and my family. I lean on them for support and encouragement. They are my strength.

Website: https://linktr.ee/MissIkonic?fbclid=PAAaaMSj5kddmU1CMjng2RaDf79Ci2nDSI43jpiJglJSOxu1IDa-6vaMKL0VI

Instagram: https://instagram.com/missikonic?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

Twitter: https://twitter.com/missikonic?s=21&t=E0yKltfbkWD66uDUYMRuNQ

Other: Blog: The-Ikon.com

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