We’re looking forward to introducing you to Susana Brijandez. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Susana, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
I started to workout in a new gym recently (4 months ago) and I found a new way of train, I mean, I really enjoy to spend 2 hours in me, building or shaping my body and becoming stronger than yesterday. I am doing functional training and it’s amazing to realize all the exercises my body is able to do everyday. I have learned a lot about myself, I feel conscious of my body for the first time and it really makes me happy, Like a quote I read “go to the gym is like having a date with myself, don’t cancel”.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am Susana and I am a writer, bookworm, content creator, marketer, podcaster, photographer and designer. I really love to use creativity for work and also for my personal projects. It’s so easy for me to think about cool and creative solutions for different situations.
I also have a personal project called Gym Tourist, which consists of visiting fitness studios or centers in Tijuana, attend to a class and make a review to share my experience. Another personal project is my book club called “Little Red Bookshelf”, that I share with some friends and new people at my city, we really love to read and we choose 2 titles each bimester.
I have a marketing & creative studio called Âme Creative Studio (which means soul in french), and I work mainly with entrepreneurs in both sides of the frontier (San Diego & Tijuana).
Finally, I want to talk about my pretty little dog, Bruno. My 2 year and a half alaskan malamute. I have learned about life with him, is my first time as a dog owner and I am discovering a lot of things about having a pet (actually, my next book is about dog care).
What makes me special? I could say the diversity of things I do. I am always doing something new, something creative, something different and love to share it with the world.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
I am not sure, sometimes I feel like Dory (from Finding Nemo) cause my memory it’s not the best but one of the earliest moments I can remember which made me feel powerful was everytime I danced in a stage. Since I was little (5 or 6 years old), I took jazz and ballet lessons, and we had our final performance after a year of dancing and practicing. So, each time I stepped on stage or visit a local theater for rehearsal, I felt powerful, happy, and incredible. I am not a shy person but a lot of times felt insecure in front of others, and once I was there ready to perform I forgot nerves and all my insecurities and just danced. I remember myself smiling, dancing, moving around, feeling very energetic, full and happy.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I would like to say a lot of things to my younger self but related to self-steem and self-love, I would say: There is nothing wrong with you. You are perfect. Your authenticity is your superpower. You are funny, beautiful, unique and intelligent. You are enough. Don’t worry about how tall, short, fat or skinny you look, you are healthy and complete. Be grateful for that. People will love you the way you are, you don’t have to change to please others, and if someone doesn’t like you, it’s OK, they will not deserve a special place in your life or heart. Do anything you want. Be yourself. Never hide your feelings and don’t limit yourself from showing yourself as you are. Finally, I would say: I love you so much! Forever & ever. You are not alone now and will never be.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
Recently, I saw clearly this insight about my next life project. Since I feel very conscious about my body, I discovered a new passion. I want to spread this knowledge, experiencie and active lifestyle with the entire world but mainly with older people. I would like to visit older people and give them mobility lessons to help them in their future. If I can promote fitness and physical activities with people in their 30s and 40s I’ll be happy, but if I can help older people to improve their life quality by moving independently without asking help or use a cane or any support accesory, I think I will have achieved it. One of my premises is the importance of being healthy, strong, complete and having a functional body, beyond how it looks, its size, its age or its shape.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What false labels are you still carrying?
That I am not good enough at what I do. Writing, dancing, designing or taking photos. Maybe is not a label, but sometimes the impostor syndrome visits me. And then, the idea that I have to be the best at everything and anything I do and I must try hard to be perfect.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/susanabrijandez/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susana-brijandez-265b5388
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sbrijandez
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SusanaBrijandez
- Other: Spotify Podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/show/1gHldIwlVRDz2dRgkM41wp?si=326ec48396c84a1d
Image Credits
Juan Carlos Aguilar
