Camellia Dress by J’amemme @jamemme, Lucite Molten Clip On Earring by Alexis Bittar @alexisbittar
Talent: Tunde Oyeneyin @tune2tunde
Photography, Creative Direction, and Production by: Mike Ruiz
Editor-in-Chief: Dimitri Vorontsov
Fashion Stylist: Alison Hernon @718blonde@exclusiveartists
Hair: Luis Guillermo using Oribe @luisguillermobeauty @oribe
Makeup: Eric Vosburg @ericvosburg
Nails: Issy SánchezFashion Market Assistant: Skylar Elizabeth @skylar.e
Fashion Stylist Intern: Richelle Hodson @richellehodson
Location: New York, New York
Dress by Cheng Hui Chuang @chenghuaichuang, Shoes by Model’s own
When do you experience the highest levels of confidence, and what are the key factors that contribute to your current sense of “confidence” and how you have attained it?
I think a life well lived is a life lived in purpose, on purpose, and of great purpose. I believe my purpose is to lead, so therefore, I feel most confident when I’m leading people and helping deliver a message.
Outside of your career in health and fitness, what brings you the most joy and fulfillment?
Spending time with people I love. Eating with them, laughing with them, and whether I’m alone or with someone else, I really enjoy time by the beach.
What is your superpower?
My ability to believe in myself. Which is not to say I sometimes don’t have feelings of imposter syndrome, but ultimately, I always come back to knowing that I can achieve anything I put focus on.
Dress by Tiscareno at The Confessional Showroom @tiscarenostudio @theconfessionalshowroomnyc, Earrings + Ring by Laruicci @laruicci, Shoes by Sam Edelman @sam_edelman
Who has been a source of inspiration for you in both your life in general and on your fitness journey?
I have always been motivated by powerful women. My mother always set an example; she showed me what a strong work ethic looked like. She showed me how to love and how to show up boldly in any room. With my fitness journey, I’ve had so many teachers along the way, people that I admire and embody when I am instructing classes to this day.
Many Peloton users view you as the “friend in their head.” Is there a particular individual, whether a celebrity or someone you admire, who you believe you’d have a fantastic real-life connection with?
Does my future husband Michael B Jordan count?
Dress by Tiscareno at The Confessional Showroom @tiscarenostudio @theconfessionalshowroomnyc, Earrings + Ring by Laruicci @laruicci, Shoes by Sam Edelman @sam_edelman
If you could switch lives with any fictional character, who would it be and why?
I would switch lives with any of the Disney Princesses so I can rewrite the story and have the Princess save herself. I’d change the narrative that’s ingrained in so many of us.
What’s an unusual quirk or talent most people wouldn’t know you possess?
I have an insanely photographic memory. I’ll remember what you wore, what your hair looked like, and what color lipstick you had on, but somehow, I can’t remember the password to my email.
Camellia Dress by J’amemme @jamemme, Lucite Molten Clip On Earring by Alexis Bittar @alexisbittar
When you reflect on your younger self, what advice or messages do you find yourself sharing with her most often? And as you contemplate your future self, what guidance and advice do you intend to offer her?
I can’t say that I often talk to my younger self if anything, my younger self often comes up and speaks to my present self. She reminds me of where I started, what I’ve been through, reminds me to stay present, stay humble, and lead with gratitude. When I’m feeling like there’s no progress being made or feeling uncertain about what’s ahead, she is often the voice that reminds me how far I’ve come. In my conversations with my future self, I ask her to welcome growth, welcome change, welcome new ideas, fresh perspectives, and all she knows she’s capable of achieving.
Hair plays a significant role in how Black women express themselves to the world and how they are perceived by the world. Could you share your personal journey and decision to cut your hair, and how it has influenced your relationship with it and your overall confidence?
Cutting my hair had been something I thought about since I was 10 years old. Growing up, I was always fascinated by women with short hair and how I can see more of them, more of their faces. Like my mother. She would at times wear her hair short and I would find myself staring at her beauty and the extra confidence she radiated. I put off chopping my own hair for years because I was scared that I would lose some of my femininity. When I let go of the worry of what others might think, I finally went through with it and couldn’t have been more content. I appreciate that I did it because now I wear and lean into whatever hairstyle I want, based on what I think will embody my confidence most in that season.
Dress by Cheng Hui Chuang @chenghuaichuang, Shoes by Model’s own
Best compliment you have ever received?
“You’ve changed my life.”
“What are some of your favorite skincare products you’re currently using?”
I currently use Tatcha – The Camellia Cleansing Oil, Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel Pads (original), Skinceuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2, Skinceuticals Phloretin CF, and Skinceuticals Retinol 0.5.
What do you want your legacy to be?
To live life to the fullest while lifting and supporting other people to live their lives to the fullest as well.
