By Martie Thompson
editor@floridanewsline.com
Sally Reyes credits the fact that she’s one of three sisters and the mother of three daughters for her interest in empowering women. “I think I’m a magnet for uplifting women,” she said. Born in Guatemala, Sally is the middle sister. Her father moved to the US to work for the Post Office when she was four years old. Finally at the age of 15, her mom brought her and her sisters to join him in California. Sally finished high school in California and was married at the age of 18. She earned her associate’s degree and was working on her bachelor’s when she took some time off to raise her daughters (Brianna, Vanessa, and Samantha) and work in the corporate world. Currently single, she now works in the corporate office of Winn Dixie in the human resources department, and has gone back to school to finish her bachelor’s degree, but with a new course of study: human resources. She also runs her own wellness company, where she says she helps women love themselves unconditionally and live joyfully. She has two daughters currently living at home with her along with two cats, Luna and Gypsy.
Q: How did you come to live in St. Johns County?
A: When our youngest was three years old, we sold our house in Thousand Oaks, California, to live in Florida and be closer to my then-husband’s family. First we moved to Neptune Beach, but after some research, we found that St. Johns County was very similar to Thousand Oaks — good schools with lots of parental involvement and nice neighborhoods. We moved here a year later, in 2008.
Q: How did you start your wellness company?
A: I was working in accounting at the time and wanted to be more involved with my children. My goal was to be a stay-at-home mom and volunteer in their schools. In 2010, I became a Zumba instructor and I was always trying to instill in people the importance of the component of mental wellness in addition to physical fitness. I also became a certified personal trainer and became involved with the community including the First Coast Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. I would talk to everyone about the importance of nutrition, exercise, and spirituality. Everything just flowed into me becoming a wellness coach in 2011. I’m a mobile trainer and I go by Sally FitFit. I believe in a holistic approach — many people forget the mental aspect of wellness, which is just as important (if not moreso!) in this day and age. Balanced life is so important.
Q: Was this something you felt you had always wanted to do?
A: I believe this desire has always been in me. My mom is not very healthy and in general the Latino culture is not very active nor do they pay much attention to healthy eating habits. I wanted to encourage particularly this group of people to change that.
Q: What is your message to women?
A: We are the epitome of humanity; without us, humanity wouldn’t exist. Take time to take care of yourself and go after your dreams. It doesn’t matter what stage in life you are in, you have what it takes to accomplish every goal that you desire. Love yourself unconditionally and never forget that your body, your mind and your spirits are important components of your whole being. Honor and take care of them on a daily basis as that is self love which will reflect in everything that you do. It will also strengthen every relationship that you have.
Q: What do you like to do in your spare time?
A: I make a point to even just take five to 10 minutes out of my day for me. I enjoy the outdoors — the beach, all the beautiful parks we have in St. Johns County. I love Latin dancing too!
Photo courtesy Sally Reyes
Sally Reyes
