Today we’d like to introduce you to Priscila Montoya.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I could not go without highlighting the importance my parents have had in who I am today. Not only have they shaped me as a person, but thanks to them, I am able to be living in Houston. I was only three years old when my parents took the difficult decision of migrating to the United States. A country in which they became alienated towards the language and environment, but became the place I call home. I was born into a Mexican house hold in American land, and like many other migrant children, the two cultures collided into one within me; this on its own was complex enough.
Because of my parent’s sacrifices, now I am able to go to school at the University of Houston at Downtown and work part-time. I am proud to say I am a Dreamer, under D.A.C.A. (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals), that allows me to work in this country. I like to live up to the “dreamer” name; the dream of being someone in this country and having the opportunity to advanced in one’s true passion. Slowly I’ve found my passion for fitness and creating content in social media. I work towards spreading positivity into this world through my dancing and inspire those beginning their fitness journey. I am no expert at what I do, but I love helping out in any way I can. The main message I have tried to place out through my content is the positive side to the world, although it can be hard at times. With the same hope, my parents came to the United States and positive mindset to live a better life, I want others to live life to their full potential. Life is good!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It has definitely not been a smooth road for me. Being undocumented is one of the toughest things one can have as a burden in their life. Your status in a country is always on the line and in politics had. I tried to abstain myself from watching the news sometimes because of our crazy government news. I gave myself the choice though, to worry or live my life in a way where I will be happy in regards of what others decide for me. I decided to look at life through the whole of positivity instead of locking myself at home and depriving myself from liberty, I am not a bad citizen, at least that I know off, but I am not also perfect; that’s life. Once I was able to start thinking more positively about my own situation as an immigrant, it transferred to the other aspects of my life. My love for music, my love for entertainment, and my love for fitness. It is one aspect of one’s life that can completely change the other parts of your life and its called attitude. Rewardless of what people want in life, if it is to lose weight or become a social media star, you have to have the attitude. Come with the confidence in your own abilities to be the person you want. Be free to be yourself in rewards to what others have to say. It has shaped the way I view the world. Hopefully, it helps y’all too.
Tell us about your business – what should we know?
Some know me as the short girl that lifts at the gym, others know me as the shorty that loves to dance in her restroom. I just love to entertain people! I’ve started to be more involved in social media making Youtube videos and Instagram posts of fitness. I like to have my fun with it all, and show people the realistic sides to Instagram and social media in general. I try to motivate those in the looks of a fitness journey and speak the truth to much of the behind the scenes to these so “perfect lives” reflected on the platforms. I think what sets me apart from others is that I am pretty careless. Careless can be viewed negatively to some, but I think it’s pretty awesome to be careless sometimes. Be careless of the opinions of others, and live a little more and be a little more happy. I’ve been called childish before because of the way I act, but I just find myself free. I like to say I am free-spirited and thats why my body giggles with the music and giggles in front of everyone at the gym. I am just FREE! Life is too short to be upset!
Do you feel like there was something about the experiences you had growing up that played an outsized role in setting you up for success later in life?
Crossing the border has marked me from the beginning. I had to be “American” enough from a start, but I also had to be “Mexican ” enough to all my aunts and uncles to not be marked as an outcast. I think this is a struggle that many immigrant children don’t speak off. You need to be “enough” in both cultures. I believe once I became realistic with myself and accepted that I do not need the approval of others is when I became truly happy. I was able to be myself more and more every day. Being an immigrant has shown me to be strong when politics is against you and even your own culture/ people but is in this strong mentality that I was raised and has shaped my optimism.
Contact Info:
- Email: Pichitime14@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prisymontoya/
Image Credit:
Adrian Stewart
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