Today we’d like to introduce you to Tatiana Verega.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My name is Tatiana Verega and I am 30 years of age today. I was born and raised in Moldova, Chisinau. I grew up in a country where opportunities were very limited. At one point, I knew that I’d have to move to a bigger country with more opportunities that could help me grow in every possible way.
I was maturing and started to see things differently. While I wanted to pursue my career in dance, I also wanted to do something diff erent. Applying for law school was not a mistake. I wanted to learn business law and expand my knowledge in different areas. I loved the experience and would’ve fnished my law school journey but at some moment along the way, I didn’t feel growth. I felt like I was steadily trying to look for improvements and make changes, but there were no “changes.”
Overall, it felt as though nothing exciting was happening in my life. I was twenty years old then and after so much hard work I still didn’t see myself in any place different than when I was sixteen. At that point, I decided that I wasn’t born to settle. When I was in my second year in college I applied for the J-1 Student Visa. It was a summer student exchange program in the United States and for me it was very difficult to obtain because I didn’t know English. Like I always say, with hard work, patience and consistency, you can achieve anything.
I had to convince my parents that I needed to go to the United States because this was the only way for me to grow and learn. I explained to my parents that I was capable of achieving many things but because of our lifestyle back home, I was stuck. Unfortunately, I knew I had to sacrifice my time away from my family. I knew that I wasn’t going to come back home but how could I tell my parents that? I was the only girl out of three kids and it would be extremely difficult for my mom to let me go. I started to feel like I wanted to quit everything and what I was aiming for. I was losing my hope and slowly started to doubt my purpose. Despite those feelings, I pushed through and continued to trust the process. Luckily, I developed enough courage to follow my dreams and with my family’s support, I overcame my fears, packed my bags, and left. Looking back now, I have no idea where I would be today if I hadn’t taken the opportunity to come to the United States. I am beyond grateful for it. Ultimately, the drive that grew in me since I was a little girl became stronger and went beyond my measurements.
On May 12, 2012, I arrived in Houston, Texas, with $500 in my pocket and my best friend at my side. I pretty much made her come with me and told her that America would change our lives and allow us to make a lot of money. What I didn’t tell my friend is that it would require 24/7 hustle, tears, and pain. I chose not to mention that because if I did, she would most definitely not have come with me. My dearest friend is Elena Neaga, and until this very day she is by my side making sure that we are there for each other! I had a three-month job contract at Gaido’s restaurant, located in Galveston, Texas. Everyone always wondered: why Galveston; why Gaido’s; why the restaurant industry? Well, as I mentioned before, the truth was that I didn’t know English when I applied for the student summer exchange program; in addition, this was actually the only city and only job offer that I had from the work and travel agency. I didn’t have many choices, but I was accepted in the program and had a temporary job and that was all I needed to begin a new journey.
Everything was new to me. The language, people, culture, food, and overall lifestyle. The first thing that I learned in the United States was that if you didn’t work, you’re screwed. Working in the United States pushed me to step out of my comfort zone because back home I had my parents who could take care of me and protect me when I needed it. But at this point, I had to do everything on my own and there was no safety net. There were days I felt desperate and kept wondering if I made the right choice moving to a new country. It was crucial that I had to learn to be independent by working on myself and counting on only myself. Every single day I had to remind myself why I did what I did, and where I am headed.
Summer 2012 was the longest summer of my life and the experience is almost unexplainable because it’s so hard to find the right words to describe it in depth. In short, I was broke and anxious for a while. Walking two miles to work every day and back wasn’t new to me, but I could barely pay my bills and I ate horribly because I couldn’t afford to eat healthily. I will never forget the days when I used to sneak in the restaurant freezer of where I used to work and eat peanut butter jelly sandwiches because it kept me full for a while and it was easy to steal. It’s the sad truth but I want to be sincere with you. When summer ended, so did my contract, but I ended up making the biggest decision of my life: I told my parents that I was going to stay and that I wasn’t coming back home for a while. The news didn’t excite my family at all but they had faith in me and believed that my choice was the right choice for my future.
Early mornings and late nights became a usual thing for me. I never stopped working on myself and I knew that one day everything would pay off. There was never a day where I didn’t have a negative thought, but I never let that thought manage my feelings or actions. I couldn’t let the anger be my guide. Days when I felt like giving up. I reminded myself why I moved miles away from my family. Meditating, going to the gym, reading books and working on myself helped me stay on track. Slowly, my English was getting better. It was so much easier when I could express myself without getting corrected constantly. Learning new words and expressions helped me connect much better with people. Words are a very powerful tool that we have power over, and it is up to us how we get to manage them. You might be surprised what “knowing the language” can do for you. It helped me discover new ways to live the American Dream. I was rejected and ignored many times but honestly, that is how I got better. I learned to use rejection as a test to see just how much I wanted to keep learning.
Today, I am a Dance Studio Owner in Galveston, Texas, Athlete and Personal Training Coach.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I wrote a book called “The Hustler Mind” based on my life struggles, obstacles and lesson that I have learned. Countless sleepless nights, countless struggles and countless lessons.
We’ve been impressed with DLS Dance Studio, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
On July 13, 2021 I celebrated 8 year Anniversary of my dance studio Calle “DLS Dance Studio’.
DLS Dance Studio is our happy place in Galveston, Texas. Our mission at DLS Dance Studio is to provide quality dance classes, competitions and performances in a safe and friendly environment. We care for each dancer, for her and his potential and growth. At DLS you can take dance classes to grow as a professional dancer in the industry and/or to learn how to dance as an extra curriculum fun activity. Our Studio is our home and our home is drama free zone!
After I became a Group Fitness and Personal Training Coach, I immediately opened a small gym in the same space at DLS and began coaching. My mission is to empower women around the world to feel confident, healthy and strong from the inside – out through the practice of fitness and mindfulness.
I am a Certified Personal Trainer and have dedicated my life to changing lives by sharing inspiring challenges, coaching fitness, and words of wisdom.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
I love Galveston Island. At first, I didn’t but now I can say that in order for you to love where you live, you have to get to know the community and be involved in it. After I did so, I understood that this is the place where I want to build an empire and do what I love every single day.
Contact Info:
- Email: tatiana.verega@gmail.com
- Website: https://www.dancefitnesswithtatiana.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tatiana_verega/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DLSDanceStudio
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TatianaVeregaDancerChoreographer
- Other: http://www.dlsdancestudio.com
Image Credits
Albert Salinas Photography
Nightfall Motion Pictures
