Today we’d like to introduce you to Marie Harriet Gutierrez.
Hi Marie Harriet, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I moved here in the United States with my family when I was 16. We’re from the Philippines. I am the eldest of three children. We are first-generation immigrants. My dad was fortunate enough to be petitioned here by his company. It is our first time migrating to a different country. Hence, we did not really know what to expect or how our life’s going to turn out to be. At 16, I’ve always thought I moved here at an odd age. I’ve already graduated high school (in the Philippines). I thought it would have been easier if I moved here at a younger age because it is easier to adjust and make friends in first or secondary school.
Being the oldest, I was expected to be my mom’s “helper”. Before moving here, even though my mom is a college graduate, we thought about “walking the dogs” (as a side job) to at least have money for personal use. We’ve seen in the movies that people walk dogs yet earn decent money. Coming from the Philippines, we’ve had a traditional way of thinking. Meaning — I need to graduate college and find a decent, stable job. Having my own business was never really in the picture. When you come from a developing country, the goal is stability over passion.
At first, I wanted to be an engineer like my dad. He earns a decent amount of money so I wanted to become like him. He also takes a lot of pride with his career. I love technology. Ergo, I wanted to be a software engineer. At 16, it was all about the money — “If I earn a certain amount of money, I would be happy.” One of my concerns when we first moved here was — I know I am knowledgeable. I’ve always excelled in school. However, English is my second language. Questions like “How would I express my thoughts properly at professional meetings?” It has always been one of my fears.
Honestly, I’ve struggled so much during our first years. The complete change of lifestyle and environment — I can’t help but feel like I wasn’t standing on a stable ground. All of a sudden, it wasn’t a linear way of being anymore (go to school, finish college, find a job, get married, raise a family). At 16, I felt like I had to figure out who I am or what I want sooner than later because I had to make choices. It felt like I had to make choices (that would greatly impact my life) every second. The only support system that I had was my family. I had to leave everything and everyone behind. It wasn’t the easiest transition.
I went to a community college. I found a part-time secretarial job at a dialysis clinic. It was my very first job. I know hard work because I’ve seen hard work. I remember learning how to ride the metro bus going to work (in midtown from the suburbs). I enjoyed earning money at a young age. My first check was $600. Even though I was earning and studying, I was still not sure what I wanted to do. I felt like life forced me to face reality when I wasn’t even ready for it yet. I felt so lost.
After a few years of living the same way and not knowing what I want, I’ve decided that when I turn 21, I am moving to another state for college. My choices were New York and California. After spending five years in limbo, I’ve felt the need to truly find myself — “What do I really want and where do I really want to be?”. I’ve pursued software engineering in the silicon valley. I thought it would be the perfect place because that is the global center of high technology and innovation. It was the best years of my life because I’ve learned how to live by myself. I’ve seen my personal growth. I made friends with people from different countries. I’ve learned different ways of living. I felt so liberated.
After 3 years, I realized that software engineering wasn’t really what I wanted to do. At 21, my way of thinking have been influenced by the western mindset. The reason why I wanted to be an engineer was for me to find a decent job, ideally at another country (outside of the Philippines) to assure a decent income. However, I wasn’t in the Philippines anymore. The cards I’ve been dealt have changed. I asked myself, “why do I still keep on chasing money?”, “what can I do everyday that would not feel like a torture?”, “How can I better serve my community?”. It wasn’t an “I” mindset anymore. It was more of — I believe I can make an impact on the world. The only question was “how”?
I moved back to Houston in 2016. I’ve always been an operations manager. I’ve always been the one handling the business. I realized my skills in business. I’ve learned customer service to marketing to public relations to pricing a wholesale/retail merchandise to leading a team to doing quality check to closing high end of days to restructuring a small business. I’ve excelled at it. But most of all, I enjoyed it. After working for small businesses, I knew that I’m meant to operate my own business. The next questions was — “what kind of business”?
In 2019, I left my job as an operations manager. I told myself, from here on, I’m building my own business. Early 2020, I planned on moving to Illinois. I’ve decided to get certified as a personal trainer. I was an athlete when I was younger. I’ve always been physically strong. I enjoyed working out. It was the perfect business. Unfortunately, covid happened as soon as I started my CPT journey. My plan on moving got cancelled. Since everything was unsure because of covid, I decided to become a coach at a local box gym. The plan was — I’ll do this until the pandemic’s over. I only wanted to do personal training but since that gym needed a group trainer I’ve experienced training a group too.
During my CPT journey, I’ve realized a few things. I liked working with people. It brings me so much joy when I know I’ve helped someone become a better version of themselves. I’ve got the chance to work with all kinds of people – from a stay at home mom, to a professional athlete, to a CEO of a company. I’ve realized that becoming a coach is so much more than helping people lose weight. I loved connecting with people. I loved helping them reach their goals. I loved being a positive part of their life. I’ve realized that coaching became so much more than just “the perfect business for me”. It’s not solely about making good money anymore. It was more of something that satisfies my soul. The more that I help someone, the more that I feel fulfilled.
I’ve quit my job in November of 2021. I’ve decided to finally build my own coaching business. I am a women’s holistic health and fitness coach. I am helping women (specifically) build a healthy lifestyle. Why women? Because I am a woman. I can relate to them better. I’m the kind of coach who looks at a person as a whole. It’s not simply about helping someone lose weight. It is about understanding someone and their habits. I’ve seen people lose weight yet are not happy. I’m all about guiding you navigate your way in your health and fitness journey. Losing weight is merely a result (cherry on top). I’m the kind of coach who gives you the tools that you need. I’m all about building a solid health and fitness foundation so you don’t keep repeating the cycle of going to the gym then slack off then go to the gym again.
One of the things that I’ve learned is.. we all need to be patient with the process. It is not about losing a certain amount of pounds quick. It is about learning your body. My clients train their bodies because they love it not because they want to punish them. I’m helping women who never lifted a dumbbell in their life. I’m training women who are beginners and intermediate levels. I’m helping them build confidence until they figure out if they want to become a bodybuilder or to simply incorporate exercise in their life. I enjoy seeing my clients grow. I have a client whom I met when she was single. She just got divorced, mother of two. I’ve been working with her for 2 years now. From being a divorcee, she is now engaged to the love of her life. Now, we are training for her wedding.
I’ve seen my clients grow as a person. Yes, I’m helping them lose weight, build muscle, look good, feel good. But most of all, I’m helping them become the healthier version of themselves. I’ve realized that this is what passion is. I’m passionate about coaching people. It is about that genuine feeling of wanting to support others. It is about doing something that you enjoy. I have my own struggles. However, I am CONFIDENT that I am on the right path. I am not waiting for that “one day, I’ll be able to do this” anymore. I am finally living a life that I genuinely look forward to waking up to everyday. Is this what I’m meant to be doing? Who knows? I am human. I am evolving. I am growing. Like my clients, I am simply enjoying the process. I know what I want then I’m building a life from that. I am trusting life more. One thing is for sure — I will always be coaching people.
On top of coaching people, I am also actively helping in my community. I’ve always been a leader. I was the president of the student council. Since I was young, giving back to the community has always been a part of my life. I feel blessed to have the life that I have now. Hence, I want to support others in finding their way as well. I believe that the more we go up, the more that we need to lend a hand for others to elevate as well.
As for college, I’ve decided to major in Psychology specialized in Childhood Trauma. I want to become a Doctor. I want to be a holistic psychologist. I believe in education. I value education. However, I’m seeing it now as a tool to learn things and information that have been collected over the years. I am passionate about the human psyche. I believe that what I’m doing now is connected to what I want to do in the future —coaching people. Psychology may not be like Engineering or Law but at least I’m not doing it solely for money anymore. I am confident that I will make enough money with my current business. I’m doing college now for what it is — TO LEARN. It is what I want. It is more of a choice than an obligation.
It took me years to be in this state. From not knowing what I want, I am proud to say that I’m now following my heart and passion(s). I want to make an impact on the world. It’s not simply about “surviving” anymore. It is about thriving. It is about fulfilling my purpose. I am grateful for all the experience I’ve had thus far. It shaped me to the person I am today. I am grateful for the opportunity to live in this country. I’ve learned to dream BIG – way bigger than what I’ve imagined. It helped me find myself, my purpose. It gave me the freedom of choice.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
No, it wasn’t a smooth road at all. I’m also not expecting it to be. Challenges are meant to happen for us to understand ourselves — what choices are we going to make? It is a way for us to know ourselves better. I’ve learned that instead of avoiding challenges, we need to leverage on it. What can I learn from this situation? The human mind is very powerful. It is very intelligent. Challenges make us think. Thinking makes us grow. My goal is to grow.
I’m not yet ready to share one of the biggest challenges I’ve had to face and is currently facing. However, I know, someday — when I’m ready to share, it will be one of the most inspiring stories. When we’re open to learning from challenges, there is no win or lose there are simply lessons learned.
One of the things I’ve learned is to always stay true to yourself. You must believe in yourself. Never give up on yourself. Not everyone’s going to support you and THAT IS OKAY. When we evolve, we will meet new people who will support us. One of the hardest things I’ve had to do was let go of people and situations that are no longer serving me. However, WE ALL MUST KEEP ON MOVING FORWARD.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
FemeníRx: “Enhancing women’s lives through fitness.”
Mission: To give women the tools (energy, coaching, knowledge, support) that they need to find balance and improve the quality of their life through fitness.
I’m helping women create a healthier lifestyle. I believe in cycle syncing. Women do not need to train (lift) like a man. Once we understand how our body works, we can create a program based on that. My programs are focused on cardio, strength-training, flexibility, agility, balance and coordination. I am focusing more on the health benefits of training – the physical appearance is secondary. I also believe in building a solid fitness routine and foundation so we can avoid yo-yo dieting and workouts. I am coaching women who have no prior weight-training to minimum experience. I believe that not everyone wants to train like an athlete neither become a bodybuilder nor a powerlifter. Some people simply want to create a healthier lifestyle for themselves.
I’m offering health and fitness coaching (based on the individual’s fitness level). I also do nutrition guide. I’m guiding them based on what is good for them personally (not just a general “healthy foods list”. I’ve had a thyroid issue in the past. Broccoli was one of the vegetables that was not beneficial to me. Because of that, I know that not because something is marketed as “healthy” means that it is healthy for you specifically. I’m also doing lifestyle (mindset) coaching along with it. I also do an in-body scan assessment. On top of those, I have a community of women who are supporting each other reach their goals.
I offer in-person training in Houston. Plus, real-time virtual training.
I was never overweight. When I was younger, I was actually underweight. When people think about training, it is mostly about losing something (fats). Not because I didn’t have that problem means that I never had body issues. Yes, being on a certain weight range is important for our health. However, I understand something deeper than that. We need to understand people’s behavior, beliefs and habits. No one wants to be unhealthy. What I offer is my knowledge about the human body and human behavior. It helps me create the right program for you based on your personal information. We’re using those information in creating a healthier, sustainable lifestyle customized for YOU.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
My purpose, my family and my personal growth.
My purpose = I believe that God has planned BIG things for me. Those big things are going to support His master plan. When I do my part as an individual, it’ll help with the overall improvement of the world.
My family = they are the ones who are there for me from day one. They are my support system. They’ve seen and supported my growth. They are the most important people in my life.
My personal growth = I believe that I can support others better when I’m supporting my own self. When I feel fulfilled, I am in a much better state of mind. Hence, much better emotional state. I can share myself better with other people.
Contact Info:
- Email: marieharriet@icloud.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/femenirx/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FemeniRx/
