We were lucky to catch up with Sunshine Zerda recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Sunshine, appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?
Overcoming the challenges of my childhood has been a profound journey that has shaped who I am today. As a survivor of child abuse, I grew up in an environment marked by physical, mental, and emotional turmoil. However, these early experiences instilled in me a remarkable resilience that has become an essential quality in my life.
One of the pivotal moments in my journey was being recruited by the United States Junior Olympic program for gymnastics at a young age. This opportunity not only provided me with a safe haven but also served as a transformative outlet for my energy and emotions. Through gymnastics, I developed a strong sense of focus and discipline, which kept me on a positive trajectory during a tumultuous time.
Moreover, the community I found within the gymnastics program became my “chosen family.” The bonds I formed with my teammates were invaluable, teaching me the importance of support and connection. Together, we celebrated each other’s successes and navigated challenges, reinforcing the idea that we are stronger together.
In addition to emotional support, gymnastics equipped me with essential life skills such as time management, goal setting, and perseverance. These skills have proven to be instrumental in all areas of my life, enabling me to approach challenges with confidence and determination.
Today, I carry the lessons learned from my past with me, using them to inspire others and foster a sense of hope. My journey has not only made me a survivor but also a champion for resilience and community, and I am committed to sharing this message with those who may be facing their own challenges.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
With over a decade of experience in business marketing within the corporate sector, Sunshine Zerda made the transformative decision to pivot toward her true passions: health and wellness. Leaving behind an unfulfilling occupation, this career transition marked not just a shift in professional focus, but a profound commitment to enhancing the lives of others by promoting holistic well-being.
During her youth, Sunshine was a U.S. Junior Olympic athlete in the sport of Gymnastics. After retiring at the age of 17, she immersed herself in martial arts training in disciplines such as Muay Thai (a combat sport from Thailand that uses stand-up striking along with various clinching techniques), Brazilian Capoeira (a martial art that combines elements of combat, acrobatics, ritual and music), and Krav Maga (a practical martial arts system of self-defense and combat) gaining a high level of experience in each form.
Sunshine Zerda is a dynamic and multifaceted professional whose journey in the wellness industry is marked by a deep commitment to both physical fitness and holistic healing. As a certified personal trainer and self-defense combat specialist, she initially dedicated her career to empowering individuals through high-intensity functional training and combat classes. However, her quest for balance and restoration led her to explore the profound benefits of yoga, transforming her approach to wellness.
With a passion for holistic practices, Sunshine pursued multiple RYT (Registered Yoga Teacher) certifications, including an enriching experience at the esteemed Nada Yoga School in Rishikesh, India. There, she delved into the ancient teachings of Ayurveda, sound healing, and traditional yoga, further enhancing her expertise. In addition to her yoga credentials, she is a certified Hot Pilates Mat instructor and a proud lululemon legacy ambassador, reflecting her commitment to excellence in fitness.
Today, Sunshine harmonizes her extensive knowledge of martial arts and yoga to create innovative classes that are both physically engaging and spiritually enriching. Her unique approach seamlessly blends vinyasa, pilates, high-intensity interval training, bodyweight movements, and sound healing practices, empowering her students to achieve equilibrium between physical challenge and holistic wellness.
Beyond her teaching endeavors, Sunshine has embraced an entrepreneurial spirit, providing consulting services to various wellness and fitness brands. Her insights and experience enable her to elevate existing brands while laying a strong foundation for new ventures. Driven by a commitment to a healthy lifestyle free of toxic chemicals, she has also launched her own skincare line, featuring an Ayurvedic herbal skin cream designed to nourish and promote healthy skin within her community.
In addition to her dedication to fitness and wellness, Sunshine is a passionate music enthusiast. As a DJ, she curates experiences and performs at diverse venues around the globe, further enriching her multifaceted approach to life and wellness.
Through her diverse endeavors, Sunshine Zerda continues to inspire and guide others on their wellness journeys, embodying the spirit of transformation and holistic living. Her commitment to empowering individuals and fostering a sense of community makes her a beacon of positivity and wellness in the lives of those she touches.
For more details about events, retreats, and her skincare line, visit: www.sunshinezerda.com
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Meditation has been an invaluable skill throughout my journey. I have come to recognize that stress manifests in various forms, and incorporating meditation and breathwork, alongside a consistent movement practice, has been instrumental in helping me stay grounded and centered. Additionally, I prioritize quality sleep and maintain a disciplined approach to healthy eating, as these are essential for supporting a robust immune system and ensuring that my mind remains sharp and my energy levels high.
My best advice is to cultivate and maintain healthy boundaries in all your relationships, whether with family or friends. It is essential to surround yourself with individuals and environments that inspire and uplift you, as this fosters personal growth and propels you toward your goals. Strive for excellence in all that you do, but remember to embrace an attitude of gratitude along the way. This balance will not only enhance your journey but also enrich your experiences and connections with others.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
Absolutely! I’m always eager to explore collaboration opportunities globally. Building a strong community is a core value of mine, and partnering with like-minded individuals and brands truly enriches my journey. I’m open to collaborating with both emerging and established brands that prioritize enhancing wellness, health, and fitness in various forms. This includes partnerships with hotels, retreat centers, boutique fitness studios, large wellness studios, as well as one-time events, ongoing programs, and festivals. If you are interested in collaborating, please feel free to reach out through my website. I look forward to the possibility of working together! www.sunshinezerda.com
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sunshinezerda.com
- Instagram: @SunshineZerda
- Facebook: @SunshineZerda
- Youtube: @SunshineZerda
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/djsunnyz
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