We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Maylynne Rayos a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Maylynne, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?
I have felt this my entire life, as someone who identifies as diverse. Growing up feeling different is never easy, especially as a child. Being able to feel your own skin or hair color when you walk into a room can feel incredibly intimidating. As I grew older, I started to embrace all the things about me that made me different — from my physical appearance to being proud of my vulnerability. I think this comes with life experience. As a Filipina-American Fitness Instructor in an industry where we are a minority, it only empowers me to do more and work harder. Now, I’m proud to be the only one in the room who looks like ME. In fact, I prefer it.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I am a group fitness instructor and own my own fitness event business called “Move with May”. I host fitness events throughout San Diego County and try to share the opportunities with different local businesses by hosting the events within their space. I connect with fitness and health related businesses who donate their products, in efforts to broaden the reach of their customer base through my events as well!
Most recently, I launched my own fitness grip socks. Move with May grip socks can be used for all non-slip activities, including barre, yoga, and Pilates. Equipped with quality anti-slip grip, these socks provide added control and stability. The socks are unisex, and can also provide traction and support for sports. Use them while playing soccer or football.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back, I think the most important qualities in the fitness industry are:
1. Persistence – The fitness industry can be filled with a lot of rejection. It’s important to understand that just because you might be rejected from one audition or customer, does not mean that you are not the right fit for others. Everyone has a preference, and you are SOMEONE’s preference. Find your tribe by being persistent and continuing to push forward even when it feels like there are road blocks.
2. Confidence – One of the things my mentor taught me very early on in my fitness career is that when you are teaching a fitness class, the students don’t know what’s coming next, so even when you make a mistake, they may not even know. Be confident that you typically always know more than who you’re teaching, and that alone can be empowering when you first start teaching.
3. Willingness to Learn – This industry is ever-changing and having the willingness to learn will be key to staying relevant. Keep up with the trends of fitness and understanding how to market to consumers can help you pivot when necessary. Sometimes you have to be willing to learn something new!
What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?
I think that the number one challenge I consistently experience is… what should I do NEXT? There are ways to level up in this industry and I’m constantly thinking of ways to do so. Should I go back to gyms/studios? Should I open my OWN studio? I don’t necessarily see these as challenges, but rather opportunities. There is always an opportunity to improve or step up!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://508461-2.myshopify.com/
- Instagram: @move_with_may
Image Credits
1. Ryan Rayos 2. Lock and Key Photography
