Today we’d like to introduce you to Blankita Cisneros.
Hi Blankita, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
In high school, my sport was soccer and I had the biggest passion and love for it. I imagined myself to get a good scholarship offer to play in college but life had other plans for me. In 2013, my dad suffered a stroke which left him paralyzed and changed our family’s life forever. We lost the financial support from him so my mother had to take care of us all and I had to get a job to care for my needs.
I continued to play soccer and I remember leaving practice early to make it to my retail job at sears.
Once senior year came around, everyone was wondering where I was going to choose to go fulfill my dreams of playing college ball.
However, I had to make one of the biggest and most selfless decision I’ve ever made. I decided to turn all my scholarships down and stay home and attend TCC which is a community college. I couldn’t bear to leave my parents with the responsibility of paying my bills, car, etc. I wanted to stay home and help because I owed my parents that and more.
After attending 2 years at my community college, I received my associate’s degree and realized I didn’t know what to do next.
While I was in college, I picked up the passion for weight lifting and in general working out!
I figured it’s as close as I could get to staying in my athlete mode and pushing myself to try new things.
People began to cheer me on, I grew a huge support system on social media and I decided to share my knowledge and own experience.
I began to sell workout programs and it was just amazing to see how many women were interested and looked up to me!
Fast forward a year and I just knew it was time to start expanding my ideas and creativity and create my own equipment.
Seeing my logo and name on my first piece of equipment, which were my booty bands, I couldn’t believe I had made it this far all on my own!
I knew all my life I never wanted to work for anybody. I have never been afraid to put in the work and do what needs to be done to reach my goals.
Through very many obstacles, depression & anxiety, I finally got things going. My website, my products, my workout plans…
I am now currently a personal trainer at Strong Performance Co. and training for my first powerlifting meet on top of running my online business.
The one thing I can say is to never give up on your dreams and keep going no matter what life throws at you. I have a long way to go but I know my work ethic and dedication get me to where I want to be.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has definitely NOT been a smooth road for me. I’ve had to pull myself out of very very tough moments in my life. When you are the individual in your family that decides to break generational beliefs and traumas, just know it’s not going to be easy.
My biggest issue was having to do it alone and having to talk myself out of my depressive days. Mental health is no joke and should be taken seriously!
There was days I couldn’t even figure out what I was going to eat, how I was going to pay my bills but I kept working hard and stayed true to myself and that’s how I believe I made it out of those times.
Don’t be ashamed or embarrassed of your low moments because it shows you how strong and capable you truly are.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Athena by BC is what I decided to name my brand! Besides being a personal trainer and doing my online programs, gym equipment, online coaching, etc. I love to empower women. I grew up in a Hispanic household where Women are expected to serve their home and their husbands and nothing more. I want Women to know they belong to a powerful community when they wear my stuff or use my equipment. When you choose me as your trainer, I make sure my girls don’t just feel like I’m there to help them reach their physical goals but to also grow mentally and emotionally! We grow through what we go through here and I just want them to know they have a sister in my and I’m always there for them.
Empowering Women, especially Latinas is my absolute favorite thing to do.
My business is not just about working out but learning how to get through those obstacles you face in life.
I want you to win. I want you to grow. Most importantly I want you to know there is a huge community of amazing women that have your back and are cheering you on!
I have huge goals for 2022 and one of them is starting “The Strong Latina Club”.
I want the word ‘Strong’ to represent not necessarily being physically strong but mentally and emotionally.
Women, in general, go through so much in life so why not make it easier by having your girls to support and help you when you need it the most?
But of course, more details to come on that empowering club!
I am proud to have impacted so many Women already and help them build the confidence they needed to create some magic in the world!
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
The way I like to see other successful people is that every great coach has a great coach. Finding a mentor or connecting with other individuals does not mean you don’t know what you are doing. In the beginning of my journey, I had a big ego and thought I didn’t need anyone to make it. I started realizing there was nothing wrong with asking for help! A few months ago, I reached out to my coach Noel Trevino at Strong Performance Co. to help me prepare for my first powerlifting meet. It took me so long to reach out because I thought people were going to question me for being a trainer and having a trainer myself. Now I look back and I have truly learned so much and continue to be educated on so many subjects. I have built an amazing relationship with him and his wife and now we are working together to reach our goals! Be open to advise and constructive criticism. It will build you and help you become better than you already are.
Contact Info:
- Email: Theblankitac@gmail.com
- Website: Athenabybc.com
- Instagram: @Blankitaaa17
- Facebook: Blankita Cisneros
- Youtube: Blankita Cisneros
Image Credits
@capturingsunlightbyfey
