HELLO, WELCOME & THANK YOU | STRONG IS MY BEAUTIFUL

Hello and welcome!

Thank you for the love on my last post or rather, first post blog post of 2025.  If you missed it, here it is and because I’ve noticed many new followers across all my platforms, I thought I would give a little Strong Is My Beautiful™ update.

But first, a quick intro!

I’m almost 54 years old and would like to think I’m aging gracefully – depends on who you talk to wink, wink!  I am grateful that I’m still here and was able to leave the corporate jungle behind me five years ago to do what makes me happy.   I’m a family gal – mom (and soccer mom), wife, daughter, sister and aunty to blood family but I also have a few chosen family members who bring me joy, we fight like siblings and who I’ll protect at all costs.  Loyal to a fault – I should put that on a t-shirt!  I’m a girl’s girl at heart but will also put a girl in a place when she’s bashing or trying to dim another woman’s light.  I can have hard conversations and will give second and sometimes third chances but when I walk away, the door almost never opens again.

              I’m a Master Class boxer still training and hoping to have a few more bouts before I become a coach/boxer vs today, a boxer/coach.  I’m here to defy what society thinks happens when we age!  I love seeing my clients become the best versions of themselves through movement, learning and having fun while they do it.

So, welcome everyone who is new here and much gratitude for the support from you all who have been here from the jump!

The full Strong Is My Beautiful™ story is here  but in short, it was a turning point in my life where I chose not to let someone’s negativity or what someone thought of me get to me.  It was none of my business really!  Remember, we can’t control everything or anyone, but we can control ourselves and how we react in adverse situations and that’s what I chose to do.  I’m grateful for that moment because my blog was born, started my business with that same zest and it’s a mantra I live by, which has been adopted by many.

As it’s October and the last few months of the year, here are some things on the roster for me, the business and more.  Before we know it, it’s the holidays and (shameless plug) I’m happy to help with your gift giving wherever I can!

Strong Is My Beautiful™

This business has grown and has reached many across the globe.  Seeing your brand resonate with people is awesome and I’m so grateful when I hear personal stories of what the words Strong Is My Beautiful™ means to them.  It makes my heart happy.   A stranger walked into the gym yesterday wearing one of the hoodies and it was awesome to hear her say “love what you’re doing” and “best tracksuit I’ve ever owned”. 

It’s doing what I put it out there for and yes, my audience is primarily girls/women but the many guys who feel it too means I am on to something, and it will make the statement I need it to make.

I’ve recently put my Amazon store on pause.  I did well with my Shower Steamers at a time when it was new, but truth be told, all the big brands are selling them now and I can’t compete with their margins.  That said, my own site currently has some on clearance along with some other giftable items.

My Etsy Shop had a re-opening and more items are being added gradually.  Check it out and feel free to share!

Don’t forget to following SIMB on Instagram as well!  Thank you!

Boxing and Personal Training

I’m so blessed to be able to say that I absolutely love this sport, and I say it as a boxer and a coach.  I’ll go on to say that BOXING IS FOR EVERYONE!  Whether it’s to learn a new sport, to get fit & strong or just in better shape, I think everyone should try it at least once.  It gives that bit of badassery money can’t buy.

My clients range from as young as 6 years old to 70+ and watching them grow both physically and mentally is a different kind of reward.  Seeing someone’s confidence soar and seeing clients get out of their own way and out of their comfort zones is a beautiful thing that I get to be a part of.

The most rewarding work I’ve been doing for just over a year now is working with small groups of women who have survived various forms of violence and/or assault.  They inspire me to want to be a better coach to help women in their situation.  Teaching them to box and move their bodies to help release some of the trauma they holding on to along with their other coping tools is an absolute honour!

I would love to share some of that with you so book for yourself, a group or gift someone a session or a set of sessions with me this upcoming holiday season.  Reach out and we can chat about options – shireen@strongismybeautiful.com

Knix

Being an ambassador for a brand that is relatable and prides itself on including not just everybody but also EVERY BODY is empowering and just a breath of fresh air.  Growing up I always believed I was overweight, always on a diet which led to an unhealthy relationship with food and just not being comfortable in my own skin – no matter my size.  I still struggle today at times (yes, I do) but I’ve learnt how to manage those moments in healthy and positive ways so it’s important for me to align with and/or support brands that are diverse and inclusive.

If you’re thinking “oh, the period underwear brand” right?  Yes, but also no!  There’s a lot more and there’s something for everyone.   With the holidays coming up there will no doubt be sales and promotions and there’s usually extra discounts that I get to share with my networks.  In the meantime, check out their stuff either in store or online.

Monat

I’m still fussy and a bit of a snob about what I use on my hair and skin. All natural + vegan ingredients in the products and my hair as well as my clients live to tell the tale time and time again.  Healthy scalp is where it starts, and I’ll stand on that.  If you’re wondering what THE must have product from Monat is?  Rejuveniqek.a. “The Holy Grail” of oils.  They are business with a bottom line so rest assured there will be deals, promotions and sales for the busy season ahead.

I do a bunch and the hustle is real but I wouldn’t trade it.  I had tough run in my last corporate job and didn’t think I could walk away, until I did.  I paved my own way and I will say that I did it with an amazing support system.  It is possible but it’s hard work.  Truth!

Final thoughts….

My word of the year is GRACE – giving myself the grace that I give so freely to everyone around me.  We’re so hard on ourselves when we mess up, forget things, lose it, crash out or even just have feelings, why not give ourselves a break vs beating ourselves up about it?  I’ve had to really practice giving myself that grace this year and it works!

I’m also a firm believer in focusing my time and energy on the right things and per the quote “where focus goes, energy flows”.  It’s easy to fall into situations that suck the energy out of us OR being in our heads about the wrong things which is not good for our mental health.  I got better at this by focusing my energy on things that I can control vs the alternative and while it’s easier said than done sometimes, the stress is less!

So, finish strong on this last lap of 2025 OR don’t be afraid to switch things up and surprise everyone around you, including yourself.

#lastlap #yearend #finishstrong #focus #energy #smallbusiness #smallbusinessowner #supportsmall #grace #focus #boxer #coach #fighter #monat #knix #knixambassador