Our Friend of the Week - Allison Waddell
Your City: Austin, TX
This Texas renegade is shaking things up in her hometown of Austin with a new business dedicated to empowering individuals to make health and happiness a priority in their lives. Her recipes and workouts are transformational and she inspires us every day with her strength, friendship, and the fun and gratitude she radiates. Her maxim is “Show up for your life.” and with abs of steel and a fit bod like hers the proof is in the pudding (or in this case her 12-pack).
Allison’s What – “Anything from Brené Brown! Her writings and TED Talks teach the importance of owning our stories, embracing our imperfection and living wholeheartedly. Check out The Power of Vulnerability. LIFE GAME CHANGER!”
FRIEND OF THE WEEK: 11 QUESTIONSWEBSITE: ALLI WADDELLINSTAGRAM: @ALLISONWADDELLWELLNESSFACEBOOK: @ALLIWADDELL
1. Nickname: Alli2. What’s your short story? After growing up an athlete (swimmer) I went to college & gained 50 lbs in one semester (in your face Freshman 15!). Luckily my mom introduced me to weightlifting & healthy eating during my winter break which began my path to wellness. After a small stint in the tech world, post college, I realized that my life’s mission was to help people change their lives through fitness and food as a personal trainer & chef. Wanting to further develop my culinary chops I attended the Culinary Institute of America, Greystone in 2011 and explored the Bay Area food/tech scene for 5 years, where I met & worked with the magical Amy Parker. I had a strong desire to reconnect with my two passions so I moved back to Austin in 2016 and have focused my energy on empowering and teaching people how to make health & happiness a priority in their lives.3. What’s your jam? Marina & The Diamonds, "I'm Not A Robot"4. What motivates you? )? My personal philosophy - Show Up For Your Life! Every day in every interaction you get to decide to show up authentically and fully, it’s only by putting yourself out there that you will ever evolve, which I believe is the entire reason for human existence.5. Who do you think you’d have great friend chemistry with? Amy Schumer, Chelsea Handler, Tim Ferriss, Brene Brown, Neil deGrasse Tyson, Bill Nye, Peter Diamandis.6. What qualities do your favorite friends have in common? They are NOT surface, they are thinkers & don’t have bullshit conversations, they show up.7. What’s the smartest, most inspiring, awesome thing you’ve read, watched, or listened to? Brene Brown's Rising Strong. This book me to reevaluate my life, the decisions I was making & why I was choosing to stay small, scared & unhappy. It gave me permission to choose happiness & honor my my desire for growth.8. What whets your appetite? Death Row meal is roasted chicken!!! Crispy chicken skin might be proof there’s a god. Throw some bubbles & rosé in a glass & I’m a happy girl.9. What’s next on your To Do List? Getting people to sign up for my new free Vlog Challenge - 30 Days to a Healthier, Happier & Hotter You. Starting August 1st, I will be documenting and walking people through 31 daily practices, exercises & routines to make health & happiness a priority in their lives.10. How are you friends with Gina + Amy? Had the pleasure of working with Mrs. Amy as part of the founding team of Barnraiser.11. Who would you nominate for our next Friend of the Week? Colette Davenport. She's a Sex & Intimacy Coach for Power Couples Photography credit: Jeana Marino Fine Art and Photography