Today we’d like to introduce you to Coralis Santana Rivera.
Hi Coralis, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
After having my third baby girl on 11/13/2009, I had a traumatic birth where they gave me zero chances of surviving. I pray to God to please give me another chance because my girls need me. God heard my prayers 🙏🏽. After 6 months, I was introduced to a running group called “BGR” Black girls run. I decided to get back on track and take care of myself while caring for my girls as a single mother. After a few years, I found myself searching to do something else that would challenge me mentally & physically. As I was searching through Instagram, I found “Bodybuilding.” I began to reach out to the community and started my journey. I was intrigued, and I researched and said I would train my body to be a “Figure” competitor. I also joined the Justice League of Fitness as a trainer in 2015. In between, I had challenges that kept me from exercising & running, but I kept my eating habits consistent.
In April 2017, I launched my brand Sí’laroc which consists of a Fitness/Personal trainer. I continue striving for the best, helping others to have a healthy lifestyle, and keeping God first in everything we do. My first competition was in 2018, in which I qualified to compete for nationals, but with no experience, I decided to continue to improve and learn more from fitness. I competed four times as a “body builder-Figure.” I continue to train myself & others while taking care of my girls and, working a full-time job, and pursuing to get my facility to be able to do that full time. This is a healthy lifestyle & I’m here to encourage & help you in your fitness journey
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been fairly smooth?
This has been a journey with ups and downs. Things happen in life that prevent you from doing your task. Health issues can come no matter how healthy you are. Injuries can happen. I had three hernia surgeries due to the procedure I had after having my third baby girl. I also hurt my rotator cuff, so I couldn’t work out my upper body until it was properly healed. I broke my finger, closing my car door. Not to mention when dealing with death in the family & friends. It takes a lot from you mentally and physically. You must continue to live and ensure you keep God in everything you do so he can provide you with everything you need.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
My upcoming business and I said upcoming because I don’t have a space or facility yet but in the works. This will be my Gym where I can train as a group and personal trainer—focusing more on body weight & equipment. Group classes and eventually expand for some other classes.
What sets me apart from others it’s Me. I’m unique in my ways, full of love and positive energy. I’m known for inspiring and motivating others to stay active and keep it moving, the hype girl & cheerleader. I love helping others to achieve their goals and will always be upfront and realistic. I want my readers to know that I’m a new upcoming small business single mother with big dreams and ambitions about fitness. I have made tank tops, coffee mugs, and hoodies and looking to bring other products to expand my brand. Stay tuned for Sí’laroc because it’s coming soon.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
I had a friend that I won’t mention the name of but was the first person who helped me believe that I can have my brand and I’m more capable of doing it. He helped to get my trademark after I came up with the name Sí’laroc with my mother’s friend Mika. My mentor Shannon Dixon. He is a local trainer & a friend who has taken the time to meet with me to guide me through the process of getting my LLC and what’s to come next.
My daughters for always supporting me through everything and allowing me to have some time to do what I love. To the faithful clients that have allowed me to train them & trusting me with their fitness journey. The first person I contacted on Instagram about bodybuilding started training with me, “Rodney G Wood.” To the rest of my close family & friends for all the love and support.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Imcoralis
- Facebook: Coralis Santana
Image Credits
My daughter Halle Arnold Zach Richmond for taking this beautiful pictures at @daytonabeachclassic Monstaphoto
