We had the good fortune of connecting with Athena Carrillo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Athena, do you have some perspective or insight you can share with us on the question of when someone should give up versus when they should keep going?
This has been a big one for me as a mother and business owner, and I have had challenges that have tested my faith and vision for my future. But one thing that lets me know if I should keep going is the flip side. Let’s say my thought process is “well, if I don’t give up, I will fail, and this failure will hurt me in whatever way.” Well, there is always a flip side! “If I do give up, I really won’t succeed, and this failure will hurt me even more.” I must ask myself, what will the future me say? Will she approve of giving up? I know in some cases, we must admit our inadequacies and accept failure, but failure isn’t the end of the road; it’s merely the journey. You don’t succeed without some failures; that is the recipe for success.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
As a wellness coach, it is my pleasure to mentor others on nutrition, fitness, and personal development. My goal is to help others live a more balanced and fulfilled life. I am proud to find my balance in life and want to share it. The world can be so hostile and always will be, but our communities can change with a little bit of self-love and encouragement to one another. I feel like I make what I do look easy, but it’s not. It can be challenging to help others see what I see in them. And I completely understand because I struggled with many insecurities before getting into this career path. I have also faced two huge losses that changed every fiber of my being. But I have learned that we must not let life and its natural cycle stop us from what we are meant to bring into the world. I understand the pain and suffering of the world, and with my brand and business, I want to offer solutions and a community to those who want it.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
First, I would take them hiking on the Skyline Regional Park Trails in Buckeye, AZ! Our mountains and skies are Arizona’s wonders; being able to take my best friend and see both at once is an incredibly grounding experience. Of course, pictures would follow to capture the breathtaking view. After that fantastic hike, I am sure my best friend will be hungry, and I recently been introduced to a sweet vegan spot in Uptown Phoenix called Verdura. I’ll have the Santana Mac, please! And Uptown Plaza shopping mall is perfect for shopping and coffee days. I love the boutiques they have and the laid-back sunny Sunday vibes it has. So this would be our Sunday Funday. My favorite eating locations are The Beach House, Shake Shack, and Hulas Modern Tiki. Hulas is where I would take my bestie for drinks and good conversation. The ambiance is soft and warm but lively! I love culture, so farmers’ markets are a must and museums. And for the nightlife in Arizona, I would hit Scottsdale for the Museum of contemporary art, followed by drinks. And, of course, being a loyal Phoenix Suns fan, I’d top it off with tickets to a Suns game. GO SUNS!!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Of course! I dedicate this shoutout to my husband. He is a big part of my story, and I am always grateful. Life has been no easy thing for my daughters and me, but my husband has stepped in and filled the provider role beautifully. He is exactly what I prayed for, and I feel truly blessed to have his support and encouragement on life’s journey!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amarii_93/

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutArizona is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.