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

Hi Emily, what is the most important factor behind your success?
I always knew that I was meant to be different. I have always had an overachiever mindset in anything that I do. I grew up being taught to be confident and to truly encompass who I am as a human. I was raised by beautiful and loving parents who guided me and my three siblings in the best direction they possibly could. I am grateful for my parents, who instilled in me a love for giving back to others, tending to my health, and becoming the greatest version of myself.

My parents divorced when I was around 8 years old, so I lived with my mother and siblings—but my dad, Emilio, never failed to show up and be the best father he could possibly be to us. My family and I, unfortunately, had to live with the reality of seeing my favorite person pass away right in front of us due to brain cancer. It really shifted my perspective on health, even though it wasn’t something that fully set in until a year after his death.

He is the most important factor behind my success in losing 112 pounds in one year—naturally—through daily exercise and healthy eating. He was also the ultimate motivation for me as I battled through addictions that held me down and controlled me. I was severely addicted to alcohol, which was driving me into a downward spiral in life—physically, mentally, and spiritually. I was numbing the pain I felt from past traumas I experienced growing up as a young adult, but also the pain of losing one of the most important people in my life.

All I could say when he passed was, “My inner child is so hurt,” because deep down, I didn’t believe that my dad wouldn’t beat his fight with Stage 4 Glioblastoma Brain Cancer. Cancer wasn’t a thing in our family—or so we thought. I believed that my dad was going to get better. I did not expect to lose my father at the age of 23, on July 9th, 2023. It was a shock to everyone—someone so loving, genuine, selfless, and kind was just gone, physically, in an instant.

One of the last things my dad ever heard before he passed away peacefully in his home was my voice, in his right ear, saying, “Papi (dad in Spanish), it’s Emily. I love you. Please rest—you no longer have to suffer. I’m going to be okay, I promise. Rest.” A few minutes later, he was gone.

My dad always worried about me. He deeply cared about his children and would do anything for us. He was a warrior—what was supposed to be “a couple months” to live, as his surgeon stated back in 2018, turned into almost a 5-year fight with no chemotherapy, no radiation, no hospital help. My dad passed peacefully in his home because he trusted that if it was his time, then he was meant to go. He never forced anything and always practiced natural remedies. This will forever stick with me as I continue developing businesses centered around holistic healing.

On July 10th, 2024, I reached a point where my body was just tired—tired of battling different demons that appeared in my life as alcohol dependency, tired of being sad, tired of grieving, tired of allowing external things to control me. I made a vow to my dad that I would be okay, and it was time I stepped into that power. That day, I told myself I would begin going to the gym and eating healthy. I had no expectations for the physical results that were to come—and yet, they came quickly. Changes that I am still processing to this day.

I was simply traumatized seeing cancer eat away at my dad’s brain and wanted to take care of my health. I also quit drinking alcohol that same day—cold turkey—and have not relapsed once. It’s been 1 year and 4 days, and I don’t even feel tempted by alcohol anymore. What was supposed to be simply going to the gym sometimes turned into a daily habit—and this is where my love for the gym began.

I now go to the gym 6 to 7 times a week, and it has challenged me in the best way possible. I have discovered so many parts of myself by simply allowing myself to heal, to feel, and to ground. I’ve even been so inspired by the gym that I’m currently taking a course through the National Association of Sports Medicine to become a Certified Personal Trainer and Certified Nutrition Coach. I’ve developed such a love for nutrition and have come to understand that food is medicine.
I don’t think any of this would have been possible if I hadn’t felt the pain I did after losing my father.

I don’t think any of this success would have been possible if I hadn’t felt the pain I did after losing my father.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a self-taught entrepreneur with a deep passion for mental health advocacy, holistic healing, and creating multiple income streams through meaningful projects. What sets me apart is my genuine love for what I do and my detachment from money or superficial results. Even with my weight-loss journey, my focus was never about physical appearance—it was always about healing my body from the inside out. I approach every endeavor with intention and heart.

I’ve always been a highly creative person, constantly inspired with new ideas and driven by a desire to grow. I’m currently working on several projects that reflect both my personal evolution and my professional goals. In the future, I plan to invest in property, launch a vending machine business, and open a retreat center in Costa Rica focused on self-development and healing. But for now, I’m planting the seeds for that future through a few current endeavors.

I’m in the process of becoming a Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) and Certified Nutrition Coach (CNC) through NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine). This aligns with my current fitness goals, which include toning my body, gaining strength, and transitioning from heavy cardio to more intentional strength training. My starting weight was 247.4 lbs, and I now weigh 135.2 lbs—with a goal of reaching 130 lbs. But more than the number, I’m focused on strength, balance, and long-term health.

One of my newest projects is a juice business called EarthSip. It’s a temporary venture, but it’s rooted in something lasting: my desire to help others through natural healing. All juices are made by me, using 100% natural ingredients and a lot of love. EarthSip is a reflection of what I believe in—promoting wellness through food and honoring the medicinal power of nature. It’s also a way to share what’s helped me heal while building a small income stream on the side.

Back in 2020, I launched a French-inspired holistic e-commerce brand called Sonderbliss Lounge. The inventory focused on healing items like crystals and candles. Over time, I chose to pause and reimagine the brand so that it aligned more deeply with my purpose. “Sonder” is the realization that everyone has a story, and “bliss” speaks to the beauty of that truth—that despite how complex and lonely life can feel, we are all connected. I’m currently relaunching Sonderbliss Lounge as a mental health platform that will include natural resources such as music, blogs, a live chat space for connection, tea blends, healing herbs, and a small crystal collection. It’s a space to help people feel less alone.

Another project that’s close to my heart is my true crime awareness platform, which began in 2021 when I launched a TikTok account called RealTalkinWem. I’ve always had a love for criminal justice and switched my major to it in college in 2018. After leaving college, I started creating true crime content that highlighted victims who passed due to injustice. The account gained over 300,000 likes across my videos, and I used the platform to bring awareness to the harsh realities victims and families face.

Currently, I’m working on a new segment that focuses on inmates and mental health within the U.S. prison system. I’ve been in direct contact with inmates to offer them a platform to be heard. This project blends naturally with the mission behind Sonderbliss Lounge: healing, awareness, and compassion for those often forgotten or misunderstood. It’s not just about crime—it’s about humanity.

These are just a few of the projects I’m actively working on. Each one reflects my journey, my healing, and my desire to help others step into their own power. I want the world to know that healing is not linear, and entrepreneurship doesn’t always follow a traditional path. But when you lead with love, authenticity, and service, your purpose finds you—and you find your people.

The journey is never going to be easy—and honestly, it’s not supposed to be. Growth doesn’t happen in comfort zones. It happens in the moments when you feel stretched, challenged, unsure, and even afraid. But those are the moments that shape you the most. The greatest versions of ourselves are built through adversity, not ease.

You have to be willing to show up for what you believe in, even when it feels like no one else sees the vision but you. Even when the progress is slow, the road is lonely, or the outcome isn’t guaranteed. You have to stay rooted in your “why” and hold onto the belief that you are capable of achieving what’s in your heart.

That belief isn’t always loud. Sometimes it’s quiet and shaky. But even a whisper of faith is enough to move you forward. Every time you choose to keep going—despite fear, despite failure—you’re proving to yourself that you are not only committed, but destined for more. And that kind of self-trust? That’s where the magic happens.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend was visiting for a week, I’d want to create an experience that was equal parts grounding, fun, and soul-nourishing. I love nature and intentional living, so I’d craft an itinerary that reflects that energy.

We’d start the trip with a grounding hike—somewhere peaceful like Middlesex Fells Reservation or Mount Monadnock. I’d pack light snacks and water, and we’d spend the morning hiking through the trees, taking time to breathe deeply, talk about life, and disconnect from the digital world. At the top, we’d pause to meditate, take in the view, and just be present. If there’s a nearby spot to swim near the mountains or a lake, we’d take a dip—because there’s nothing like water to help you reset.

Throughout the week, I’d take them to some of my favorite local spots—small cafes and health-conscious restaurants where the energy is calm and intentional. Places that use fresh, natural ingredients and have a creative menu, like Life Alive, Pressed Cafe, or a cozy hidden gem that supports local farmers. I’d also take them to a juice bar—or better yet, make my own juices with them at home from my EarthSip recipes.

We’d explore a mix of wellness and fun: maybe take a sound bath or a yoga class in the park, visit a local farmer’s market, and then spend an evening at the beach watching the sunset. For a deeper, more soulful experience, we could do a mini at-home retreat—journaling, doing breathwork, or creating vision boards together.

Toward the end of the week, I’d plan something a bit more spontaneous and free-flowing—maybe a local open mic, a nature-based art class, or just a day to roam through small shops, discover new music, or sit under the stars and talk about life.

To me, the best time isn’t always about going to the most popular places—it’s about creating space to feel, to connect, and to slow down together. That’s the kind of trip my best friend and I would never forget.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would love to give heartfelt recognition to the incredible team at Choice Fitness Elite in Methuen. From the moment I stepped into that gym, I wasn’t just met with a front desk—I was met with community. The staff has consistently shown me genuine kindness, encouragement, and unwavering support throughout my entire fitness journey. Whether it was a simple smile at check-in, words of affirmation on hard days, or celebrating my milestones with me, they’ve helped create a space where I felt welcomed, motivated, and never judged.

What truly stood out to me was how intentional they were about getting to know me—not just as a member, but as a person. They saw my consistency and effort and began encouraging me to branch out of my comfort zone. I was invited to attend various fitness classes and events that not only challenged me physically but also helped me build confidence and connection. I had always stuck to cardio out of familiarity, but with their support, I found the courage to explore strength training—something that’s now become a huge part of my routine and healing.

It’s easy to go to a gym and feel invisible. But at Choice Fitness Elite, I’ve always felt seen, valued, and uplifted. Their positive energy, inclusive environment, and belief in my potential have had a massive impact on my growth—not just physically, but mentally and emotionally as well.

To the front desk team and staff who have cheered me on without even realizing how much it’s meant: thank you. Your presence, energy, and care have made more of a difference in my life than you know. You’ve helped create a place that feels like home—and for that, I’ll always be grateful.

Instagram: abovethegame_

Other: TikTok: @emxcuseme
@realtalkinwem – coming soon

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutMiami 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.