Meet Deana Fidler

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

Hi Deana, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I was born in Ukraine but grew up in a small town in Pennsylvania with my mom and American family. I would say my upbringing has everything to do with who I am today and, more so, the decision to start my own business. I think moving to the United States from other parts of the world that are so much less privileged really influences your perspective on life. In Ukraine, you could work hard your whole life, save every cent you make, and you still wouldn’t have much to show for it when your time came. But it’s not like that in America, and if you don’t take advantage of the opportunities here then someone else definitely will! Especially during this time of War, I feel even more motivated to work hard towards my aspirations because I feel it’s a way to honor my community and make sure I never take anything for granted.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I currently have 2 businesses— content creation and fitness coaching. Both of them go hand-and-hand I’d say and one sorta just led to the other! My testimony is that I started my Instagram page to create an outlet for myself, and others, from the toxicity of social media in the health and wellness space. I struggled with disordered eating and depression in high school and upon self-helping myself out of my own grave, I wanted to help others do the same. I started posting my workouts and recipes on Instagram, earned my personal training certification and health coaching, and here we are a few years later and I’m the person I wish I had in high school for others. I even decided to pursue a degree in dietetics and nutrition to further my education and capacity to help others. I would say the biggest lesson I’ve learned is to stop comparing yourself to others. A trend might last a week. But your own personal brand and style is timeless. This is true for both content creation and coaching, what one brand or client wants/needs isn’t what another one wants/needs. So don’t be afraid to be you!

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.
This is a tricky question! I’m not the best with planning vacations… but some must-go places are Lincoln Road, Pura Vida, Cocowalk, Chill N, the museums/galleries in Brickell, B Bistro, Brickell City Center, Puttshack, Lagniappe, the Pinecrest Farmer’s market, Wynwood Walls, Mister O1, and South Beach. Miami always has fun networking events and workout classes going on too, so I’m sure my bestie and I would find ourselves at 1 or 2 of those.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to shoutout my family for their never ending love, support, and guidance. I owe every part of myself and every part of my story to them. My dad especially, for always treating me like his own and instilling strong faith-based values into my person.

Instagram: _thatgirldeana_