As part of my new web series, The Role Model In You, here is my most recent interview. The Role Model In You series discusses how individuals were influenced as a child to lead a healthy lifestyle. It covers who influenced these individuals, the changes they made in their life to be healthy, and the message they would like to convey to the youth of today. Our guests include doctors, soccer stars, Super Bowl champions, NBA players, Olympic gold medalist, entrepreneurs, celebrities, and just regular people looking to share their story. I hope you enjoy it!
1. Your name, title, and age? What do you do (or did you do) for a living?
Sam Russell, Celebrity & TV wardrobe Stylist Age 40
2. Who was the person that inspired you as a child to eat healthy and stay fit? What was their relationship to you?
My Mom was/is my biggest source of inspiration. She always stressed the importance of healthy mind, body and soul. Eating healthy is just simply not enough to be strong. You have to also equally take care of your spirit—follow your dream; don’t be selfish—HELP OTHERS!
3. What did they do to inspire you?
My Mom is a survivor. She became a widow when I was 15, raising 3 boys with only one income and no “inheritance” from my deceased Father. My mother always had a inner light about her, an inner strength. Very book smart! My Father was the opposite. Very abusive and unhappy. Eyes of stone. He died of a heart attack at the age of 33. But looking back—something died inside of him a long time before that.
4. How did their lesson change your life?
My Mom’s journey taught me a lot about survival. I am flooded with positive memories of the love she had for us as small and fragile kids. She developed her voice and spiritual outlook on life. Mom always stayed focused on making sure we had the best in life and taught us the importance of never being a victim to anyone or any situation.
5. Do you convey their message to kids in your life presently?
I have no kids, but I did start a travelling mission last year that is directly in sync with these life lessons I experienced at such an early age. With all of my Hollywood fashion contacts, I now travel the US surprising women in need with $10,000 in work and personal attire. I consider these women to be survivors; like my Mom.
6. What would be your main message to children today to lead healthy lifestyles?
Our kids today will soon be young adults. Its inevitable that they will experience heart-break at some point in their teenage years. The best thing to teach them is self worth. Not worth that is decided for them by someone else at school. That no matter what—this “fleeting moment” is only a fragment of their amazing lives.
7. Do you have a web site you would like to promote….web address only?