This month’s professional spotlight features Semret Russom. Semret is the first Eritrean woman to compete in the fitness industry and is the owner of Semret Fitness. Read this month’s spotlight to learn more about her and her work.
Could you briefly explain some of your responsibilities in your current career role.
I decided to take leave from my nursing position after I had my baby. When it was time to go back to work there was a pandemic and we are at risk so I couldn’t go back to work in the hospital. I decided to take the opportunity to start my own business – my lifelong dream. My business is called Semret Inc. and it is focused on health and fitness. I run my website, social media, diet and fitness coaching, personal training, and sell merchandise. I have clients all over the world. I love it.
How did you come to decide that this was the right career path for you?
I just followed my passion. It took a while for me to find my path and for me to be “ready. It seems like all of the stars aligned this year!
Is there a philosophy that drives your career?
If you can think it you can do it! This goes for losing weight, getting fit, earning a living, meeting great people, falling in love, starting a family, etc. I believe in visualizing things and then working hard to make them materialize. After that, it is all about showing up every day with a positive attitude.
Being the first Eritrean woman to compete in the fitness industry, you pursued what many in our community would consider a non-traditional career path. Did family and friends try to encourage you to pursue another career path and how did you navigate through that?
Yes. I was told by many people that I had to take a traditional path. And I did for a while. I have always been independent and I did have my own hair salon when I was in my 20’s. Then, I needed something more steady so I went into nursing. Finally, I was mature and experienced enough to set out on my own path regardless of what friends and family thought. I made a decision to pursue my passion and dream of competing professionally. Once I put my mind to something, good luck stopping me. I have always had people criticize me but that just re-assures me that I’m doing something right!
While pursuing your dreams, you experienced an unexpected tragedy. Can you tell us a little more about that and how you overcame those challenges?
GBS came out of nowhere. It was very scary and I didn’t know if I would ever recover physically. What helped me overcome was my mindset. I always think positive and I never give up. I knew I was going to overcome the disease even when I was in the ICU hospital bed. I never had a doubt.
What do you consider to be your greatest professional accomplishment?
Getting my pro card in 2018.
How and why should members of our community better prioritize our health?
Health should always come first. It seems selfish to say, but it should come before family and work. The reason is that if you take care of your own health, you will be able to take care of your family and your job even better. Health is mental, spiritual, and physical.
What’s one piece of advice you would give someone looking to transition into a career in bodybuilding and professional fitness?
Hire someone to help you get started. You need accountability because after a couple of weeks it is most likely that your motivation will go down. You need to stick with it until you develop good habits. Sometimes this can take months. It’s a lifestyle. And there is no easy, softer way. Developing the good habits is not fun and most people give up before they make health and fitness their lifestyle.
Outside of all of your hard work and efforts toward building your brand, what do you do for fun? Hobbies?
I love to hang out with my family at our house. We love to watch movies and go for walks. I love watching my daughter change and grow each day. Before our daughter, my husband and I loved to travel. We will get back to that as soon we can (even with our daughter)! I also love to stay connected with my culture. I talk to friends and family back home on a regular basis and I really enjoy going to cultural events here in San Diego and around the country.