"I always had a dream to make every woman feel fit and fabulous and confident"
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February 07, 2011
FOUNDER OF TONIQUE FITNESS
Sylwia
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The interview
Sylwia is the founder of Tonique Fitness. She lives in New York City, New York, United States.
DS: What are the most memorable years of your life and what happened to make them so memorable?
Sylwia: I consider every day, every month, and year a very memorable time. Every day, I experience new things, meet new people and learn new things. Each year is like a new chapter in my life, bringing more or less memorable moments that fill the blank pages and take me to the next chapter; wiser and feeling appreciative of life.
Sylwia: I consider every day, every month, and year a very memorable time. Every day, I experience new things, meet new people and learn new things. Each year is like a new chapter in my life, bringing more or less memorable moments that fill the blank pages and take me to the next chapter; wiser and feeling appreciative of life.
DS: Where were you born and where do you live now?
Sylwia: I was born in Warsaw, Poland. I spent my early childhood living between Warsaw and Budapest. At 17 years old, I moved to Perth, Australia. Later, I lived in Siena, Italy. After completing my studies, I worked in London for 4 years, and my current residency is NYC. I moved to NYC to continue my work in finance, and a week after I arrived I realized what is my passion. I guess NYC opens your eyes and allows you to live your dream! Future place…I close my eyes and I see myself retired somewhere warm and tropical, close to nature and helping people…Asia perhaps.
Sylwia: I was born in Warsaw, Poland. I spent my early childhood living between Warsaw and Budapest. At 17 years old, I moved to Perth, Australia. Later, I lived in Siena, Italy. After completing my studies, I worked in London for 4 years, and my current residency is NYC. I moved to NYC to continue my work in finance, and a week after I arrived I realized what is my passion. I guess NYC opens your eyes and allows you to live your dream! Future place…I close my eyes and I see myself retired somewhere warm and tropical, close to nature and helping people…Asia perhaps.
I am going to release another two dvds this year, and post more workouts in Polish for Polish women who must start taking care of their bodies!!!!
DS: How would you best describe yourself?
Sylwia: That’s the hard one…DREAMER, I am also very passionate, dedicated, adventurous, spontaneous, imaginative, and I care deeply about others…I love life and people. I am bit “crazy” but in a very positive way!
Sylwia: That’s the hard one…DREAMER, I am also very passionate, dedicated, adventurous, spontaneous, imaginative, and I care deeply about others…I love life and people. I am bit “crazy” but in a very positive way!
CONTACT HER
DS: What are the must-haves in your daily wardrobe?
Sylwia: I love fashion. I consider fashion one of the highest forms of art, and it helps self-expression. If I am not dressed in my workout clothes - my signature short shorts and Asics, the must haves are high heel pumps (I don’t wear platforms), woven leather sac, any vintage Chanel (anything Chanel works) and a pair of black or gray leather pants. For winter, it is essential to mix a lace dress or top with a cashmere sweater on top, and add a large scarf. For the summer, I cannot live without swimsuits. I think I have 50 or more of them. One thing that every woman should own is a white dress, white makes you look younger and lifts your spirit.
Sylwia: I love fashion. I consider fashion one of the highest forms of art, and it helps self-expression. If I am not dressed in my workout clothes - my signature short shorts and Asics, the must haves are high heel pumps (I don’t wear platforms), woven leather sac, any vintage Chanel (anything Chanel works) and a pair of black or gray leather pants. For winter, it is essential to mix a lace dress or top with a cashmere sweater on top, and add a large scarf. For the summer, I cannot live without swimsuits. I think I have 50 or more of them. One thing that every woman should own is a white dress, white makes you look younger and lifts your spirit.
DS: Who do people tell you you look like?
Sylwia: Apparently, I look like Sylva Koscina, and I find it a big compliment. When I studied cinematography in Siena, il professore told me that I looked like the Yugoslavian born actress. Then, a few years later, one of my colleagues at work who was Italian, came over and he told me that I remind him of Sylva Koscina. I think it is a compliment since she is also my mother’s favorite actress and that is why she decided to name me Sylwia.
Sylwia: Apparently, I look like Sylva Koscina, and I find it a big compliment. When I studied cinematography in Siena, il professore told me that I looked like the Yugoslavian born actress. Then, a few years later, one of my colleagues at work who was Italian, came over and he told me that I remind him of Sylva Koscina. I think it is a compliment since she is also my mother’s favorite actress and that is why she decided to name me Sylwia.
DS: What is the compliment you most frequently get?
Sylwia: I love your Legs – that’s what men and women tell me all he time.
Sylwia: I love your Legs – that’s what men and women tell me all he time.
The video
DS: How did you end-up being a founder of Tonique Fitness?
Sylwia: I did gymnastics for many years, but my parents told me I must get an education in order to succeed in life. I quit full-time gymnastics and dance and went to study at a traditional school, and sports and dance were only after school activities. I studied at Notre Dame University, and in Siena. I worked in advertising and in finance, I studied Wine and Spirits, I imported health bars to Poland, and exported leather goods from Italy. I even planned to open a restaurant. All of these but they were just diversions, not my true passion. Throughout, I never stopped moving! I discovered that whenever I move I come up with unique exercises that make me feel and look good. My influences were two pregnancies, when I promised myself I would look better after having children than before having them…then there was a group of women who were inspired by me to join my daily workouts. I always had a dream to make every woman feel fit and fabulous and confident. I created Tonique to CELEBRATE EVERY WOMAN! I discovered my power to inspire others in combination with my open minded personality, creativity and love for helping women feel special. Then came TONIQUE. It happened naturally as I am truly passionate about what I do, and I am hoping I will be doing 500+ squats per day when I am 99.
Sylwia: I did gymnastics for many years, but my parents told me I must get an education in order to succeed in life. I quit full-time gymnastics and dance and went to study at a traditional school, and sports and dance were only after school activities. I studied at Notre Dame University, and in Siena. I worked in advertising and in finance, I studied Wine and Spirits, I imported health bars to Poland, and exported leather goods from Italy. I even planned to open a restaurant. All of these but they were just diversions, not my true passion. Throughout, I never stopped moving! I discovered that whenever I move I come up with unique exercises that make me feel and look good. My influences were two pregnancies, when I promised myself I would look better after having children than before having them…then there was a group of women who were inspired by me to join my daily workouts. I always had a dream to make every woman feel fit and fabulous and confident. I created Tonique to CELEBRATE EVERY WOMAN! I discovered my power to inspire others in combination with my open minded personality, creativity and love for helping women feel special. Then came TONIQUE. It happened naturally as I am truly passionate about what I do, and I am hoping I will be doing 500+ squats per day when I am 99.
DS: Can you tell us more about your job?
Sylwia: I don’t call it a job but a mission. I love what I do, and perhaps that is why I am good at it. I chose fitness because it has always been an essential part of my life. I consider movement as essential as fresh air to breathe, water to hydrate and food to fuel. We must move in order to function properly. My industry is filled with many great people, but also has attracts the wrong people – trainers who care less about their clients’ progress and change. Those who train individuals wearing jeans and boots (not gym clothing) and who are scheduling their next appointment over their blackberry during the session. Otherwise, it is a wonderful field to enter. You have the power to help and inspire people, and often you change their lives, and helping them to become healthier, fitter and more confident. My best experiences happen daily; meeting individuals who need me. My worst experiences are when people give up and leave a class. If you want to be successful in anything you do you must be passionate about it. You must love it, and be prepared to devote yourself to others and listen to them, and you must have a strong will to help them. If you are thinking about fitness because you like gym, chatting and you don’t have many choices, don’t enter it. I quit jobs that some people kill to have and I chose fitness because I live my dream every day. I released my first dvd in 2008, and right away I built a wonderful following, small at the beginning but loyal. Then the demand grew and I created 4 more dvds, and Tonique Woman Channel where I post free workouts and write about nutrition, fitness and fashion/art/restaurants etc. I have been featured on TV and the internet/blogs in the US and in major publications in Poland. My ultimate goal is to host a TV show that will inspire millions of people around the world.
Sylwia: I don’t call it a job but a mission. I love what I do, and perhaps that is why I am good at it. I chose fitness because it has always been an essential part of my life. I consider movement as essential as fresh air to breathe, water to hydrate and food to fuel. We must move in order to function properly. My industry is filled with many great people, but also has attracts the wrong people – trainers who care less about their clients’ progress and change. Those who train individuals wearing jeans and boots (not gym clothing) and who are scheduling their next appointment over their blackberry during the session. Otherwise, it is a wonderful field to enter. You have the power to help and inspire people, and often you change their lives, and helping them to become healthier, fitter and more confident. My best experiences happen daily; meeting individuals who need me. My worst experiences are when people give up and leave a class. If you want to be successful in anything you do you must be passionate about it. You must love it, and be prepared to devote yourself to others and listen to them, and you must have a strong will to help them. If you are thinking about fitness because you like gym, chatting and you don’t have many choices, don’t enter it. I quit jobs that some people kill to have and I chose fitness because I live my dream every day. I released my first dvd in 2008, and right away I built a wonderful following, small at the beginning but loyal. Then the demand grew and I created 4 more dvds, and Tonique Woman Channel where I post free workouts and write about nutrition, fitness and fashion/art/restaurants etc. I have been featured on TV and the internet/blogs in the US and in major publications in Poland. My ultimate goal is to host a TV show that will inspire millions of people around the world.
DS: Let's talk more about you and your tastes. Any hobbies? What do you like to do in your free time? Any thing you like and recommend?
Sylwia: Dancing, I could dance for hours!!!! I love water sports, skiing, long distance running, and tennis. I really love to cook, and I am very particular in my kitchen, the right bread, butter, fish – takes me hours to buy all of it as I never shop in one place for everything. I also love wine, but consume it in moderation as it slows down my performance. I am a huge foodie and have my favourite places to eat in every city I visit, and where I live - NYC offers plenty! I read publications more than books, love to read but it is impossible to find a quiet moment with two kids running around. Fashion – I know Chanel collections by looking at the buttons. And my favorite thing to do in my free time is to spend it on the beach with my children…I love seeing them embracing life!
Sylwia: Dancing, I could dance for hours!!!! I love water sports, skiing, long distance running, and tennis. I really love to cook, and I am very particular in my kitchen, the right bread, butter, fish – takes me hours to buy all of it as I never shop in one place for everything. I also love wine, but consume it in moderation as it slows down my performance. I am a huge foodie and have my favourite places to eat in every city I visit, and where I live - NYC offers plenty! I read publications more than books, love to read but it is impossible to find a quiet moment with two kids running around. Fashion – I know Chanel collections by looking at the buttons. And my favorite thing to do in my free time is to spend it on the beach with my children…I love seeing them embracing life!
DS: What is a typical week for Sylwia?
Sylwia: My days are very scheduled. It is necessary with two kids. I wake up in the morning, have my water and get ready to make lunches for everyone, feed and dress them, and drop them at school. After drop off, I run to teach my class - 90 minutes of pure non-stop workout. Afterwards, I have a shower, and start working - responding to emails, contacting the media, writing and planning my next shoots, editing, etc. All my meetings I do at few of my favorite spots like Union Square Cafe, Spotted Pig, ABC Kitchen, Blue Ribbon Sushi, Gramercy Tavern and many more. I love to talk, and do business next to great food. I go to the post office a lot to send dvd orders! Then typically in the late afternoon I get dinner ready, and then help with homework, read books and put my children to sleep. Then the second part of my day starts, I start work, creating artwork for my dvds and website etc…I created Tonique and it is one man show at this point. Do I ever sleep? Yes, but not enough! I do go out, mostly to off-broadway shows, movies, art galleries, restaurants and dancing.
Sylwia: My days are very scheduled. It is necessary with two kids. I wake up in the morning, have my water and get ready to make lunches for everyone, feed and dress them, and drop them at school. After drop off, I run to teach my class - 90 minutes of pure non-stop workout. Afterwards, I have a shower, and start working - responding to emails, contacting the media, writing and planning my next shoots, editing, etc. All my meetings I do at few of my favorite spots like Union Square Cafe, Spotted Pig, ABC Kitchen, Blue Ribbon Sushi, Gramercy Tavern and many more. I love to talk, and do business next to great food. I go to the post office a lot to send dvd orders! Then typically in the late afternoon I get dinner ready, and then help with homework, read books and put my children to sleep. Then the second part of my day starts, I start work, creating artwork for my dvds and website etc…I created Tonique and it is one man show at this point. Do I ever sleep? Yes, but not enough! I do go out, mostly to off-broadway shows, movies, art galleries, restaurants and dancing.
DS: Some quick questions: What is the first thing you do in the morning?
Sylwia: DRINK A GLASS OF WATER WITH LEMON
Sylwia: DRINK A GLASS OF WATER WITH LEMON
DS: What is your favorite word?
Sylwia: Passion
Sylwia: Passion
DS: What it your favorite quotation? Or make your own for posterity...
Sylwia: Carpe Diem - and I believe in action not just talking about things you want to do.
Sylwia: Carpe Diem - and I believe in action not just talking about things you want to do.
DS: What is your favorite "drug"?
Sylwia: Music.
Sylwia: Music.
The photo shoot
DS: What magic power would you like to have if you could choose one?
Sylwia: I would like to be able to multiply myself, so I would be able to help more people at once and inspire more people, motivate them to believe in themselves and achieve the “impossible” as nothing is impossible in life.
Sylwia: I would like to be able to multiply myself, so I would be able to help more people at once and inspire more people, motivate them to believe in themselves and achieve the “impossible” as nothing is impossible in life.
DS: If not yourself, who would you be?
Sylwia: Coco Chanel.
Sylwia: Coco Chanel.
DS: What is in store for you? Any key projects for the next months? Anything you want to share? Can our readers help you with anything?
Sylwia: I have a few ideas for TV shows, and I am hoping to find a producer. I am going to release another two dvds this year, and post more workouts in Polish for Polish women who must start taking care of their bodies!!!!
Sylwia: I have a few ideas for TV shows, and I am hoping to find a producer. I am going to release another two dvds this year, and post more workouts in Polish for Polish women who must start taking care of their bodies!!!!
DS: Anything you want to add to close this interview?
Sylwia: Respect yourself and others.
Sylwia: Respect yourself and others.
DS: Thank you Sylwia
Sylwia: Dziekuje I do zobaczenia!
Sylwia: Dziekuje I do zobaczenia!
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