Tammy Hembrow

by Amanda Szczembara

With a following reaching nearly 9 million, fitness model phenomenon Tammy Hembrow has managed to always stay true to herself through life’s most challenging stages. At just 24 years old, Hembrow has accomplished global recognition, as she somehow maintains a beautiful balance heading her fitness brand and raising her two children. “It’s actually really hard, but I’ve managed to set some boundaries. When I’m at home with my kids I don’t work so they get my full attention. Being so young, I can’t take my eyes off them for one second. I schedule my meetings and office time when they’re at day care and make sure to stick to my boundaries. I have to keep the work and home life separate in order to be fully present when I’m at home,” says Hembrow.

After a very publicized breakup with her fiancé and social media criticism, Hembrow’s strong support system helped keep her grounded and positive. “People were wanting to know what happened before we even knew what was going on. You have a picture of what you think your life is going to be like and then circumstances change and people change too. We were young when we got together and still figuring things out. I think when people are weighing in on your personal life while you’re trying to understand things yourself it can feel like a lot of pressure. I share so much of my life, so I understand that my followers online wanted to know what was going on,” shares Hembrow. Keeping a thick skin and knowing where to draw the line on sharing her personal life has given Hembrow the ability to appreciate the platform she’s been given. “With any brand comes criticism. I know who I am and what I stand for, so I remind myself of that,” she adds.

Channeling her inner strength and taking the time to slow down and focus on her blessings, Hembrow credits her family and children for keeping her drive alive. “I’ve always been very self-aware - I know who I am and what I want to achieve out of life. I don’t do things to impress other people. I’m doing it for me and my family. I try and remember that when I’m facing obstacles and face them head on. You can’t hide from what’s in front of you, so I think of my children and who I’m doing these things for and just do it,” she says. Considering herself an ‘outgoing introvert’, Hembrow sets aside her shy side when it comes time to get down to business. “My YouTube videos often show me with my family, who I’m completely comfortable with, so I might come across as more extroverted. I think it can take a minute for me to warm up and feel completely comfortable, but with work I channel my business side and push myself to be a little more extroverted. It can be scary, but sometimes that’s good for you,” Hembrow adds.

Reminiscing on the days when Hembrow ran through the hills of her childhood farm, picking fruit and eating macadamia nuts, she shares that she and her sisters would play instruments together and sing classics from The Beatles. Her father played nearly every instrument, as she practiced in guitar, piano and saxophone. Holding these memories as her fondest from childhood, Hembrow says, “It really was a kids wonderland and even though at the time we didn’t have a lot, we didn’t really notice because we were always having fun.”

I know who I am and what I stand for, so I remind myself of that.

Always placing family first and finding herself in a positive place personally, Hembrow has no limit to what she can accomplish. With focus, fierce determination and individuality– her fitness brand Saski continues to flourish and grow. There are big things ahead for this humble and eager young fitness superstar, and her future looks brighter than ever.

Follow along with what’s next for Tammy Hembrow@tammyhembrow @saskicollection