SWEAT CHECK!: AN INTERVIEW WITH ZAMARA AMANKWAH, THE GIRL BEHIND THE FAMOUS #SWEATCHEKK

by Chloé Francena Adams

Every time your friend tags you on their IG story while they’re at the gym, you can thank Zamara Amankwah for the hashtag (#Sweatchekk). Yes, spelled with two Ks. Zamara is the Founder and CEO of Femme in Bloom, a digital resource for women that serves as a guide for health and wellness tips for those transitioning from adolescence to adulthood. I had a chance to speak with the New Jersey native over a Zoom call to discuss where she is today, what her plans are in the future, and how she came up with the idea of the fitness phenomenon that changed the scope of workout accountability across the world.

Chloe: Tell us a little about yourself!

Zamara: Well, I’m a first-generation child. My parents are from Jamaica and Ghana and raised my brother and me to be very self-sufficient. But growing up, I kinda of stepped out of the norm (of dietician, accountant, marketer, etc.) and I decided I wanted to focus on sports. My entire life my parents put us out there to be able to try different things and see what we liked. I realized I had an interest in sports medicine and it was something I really wanted to do. So, I went to Temple [University] and got my undergraduate degree in exercise/sports science.

I worked in corporate fitness for two-and-a-half years and found a lot of success. But I felt like I had done everything I wanted to do and reached my limit. I was praying about it and after talking to God and enjoying my talks with my sister-friends, I realized I wanted to make that safe space for people and that’s kind of how Femme in Bloom came to be.

C: So, what exactly is Femme in Bloom?

Z: The whole premise behind Femme in Bloom is to create a space where women can come to in which they can celebrate their progression from the time between adolescence into adulthood. But I want to focus it through a lens of health and wellness. Just because I feel like as women, oftentimes, we are put into situations where we are so focused on helping others that we don’t always turn the lens inward and help ourselves. We need to make sure that we are taking care of ourselves during this process as well.

It can be difficult because oftentimes we are not taught how to take care of ourselves. So, I wanted to take my knowledge of health and wellness and focus it from there. So, health would focus on physical health, mental health, nutrition, things like that. Then wellness would focus on things like our sexual maturation – because that’s one of the things we don’t really get the proper guidance for. And also an emphasis on our social development too. So, I kinda wanted a space where we could just, essentially mind dump. And let everyone know that it’s okay and that your experiences and feelings are validated as well as uplift those around us who need it.

C: Wow. I love that. When did you start?

Z: 2017. Oddly enough, I started it the exact same month I started grad school. Going back, I would’ve definitely done that differently. *laughs* And high key, I think God was laughing at me.

C: So what kind of services does Femme in Bloom Provide?

Z: So, I do personal training. It’s very easy to fall into Instagram hype and 1,2,3, programs. Quick body and easy body changes and so on. So I offer consultations on how to do it a natural way. I also give tips on how to make better eating choices (I’m not a nutritionist) [but] I offer free programs just to get you started.

C: What made you take a step and change your health journey?

Z: It’s easy to want to take the step when you have people who say ‘Oh, you’re fine don’t worry about it.’ When in reality, I was thinking to myself, ‘I don’t feel like me.’ I know what I feel like when I’m at my healthiest and this wasn’t me. And it’s not just about

C: What was it like deciding to be a business owner? And do you have any suggestions for individuals willing to take that risk?

Z: Make sure you actually have a following and build a foundation for your brand. I wish I had known that when I first started. I had everything. Website, business cards, photos, big launch plan, everything. And then I launched. And after a month it went dead.

If there’s one thing I learned, you have to make sure you have products that people can use. Show people what it is. Have proof that people used it and it works. And just focus on building that brand. Don’t have business cards when you don’t have programs [created]. Work on the back end at all times and keep consistency!

Also, it’s okay to have periods where you aren’t creatively motivated. I feel like there’s so much me and my best friend Danielle. And I started helping her get on her fitness journey and I was also trying to work out in between a crazy work schedule. We both were like ‘Let’s hold each other accountable. Every time we work out, I’ll post a picture and say sweat check.’ And it started to catch on. Our friends wanted to join in and asked to be tagged, too. Then some other friends joined in, and their friends joined in, and then they began to tag other people, and it exploded out of nowhere. And the next thing I know, I started seeing people in Florida and London having their friends do it. And I was like “Wow!” It was so random. One day my brother took me to the side and told me his frat brothers were doing it all over the country and it was so crazy. And a complete accident.

C: To think that you have influenced so many people around the world. You must have a lot of power, girl!

Z: I’m happy just to see how it’s actually helping and affecting people. It’s keeping people consistent. It’s bringing people together. It’s exposing other people who are in the fitness industry that need their shine

pressure on creatives. And it’s okay to step back and take the time and refocus yourself so that you can come in and be the best self for your brand.

C: Tell a little about #sweatchekk and how it got started? A lot of people don’t know, but you’re the one that started this entire phenomenon!

Z: Girl. It was an accident. #Sweatchekk started with and need their light. I’m loving it.

C: Some like to work out in secret, for multiple reasons. Do you have any tips for people who are participating in accountability checks?

Z: I understand people’s reservation. Everyone wants to look their best, especially on Instagram. And to put a picture up when you’re sweaty, disheveled, or not even pleased where you are... with your body or health, it can be very nerve-wracking. It’s a very vulnerable place to be. But at the same time, it’s a very humbling place to be.

It doesn’t matter what fitness level you’re at or what your body looks like or what workout you did, we all sweat. At the end of the day, that’s the whole point. It’s to show people that we are all human. There are those of us who are really trying to be our best self. Sometimes we gotta look crazy to get to that point of feeling the most confident that we feel. Which, by the way, you can #Sweatchekk and not show your face! But the whole point is just making sure you stay accountable.

C: Let’s talk about COVID-19 taking a toll on a lot of individuals, mentally and physically. And for those who just need the extra push to get out of bed, what do you say to them?

Z: I get it. It’s hard to think of yourself in a time where everyone else around us is hurt and dealing with something. This is a time where a lot of people’s mental health is affected in a strong way. It’s about showing up for yourself and understanding that showing up looks different this time than it did back in the day. I consider exercise a form of preventative medicine. And it’s important that we take our daily dose in the best way we can. I understand the feeling of not wanting to get up. But it’s important to fight it and keep going and keep moving.

C: For those who want to start their health journey but just can’t seem to take the first step, what do you say to them?

Z: Figure out your why. Once you figure that part out, it’s what’s going to keep you going. Why do you want to do this? How will it help in the long run? Where do you want to be? And then, take baby steps. Don’t force yourself. You want to make this a lifestyle you enjoy and not a punishment.

A little accountability and a lot of love can get you to the place you want to be. And when you make it, you’ll feel yourself in full bloom like Zamara.

Get in contact with Zamara: IG: @thefemme_zee W: www.femmeinbloom.com

#SweatChekk!

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