HER STORY:

I’m an Enneagram Type 3 through and through! I’m direct, confident and intuitive, but more than anything, I want to help others become strong and reach their goals — whatever those might be. That’s how my personal mantra, “You can do hard things!” came to life. I say it often in my cycle classes, but it applies to all areas of life.

Native of: Morrilton

Children: When I married Laz, I instantly became a proud stepmom of four!

Pets: We have four, and they are all rescues! Gauge, Beretta, Diesel and our newest addition: River!

Education: I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism with an emphasis in print and public relations from Arkansas Tech University. I also completed participated in the Nonprofit Management Graduate Certificate Program at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and earned the Association of Fundraising Professionals Certificate of Proficiency. In the fitness industry, I’m certified as an ACE (American Council on Exercise) Personal Trainer, Group Fitness Instructor and a Behavior Change Coach, as well as a Schwinn® Indoor Cycling Instructor, YogaFit® Level I & II Instructor and a Barre Above® Instructor.

Work: I am the Member Experience Manager at Conway Regional Health & Fitness Center.

Honors: Conway Area Healthcare Forum Health Promotion Specialist of the Year 2023, Conway Area Leadership Institute class of 2024, Women’s Leadership Academy 2025 Cohort, AMP 40 in their Forties.

Community activities: I’ve absolutely loved being a part of the Conway Regional Biketoberfest each year since it began in 2020! I offer indoor cycling rides during the month of October to promote riding both indoors and outdoors. I also have the opportunity for community involvement through my work with National Women’s Health & Fitness Day. We offer great events for kids, including Get Moving Arkansas! and Kids Run Arkansas. 

What role has fitness played in your lives? Fitness became central to my life in high school, when I started running and teaching group fitness classes at 18. Over the years, I’ve completed 19 marathons and 24 half marathons, and my passion for movement has only grown. Fitness has been part of Laz’s life since high school as well. He competed nationally in kayaking for Cuba and later became a kayaking coach. After moving to Conway, he joined Conway Regional Health & Fitness Center shortly after it opened and has been lifting there ever since!

Laz and I have trained together in the past — including half marathons and marathons — but these days Laz and I each have our own workout styles. He always jokes that he needs more rest between exercises than I do! That said, we still go to the gym together four to five times a week and serve as each other’s biggest motivators and cheerleaders.

What is your best wellness advice for women? Your health is your power. Schedule your exams. Lift the weights. Nourish your body. And most importantly, lean on the women around you — we’re stronger together! If you’re in your 20s, start lifting now and think of it as an investment in your future self. From your 30s onward, women lose 3-8% of muscle mass each decade, and muscle is key for maintaining metabolism, strength and overall health. But it’s never too late to start! Wherever you are in your journey, remember this: You can do hard things.

HIS STORY:

I’m a passionate hairstylist and dedicated salon owner who loves helping people look and feel their best. I’m also a seasoned cruiser — always ready to map out the next trip! Having left Cuba to build a new life here, I don’t take opportunities for granted and try to bring gratitude and positivity into everything I do. I’m all about family, connection and finding ways to make life a little more fun for everyone around me.

Native of: Cuba. I came to the United States in 1995 and became a naturalized U.S. Citizen.

Children: Kai, Tori, Allie and Angela. 

Education: I graduated high school and studied kinesiology for three years in Cuba before leaving the country. After coming to the U.S., I attended cosmetology school in Searcy and earned my license in the early 2000s. Later, I graduated from the Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy and went on to serve with the Conway Police Department. During my time there, I received several specialized certifications, including sniper training, and was honored to be selected as a member of the SWAT team.

Work: Owner and Stylist at 501 Coiffure Salon.

Honors: I was a four-time Cuban kayaking national champion.

Community activities: I served on the Civil Service Commission for the city of Conway from August 2020-2022. 

Special interests: Working out, going to the Buffalo River, cruising and being with my wife.

What do you love about the 501? The community and connection!

Wellness advice for men? My best advice for men who want to stay strong through life is simple: lift weights and stay consistent. Strength training isn’t just about muscles — it’s about building a strong body that will carry you through the years. Keep it fun and stay committed!