Heather White

Interview by Heather White

 

I had the pleasure of interviewing my super cool gal pal, the one and only Heather White. She's a marketing genius and the founder of a unique fitness and hip hop hybrid model "Trillfit". Her first event featured Ms. Boomkack, Laurieann Gibson, and I had the pleasure of teaching a soulful yoga sesh at the last event. Heather is sweet as pie and savvy as hell when it comes to mixing all things cool. Please enjoy this maven's words of wisdom!

 

AD: Please explain who you are and what you do
HW: I’m Heather White, I oversee men’s lifestyle marketing for PUMA and I recently launched a hip-hop fitness event series called trillfit, here in Boston.  

AD: Where are you from originally?
I was born in the Bronx, and my parents are Caribbean immigrants from Jamaica and Belize.

AD: Where did your motivation to pursue your passion originate? What was the biggest obstacle you had to overcome to get where you are today?
HW: My parents and family have always been my greatest motivation. Growing up, my father would tell my brother and I stories about going to school at Kingston College (the best all-boys highschool in Jamaica) and even though we never saw the place, he made sure we knew and believed its motto back and forth. Fortis Cadere Cedere non Potest, “The Brave May Fall, but Never Yield.”

I think the biggest obstacle I’ve had to overcome is understanding that not everyone likes me and wants me to succeed, and to be okay with that, and to not let that slow me down or doubt myself. There are so many people in this world that get pleasure in seeing you fail, the trick is to fuel that energy and prove them wrong. One of my best friends Brittany constantly quotes that Katt Williams “Haters” skit to me….I’m so lucky to have a small circle of champions without whom I wouldn’t be here.

AD: What is a typical day like for you? 
HW: I wake up at about 7:15, check my emails and Instagram, then get ready for the day. I drive to work and drop off my boyfriend at his job downtown every morning. I love it. Then my day is typically filled with back-to-back meetings on upcoming product launches and strategy sessions. Then I drive back home, workout, and make dinner.
AD: What was your largest life lesson?
HW: I have two: the first is, education (formal or informal) is so important. The moment you think you’ve learned it all is the moment that you’re done. I believe you have to constantly push yourself in order to succeed. The moment I feel like I’m not learning, I feel like I’m moving backwards. The second is: you meet people for a reason! Put time and effort into staying connected to the people who inspire you.

AD: What’s your typical fitness routine?
HW: I’m 100% a class person so ClassPass is my best friend. I’ll work out a couple of times during the week – at night when I get home, then I’ll go Friday, Saturday andSunday. I’m drawn to fun Cardio classes. Dani’s Core Fusion Cardio class at Exhale Back Bay is a favorite of mine, I love FlyWheel too, and then for toning it doesn’t get any better than Meagan Fitzgerald’s Pilates classes at Equinox and Asana Charlestown. Her soundtrack is always on point and she has amazing energy – which is why she was the first person I approached to lead a trillfit session.

AD: What are your daily beauty rituals?
HW: I don’t get too crazy during the week! I wash my face with the Fresh soy face cleanser from Sephora, I’ll put on some eyeliner, attempt to tame my eyebrows, and I’m off. I never leave without perfume though, I’ve been wearing Chanel Mademoiselle forever – I just love the scent so much.

AD: What's a go to place in your area? 
HW: I live in Coolidge Corner but my favorite Brookline spots are closer to Washington Square… I love Ribelle and The Fireplace, from a Taco perspective, Lonestar is out of this world but there’s nothing like breakfast at Zaftigs.

AD: What’s the top song on your playlist right now?
HW: My friend Mick re-mixed Leon Bridges’ album Coming Home – honestly and objectively, it’s one of my favorite things he’s ever done. I’ve listened to his Smooth Sailin remix probably a thousand times since he released it. It’s so good. You can DL it here: http://cominghometotexas.com/  Also What a Time to Be Alive, the whole mixtape is amazing.

AD: Who inspires you more than anyone else in this world? 
HW: My family!

AD: How do versatile pieces make your life easier? 
HW: I’m always running from a day of meetings to an event, or to the gym, or somewhere…I hardly get a break so versatile pieces are essential so I’m not running around with a weekender of different outfits. They also encourage spontaneity! which I think everyone needs a large dose of.

 AD: Are there any words of wisdom you’d like to leave with us? 
HW: Be yourself! Be kind! Help others when you can. Tell the people that you love “I love you” every day. And of course, remember the KC Old Boys’ motto: Fortis Cadere Cedere non Potest, “The Brave May Fall, but Never Yield.”