Meet Isamar Gonzalez - Dreamer, Artist, Instructor, Mama, Model, Leader. We met several years ago now on set for a crazy job. We were part of a cast of models and actors who were bounding around a mansion in New York creating a party story for the brand. It was quite a lively crew with lots of synergy. I remember Isamar standing out as the warm-hearted, hula hooping goddess captivating us all during our down time. Since then I still have a fantasy of becoming a hula hoop queen. That dream is still in progress.
In this interview, Isamar shares a glimpse into her life passions and her philosophy on health. I am particularly excited to feature her at this very moment in time because of the ways she is using her gifts to lift the world. I highly recommend following her on IG and watching her stories, as she is sharing her experiences exploring and creating dream catchers in the rain forests.
Make sure you watch this video of her doing thing! And enjoy her interview.
1. What is your philosophy around life and health?
Do what you love! I believe the fulfillment of your dreams has a direct effect on your health. My art and movement rituals have allowed me to find my true authentic self and smove through my fears, pain, insecurities, which brought joy and new found passions. For me, art and movement is medicine. In the process we should be able to heal ourselves and find enlightenment.
2. Tell us the story of how you got into hula hooping. What sparked the formation of hula nation?
It wasn’t until I gave birth, to my now 14 year old daughter, that the hoop entered my life to help me stay tone and fit. All while becoming my healing companion through my postpartum depression. Little did I know it was going to become a portal for me to return to myself and see my visions clearer.
I later became a certified HoopYogini™ Instructor (@hoopyogini_worldwide) integrating hula hooping, hatha yoga and meditation. I spent over 6 years facilitating events, teaching classes at various studios under the name Hula Nation. I spent time collaborating with different artists, creating pop-ups and events to raise money and awareness through art in the community. Everything I love under one platform, living and creating a lifestyle to share with others. ⠀
From then the circle became another way to express my passion. Weaving interactive dreamcatcher installations for schools to empower and uplift scholars. Later adding detachable jewelry and smudge feathers. Adorning them with found objects and gemstones from my travels. My goal became more focused: continue doing what I love, while aspiring to make a positive impact through my business.
3. What is your current formula for staying fit and strong?
My formula has always been to take care of my mental health through activities that make me feel childlike. Hula hooping and roller skating are my go to. Hula hooping assists in toning the core and massaging the internal organs through the rotation of the hoop around the body. It lowers anxiety, improves mood, reduces stress and releases feel good hormones. It helps you focus on what you want to be, do and create. Roller Skating provides a complete aerobic workout and involves all of the body's muscles, especially the heart.
4. What has been your biggest revelation during the current global situation?
The Wear Your Dreams campaign was born from my experience in Uganda and my mission to provide more communities, with the audacity of their dreams through art & movement workshops! Hula Nation’s mission was to help facilitate a creative, physical and therapeutic experience for rural communities in East Africa through hula hooping, and dreamcatcher creation. In my wanting to help create a sustainability project where they can eventually gain financially to support their families, I didn’t think about the extreme conditions they were living in.
My first thought was, how can I teach workshops when what these people really need first is proper shelter and clean running water. Witnessing the harsh conditions and the true reality of how they live put everything in perspective. It made me realize there’s a process to create shifting change. With this Batwa community, we first have to put a strong and healthy system in play.
Then take the time to allow the people to develop the fullness of their potential in a clean and healthy environment. I reminded myself to stay present and open to the experience. That I may be here for more reasons than one and that not all things go as planned, but exactly as they should.
5. How has your motherhood journey shaped you? Has it changed your approach to diet, fitness or well being?
Motherhood continues to sculpt me and has been the reason I’ve transformed in many ways. After her arrival I realized things had to change completely.
6. What are your wellness essentials?
Making love, staying away from negative people and thoughts. And of course, sleep and lots of water.
7. Who/what is inspiring you right now?
I left Uganda invigorated, inspired, driven and ready to do more for a community that could benefit from art, movement, and love from their sisters and brothers in the Diaspora. Uganda is a beautiful country, but for the youth in remote villages, there is little opportunity to dream, create or see outside of the mundane happenings of their everyday lives.
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Website: www.ilovehulanation.co-
