Today we’d like to introduce you to Isabel Fehn.
Hi Isabel, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
In Fall of 2015, I found out I was pregnant… at only 20 years old. I had dropped out of college in 2014 and was living an unhealthy lifestyle, and truthfully, I do not think I would have changed my unhealthy habits and prioritized my health if it had not been for the life-altering news that I was pregnant. I immediately decided to go back to college doing online classes until August 2016 (Yes, I took a test in the hospital after giving birth). In April 2016, I gave birth to my beautiful and healthy baby girl, who is my absolute world. Immediately after having my daughter, I made the decision to start my weight loss journey. I started running on the treadmill a week after her birth. In August of 2016, I went back to college as a full-time student at Cleveland State (several times with my 3-month-old in tow).
I had started lifting heavy in 2017 with the encouragement and guidance of a strength trainer who used to work at the gym my parents belonged to because I found it very therapeutic both physically and mentally. In the Spring of 2018, I met Ken Bray at the Cleveland State University recreation center. We both lifted weights on the third floor where at least at the time had the most squat racks and deadlift platforms. I was in awe of his strength and was very inspired by him. Eventually, in March of 2018, I asked him if he would be willing to be my powerlifting coach. He was 100% willing to do so without any hesitation. He told me of all the people he had spoken to about powerlifting; I was the first to actually follow through and take the leap. About a month later, I competed in my first powerlifting meet ever and took first place.
Unfortunately, later that year, I got injured doing a CrossFit lift (overhead snatch), and after I recovered, my parents said that they did not approve of heavy lifting. At the time, I was still in college (which my parents were paying for), and there was an implied ultimatum. Fall of 2018, I took a neuroscience course that incited in me curiosity of the physiological side of studying the brain. Although I previously was dead-set on going to get my Ph.D. in clinical psychology, I decided to learn more about medicine to see if I wanted to pursue medical school instead. In December of 2018, I graduated with my B.A. in psychology. Immediately after graduating, I decided to go to EMT school to get an idea of what working in the medical field would be like. I graduated Spring of 2019 and began immediately working in EMS. I worked for a private ambulance company that only did interfacilty transports and I did not enjoy it. I really wanted to work somewhere that ran 911. I quickly discovered that, for the most part, the only way to do that was to work for a fire department, So I decided to go to fire academy in August of 2019. I graduated in January of 2020 and got a job at a fire department right away. Although I previously would never have wanted to go into the fire service, during fire academy, I got hooked on the adrenal rush. I have been in the fire service since then.
Fast forward to Spring 2022, I began lifting heavy again. I missed how I felt doing it, and being 27 years old; I refused to let my mom’s disapproval stop me. March of this year, I reached out to my long-time friend at this point, Ken Bray, and asked him if he would be willing to coach me again. I signed up for a meet just a month later (yes, it seems the last-minute thing is a pattern for me), and in April, I took first place at my second meet. June, at my third meet, I took first place once again. As far as I can remember, I think since April 2018, my coach Ken Bray has called me ‘champ,’ and I have called him ‘coach.’ I think it would feel so odd to call each other our first names at this point. He has been an incredible coach, friend, and one-man cheer squad. I look forward to competing next month (September 17th in Orville, Ohio) and ultimately qualify to compete in the USPA North American Championship which is in St. Louis in November.
Aside from working in the fire service, I started a blog July 7th (https://isabelfehn.com) That will soon become a full-blown business. I have always had a passion for fashion and beauty, as well as being good at writing, photography, and social media. It has been one of the best decisions I have ever made, and I am so happy I took a chance on myself. Due to being busy between working as a firefighter, lifting training and meet prep, and being a single mom, I have decided to have a new blog post once a week, on Wednesdays.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
The biggest obstacle for me has been time. However, we all have the same 24 hours daily. Any historic figures, celebrities, and extraordinary individuals have had the same 24 hours. I believe we all are able to find time for other things, but most people choose instead to make excuses.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about Isabel Fehn: Style + Beauty?
I am a lifestyle blogger and I like to write on all things style, beauty, wellness, and life in Cleveland. Although I would like to turn my blog into a full-time business, for the time being, I work as a firefighter full-time as well as being a single mom raising my beautiful 6-year-old daughter! I pride myself in taking the time to thoroughly research, write, and edit each and one of my posts. I offer several services for individuals, including closet organization and style consults.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts, or blogs that help you do your best?
Books: Chasing Excellence by Ben Bergeron
Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
The Champion’s Mind by Jim Afremow
Podcasts:
The Maximized Minimalist
Wannabe Minimalist
Redefine Fitness with Kelsey Wellness
Contact Info:
- Website: https://isabelfehn.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/isabel.fehn/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/byisabelfehn/
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/byisabelfehn
