Name: Harper Babin
Age: 29
Title: Boxing Coach & Trainer at Scottsdale BODI, Business Development Manager with MiCamp Solutions and an On Camera Host with ESPN.
Married/Single: In a relationship
Kids: Not yet, I hope to someday.
City you live in: Scottsdale
A typical day in my life includes…
I start my day my day either teaching or taking a class at BODI. There’s nothing better than beginning my day by pushing others and in return being pushed by our incredible members; always pushing themselves each and every day towards their own personal improvements and goals. The best kind of coffee out there!
The middle of my day involves working at my other career, as a Business Development Manager in the software solution and credit card processing industry. A fun industry that is based on the foundation of relationships, while challenging my creative skills to envision the future of merchant’s biz and what solution could support taking their company to the next level.
I end my day much like I began it, either teaching or taking a class at BODI, followed by recovery at our next-door neighbors Balunsd. Lastly, I love food! So, a good home cooked dinner or going to a yummy restaurant finishes out my day. Maybe a TV show on my DVR to unwind and before I know it I’m yawning away, prepping myself for my next day of events, classes, etc. I love to sleep so a good night’s rest is always super key!
I was born…
you can take the girl out of Jersey, but you can’t take the Jersey out of the girl 😉
My favorite thing about Arizona…
a combination of the weather and the lifestyle that comes with it. Coming from the east coast I have such a strong appreciation for all the sunshine we are spoiled with here. I also love how balanced people’s lives are here – I call it resort living. Locals have impressive careers, but know how to make time for fun, fitness and family/friends. Very different from the hustle and bustle of east coast living.
I’m listening to…
Body by Loud Luxury feat. Brando is on repeat these days, but you can catch me cruising to a country playlist any day.
My family…
is a passionate bunch! I’m lucky enough to have my mom, my dad and my younger brother all living in Scottsdale. The rest of my rather large, extended family lives back east. Hard not to have all my aunts, uncles and cousins around for everyday activities, but we definitely make up for it with yearly family reunions.
If I could have dinner with anyone, it would be…
Derek Jeter. I have idolized him as a Yankee and athlete for as long as I can remember. He is a legend in the world of sports, yet has miraculously kept such a clean and low profile. I met him twice when I was 12, I have a photo and autograph to prove it haha! But I would love to pick his brain on his career, the high and low moments and hear all the stories of his favorite games, teammates, coaches, etc. – a behind the scenes look into the life of the best Yankee of all time. Now that would be pretty awesome!
One thing I cannot live without…
faith. I strongly believe there is a plan for everyone and in order to get through the hard times and embrace the good moments, you have to have faith.
When I was younger, I wanted to be…
a TV host. From hosting my daily announcements in middle school reading out the lunch options of the day to graduating from the ASU Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication as a sports anchor and MLB reporter – I was on a path to be the next Katie Couric, Kelly Ripa or Erin Andrews – to name a few of the women I looked up to in the industry of television. I am blessed to say I have a lived out my professional dream of working in television for over ten years. When I finally made it as a full time TV Host and Producer for the national program TMZ Sports, I found myself losing my passion for covering the news 24/7. At that same time, I had been introduced to working in the fitness industry and saw new goals unfolding before me. I took the leap of faith and followed my gut to not leave my dream behind, but see what else is possible. I chose to leave TV as my full-time gig and instead freelance for special events. I am extremely lucky I have a few consistent gigs with ESPN covering events throughout the year, where I am able to fill that passion cup still to this day and then return home to my current career goals. I always believe if it’s not serving you anymore, you’re never stuck in something. Growth is all about change.
I’m inspired by…
my BODI babes – led by our fearless leader Nikki Metzger, owner of BODI, along with BODI trainers: Madison, Sarah and Kaileigh. These women have accomplished so much in life already and are hungry for so much more. I love being surrounded by their passion for life on the daily and encouraging others to find a way to better their own lives. We’ve all been thrown curveballs and to see a group of ladies who takes on these obstacles with such ownership and grace personally, while also offering authentic support to one another is truly special.
The one person who motivates me is…
my mom. Always reminding me of what I am capable of and to never settle for anything less.
If I could change anything in the world, it would be…
judgement. We are so quick to judge one another, I am guilty of this one too. But the truth is none of us have walked in any one else’s shoes, but our own, so who are we to place judgement on others.
The perfect day would be…
when time doesn’t matter. Ditching my watch, phone, emails and just being present with those around me. I think this would be a perfect day for me because it’s not the norm. I love my day-to-day life, but the appreciation that comes with a day of no schedule reignites the gratitude I do have for my crazy, packed full life.
My first job was…
a babysitter and pet sitter. I started young at 10 years old and I’ve been working ever since! My mom helped me make flyers and would walk with me around the neighborhood introducing myself to other families promoting my business. I was always a little mature for my age 😉
My favorite escape…
spa days! A good self-care day consisting of a massage, fitness class, pool time and maybe a cocktail or two is the best reset button for me.
My life…
is busy! One of my biggest pet peeves is wasting time. I love to fit it all in: me time, work time, social time, gym time, travel, etc. A common question I get is, ‘how do I do it all?’ My response has always been, “I just do it, my brain is just wired that way and I don’t think that will ever change.”
I’m currently working on…
I have two big professional goals right now:
- Fitness – continuing my fitness education, in order to be the best trainer I can be, while growing the boxing program at BODI.
- Breaking into the sports world with our latest software solution.
Always…
be you!
Never…
sacrifice your beliefs for someone else. It’s one thing to be open to other opinions, it’s another thing to sacrifice what you believe in. Life is too precious to live it in a way that doesn’t serve you.
Favorite Quote…
everything happens for a reason.
Biggest Dream…
to live a long, healthy, comfortable and happy life surrounded by close family and friends.
My Pet Peeve(s)…
smoking cigarettes, chewing gum, dirty/long fingernails and wasting time.
