What better way to celebrate International Women’s Day than by releasing our Creative Minds story with the beautiful and empowering Tasha Franken. An International model who has shot for many renowned magazines, Tasha recently launched her online Pilates subscription site/app called T— F STUDIO in order to provide women with a unique, dynamic, and feel-good Pilate’s workout that is created for EVERY woman and EVERY body type. A true innovator and guiding light, she shared with us more about her wish to help others, her involvement with health, her purpose, and more! Go, Tasha! <3
Share with us your journey from modeling to now actively helping individuals feels their very best.
I started modeling 12 years ago and developed T – F Studio just over a year ago when I was looking to find an at-home workout that I enjoyed during the pandemic. As a model there’s a huge focus on being “in shape”, so I tried every method, fitness class and trainer around the world and really struggled to find something that actually made me feel good. I really wanted to create a style of movement that strengthens both mind and body to create mental and physical results – without any sort of negative pressure or stress. T – F Studio is a safe and comfortable space to move and feel your best.
Due to the high standard expected in the industry, what were some hardships you faced and how did you overcome them?
As a model you’re judged on your appearance the moment you enter a room, so it can be really hard not to let it get to you if you’re not booked for the job. The most important thing I always reminded myself was to never take it personally and to not overthink it! Everyone is different and as one door closes another one opens. Another hard part was always traveling alone! Often I would get very short notice to travel somewhere new to stay for weeks and be expected to figure myself out and make my way around. I was really lucky to always have my family at the end of the phone and now I look back and can acknowledge how hard that was at the time but also how strong and self-sufficient all those moments made me.
Can you tell the story of the moment you decided to work on your eating disorder and make a change in your life?
Yes I remember the exact moment. I went home for Christmas holidays when my parents confronted me about having an eating disorder. I didn’t really realize that I had a problem but hearing something so serious and scary come from your parents really hits in a different way. In this moment I realized I needed to take control and help myself. I spent the next couple of months at home focusing on recovery. I saw a therapist and started working with a trainer to gain weight and build muscle.
What does “being healthy” mean to you?
This has changed so much for me throughout the years. Being healthy used to be about what I ate and how much I worked out. However, I’ve learned that being healthy is about feeling strong mentally and physically and making positive decisions that contribute to me feeling my best.
Any advice for young women reading this who struggle with their own image? What does beauty mean to you?
The best lesson I learned was that once you heal on the inside the outside follows. I had to really work on my internal dialogue and wellbeing to feel good about myself on the outside. Treat yourself with the same kindness you would treat your best friend. It helps to acknowledge and remove yourself from anything that might be affecting you in a negative way. Whether that’s an unhealthy relationship, friendship or following certain people on social media.
With your experience, what are some lessons you learned that truly helped you get to where you are today?
One of the biggest lessons learned is to trust your instincts and go with your gut – don’t let fear and doubt hold you back. Always be professional, polite, on time and stand on your own two feet with confidence.
You also launched your online Pilates subscription site/ app T — F STUDIO! Tell us more about that.
T – F Studio is an online Fitness platform that I created during the pandemic after struggling to find an online workout for myself to do at home. The workouts are designed to work for everyone, anywhere and anytime using minimal space, time and equipment at an affordable price. I really wanted to create a style of movement that feels good and strengthens both mind and body to create mental and physical results – and without any sort of negative pressure or stress. There’s new live and on-demand mat Pilates videos every week with workouts ranging from 5 mins to an hour using at-home equipment like ankle weights and a booty band as well as options for beginners and advanced. T – F Studio is a safe and comfortable space to move and feel your best.
What do you believe your purpose is?
My purpose is to be the best version of myself. I hope that by sharing my story I can be a source of inspiration and guidance to anyone else that may be currently experiencing similar hardships. I always wish for those around me to feel their best.
Tell us more about who you are when you aren’t a fitness and health guru!
I am incredibly goofy, passionate, and love music! When I’m not filming workouts I like to dance, travel, spend time with friends, explore new restaurants and of course hang out with my dog!
What is a dream of yours? Describe.
A dream of mine is to eventually live on a sunny beach with my own Pilates retreat. I was raised by the sea and this is where I feel most relaxed and happy. To me this is the perfect combination of work and pleasure once I’ve had enough of the city life.
Any hopes for 2022?
To travel more, spend more time with family and to keep growing T – F Studio. I really want to be putting out more content for my audience and continuing to work towards helping others become the best version of themselves. I hope that I can continue to make a positive impact on those around me.
@BELLOmag
Creative Mind Tasha Franken @tashafranken
Interview by Alexandra Bonnet @alexbonnetwrites
