Today we’d like to introduce you to Zaria Clarke.
Hi Zaria, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My story started with me. I was born in Sandy Springs, Georgia, and went to Harper Elementary School in Riverdale. Third grade was a turning point, I found myself surrounded by kids who were mean and nasty, something I had never experienced before. Up until then, I’d always been surrounded by love and kind friends.
As a little girl, I struggled with feeling comfortable in my own skin. I battled insecurities early, not feeling pretty enough and struggling with my weight by the age of ten. I didn’t know who I was, so I did whatever I could to fit in. But around thirteen, something shifted. I started finding my own voice and slowly became the kind of person I wanted to be around. I discovered what made me feel confident and began attracting friends who valued authenticity like I did. That’s when I started standing up for myself and realizing that my voice was my power.
I used laughter as an outlet and took pride in taking care of myself, from how I looked to the kind of people I surrounded myself with. For the first time, I felt like somebody. I didn’t know exactly what I wanted to do yet, but I knew my purpose would involve helping others find their voice too.
When I entered high school, I became more intentional about my appearance and started paying attention to my health. I’d had a growth spurt and slimmed down, but confidence was still something I was chasing. I began searching for love in all the wrong places, through friendships and relationships, constantly putting others above myself. I made sure everyone else was happy, even when I wasn’t. Deep down, I was giving out the love I desperately wanted to feel.
By senior year, I hit a breaking point. I experienced betrayal from close friends, and I was exhausted from pouring so much love into others without receiving any back. I just wanted to feel good again, inside and out. That’s when I stepped into the gym for the first time. I started small, walking on the treadmill, but I instantly felt better. I wasn’t just working out to lose weight; I was working out to heal.
At that point, I was almost 200 pounds and knew something had to change. The gym became my safe space, my therapy. That summer before college, I went every day. I was building confidence as much as I was building strength.
In college, I kept working out and noticed how my mood shifted when I moved my body. But even with progress, I still struggled emotionally. I was still searching for love through people, until I got baptized and realized that God had been saving me all along, even in the moments when I didn’t love myself.
After another heartbreak, my mom reminded me, “The gym is your happy place.” It took time, but eventually I got back into it, this time with a new mindset. I stayed consistent, learned how to eat in balance, and lost over 60 pounds. For the first time, I didn’t quit on myself.
By my junior year, I joined the boxing team and became an executive coach. I started training classmates and realized this was my calling. One of my most memorable experiences was training a 12-year-old girl who reminded me so much of myself. Her doctor warned she might need surgery if she didn’t lose weight. We trained 4–5 times a week, I gave her mom a grocery list, and together we changed her life, she lost over 50 pounds. On our last session, she cried and told me I had changed her life. I cried too. That moment confirmed my purpose: helping others build confidence and become who they’re meant to be.
After college, I worked at Planet Fitness as a group trainer, where I refined my craft and learned hands-on from other coaches. Two years later, I got my business license and launched Beauty Builderz Fitness LLC, a brand built not just on workouts, but on helping women reclaim their power, confidence, and identity through fitness.
Today, I take pride in being a woman who built herself from the ground up. My mission is to help other women do the same, to show them that fitness is more than a physical journey; it’s a catalyst for healing, balance, and self-discovery.
From being the insecure, overweight girl who didn’t feel seen to becoming the healthiest, happiest, and most authentic version of myself, I’ve learned that the love I was searching for could only come from God and from within. My journey hasn’t been easy, but it’s been worth every moment because it made me who I am today.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It hasn’t been a smooth road at all. The pain I experienced in my early childhood molded me into who I am today. I struggled a lot with confidence and believing in myself. Growing up, I was surrounded by negativity, kids who were angry and lost in their own pain. I went to school in Clayton County, where drama and fighting were normal, and being someone who was full of love and kindness often made me feel out of place.
The biggest lesson I’ve learned is not to let pain shape my future. I’ve learned not to let the things that broke my heart close my heart, but to learn from them instead. Rather than seeking revenge or letting bitterness take over, I chose to elevate, by taking care of myself and pouring love back into me.
Life is unpredictable and full of surprises. I’ve faced deep loss, like losing my stepfather and my grandmother, but I’ve also been blessed with new life; my first nephew. Those moments, both painful and beautiful, have taught me balance. They remind me to keep inspiring, to keep giving, and to never stop giving myself everything I deserve.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a fitness professional, personal trainer, and wellness coach dedicated to helping women begin their fitness journey from wherever they are in life, even with little to no experience. I take pride in guiding women toward harmony and balance through fitness because I believe movement is therapy for both the mind and body.
What truly sets me apart is my experience and empathy. I know what it feels like to lack confidence in your own skin, which is why I lead with compassion and understanding. I teach women the fundamentals, from mindful breathing to creating realistic routines that fit their busy lives, while reminding them to never be too busy for themselves. My philosophy is simple: when you prioritize your health and nourish your own temple, you’re able to show up stronger for your family, your purpose, and your life.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
We’ve all heard the phrases, “Nothing beats a failure but a try,” and “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” To me, that means you have to bet on yourself above everything else. Taking risks can be scary, especially when you’re stepping into something new, but I believe in alchemy. You can take that fear and transform it into power by turning your pain into something beautiful.
When you have a strong sense of purpose, you begin to believe in yourself on a deeper level. It all starts with you. When you believe you can, you will, and no one can stop you but you.
Pricing:
- Consultation- $0
- Wellness Coaching- $25
- 1-Hour Strength Training Session – $65
- 30-Minute Strength Training Session – $35
- Boxing Session – $45
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.beautybuilderz.com
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@zariashannel?si=qTnvm3cLJspOUZxT
Image Credits
Photographer: Justin Stalling
