Ivy Clariss: A Humble Start That Sparked a Passion for Dance and Fitness
Born into a humble family, Ivy Clariss has always been driven by the desire to better herself and uplift those around her. Growing up, Ivy knew the importance of hard work and dedication, not just in academics but in all aspects of life. She utilized movement—dancing and modeling—to help fund her education. These early experiences of balancing studies with passion shaped her resilience, determination, and the unwavering commitment she brings to her career in fitness today. Her humble beginnings served as a powerful foundation, instilling within her a deep sense of purpose that fuels her journey.
Shaping a Career Through Passion and Resilience
Ivy’s journey into the fitness world wasn’t a straight path. Despite being successful in a corporate job after college, her heart was always with dance. Inspired by her love for movement and fitness, she transitioned to teaching dance fitness in gyms, where she began to make a real difference in people’s lives. But the journey wasn’t without its challenges. From facing discrimination to being separated from her loved ones while pursuing opportunities abroad, Ivy’s path was filled with obstacles. Yet, she turned these challenges into valuable lessons, teaching her resilience and how to overcome adversity with grace.
A Rising Star in the Fitness World
Ivy’s commitment to health and wellness, combined with her passion for dancing, led her to pursue certifications as a fitness and personal trainer. As her skills grew, so did her ability to inspire others. Whether it’s through her dynamic workout routines, her empowering messages on social media, or her inspiring talks, Ivy has touched the lives of many. The most rewarding part of her career is helping people achieve their fitness goals and witnessing their transformations. “Witnessing the physical and emotional changes in people is what fuels my passion,” says Ivy.
Her most significant achievement to date has been becoming an ambassador for a global brand. This milestone has allowed Ivy to further her impact, aligning her personal values with those of the brand. This partnership is a testament to her hard work and dedication, as well as a reflection of her journey from modest beginnings to international recognition. As an ambassador, Ivy continues to inspire others and promote wellness on a global scale.
A Lifelong Passion for Movement and Advocacy
Ivy’s work extends far beyond fitness. She is a passionate advocate for promoting wellness, empowering women, and creating a community of support. She continually seeks ways to inspire others, especially women, to take control of their health and well-being. “I want to help people feel strong, confident, and capable in every aspect of their lives,” Ivy shares.
One of her major goals is to enhance her expertise and continue to grow as both an athlete and a personal trainer. She collaborates with well-known brands such as Diyar Al Khayyal, ASICS, Stark Fitness ME, and KingSmith ME, always looking for new ways to make a positive impact in the world of fitness.
The Guiding Lights in Ivy’s Journey
While Ivy’s success is a result of her own hard work, she attributes much of her motivation to the people who have supported and believed in her. China Gallaga, her late mentor and college dean, played a pivotal role in shaping Ivy’s values. Gallaga’s belief in Ivy’s leadership and her advice to always do good continue to guide Ivy’s career.
Ivy also credits her husband, who has stood by her side since their university days, for being her unwavering support system. Together, they share a son, who Ivy describes as another source of strength and inspiration. Her parents, too, have always been there to encourage her, providing emotional and financial support when she needed it most.
Overcoming Adversity with Faith and Resilience
Throughout her career, Ivy has faced numerous challenges, particularly being away from her loved ones while pursuing career opportunities abroad. These experiences taught her the value of resilience and self-worth. “The most important lesson I’ve learned is that adversity isn’t something to be feared, but embraced as an opportunity for growth,” Ivy reflects. Her faith and the support of her family and mentors were crucial in helping her stay motivated, even when the journey felt overwhelming.
The challenges Ivy faced in her career also helped shape her commitment to promoting equality in her field. She is an advocate for fairness and inclusion, using her platform to fight for equal opportunities for everyone, regardless of their background.
The Power of Consistency and Balance
Ivy credits much of her success to consistency and balance. “I’ve learned that success isn’t about pushing yourself until you burn out, but about pacing yourself, setting realistic goals, and prioritizing rest,” she explains. In the fast-paced world of fitness, it can be easy to overwork, but Ivy has learned that maintaining a healthy work-life balance is key to long-term success.
Her approach to work now revolves around managing her time wisely, ensuring that she remains physically and mentally healthy, while also continuing to inspire those around her. She emphasizes the importance of self-care, both for physical performance and personal growth, a principle she instills in her clients.
Redefining Success: More Than Just Achievements
Ivy’s definition of success has evolved over the years. Initially, she viewed success as personal achievements—landing promotions, gaining recognition, and meeting external expectations. However, as she faced challenges such as discrimination and distance from loved ones, her perspective shifted. Now, she defines success as using her personal achievements to create a meaningful and positive impact on others.
For Ivy, success means supporting her family emotionally and financially, helping them live a better life. It’s also about living authentically and pursuing her passions, whether that’s fitness, dance, or empowering others. “Success is about balance: growing personally, supporting my family, and inspiring others to pursue their dreams,” she says.
A Legacy of Empowerment and Positive Change
Looking ahead, Ivy hopes her legacy will inspire others to discover their potential and embrace the importance of mental and physical wellness. “I want to be remembered as someone who not only achieved great things but also lifted others along the way,” she shares. She dreams of a future where her efforts have sparked movements of change and empowerment, where people are encouraged to overcome self-doubt, celebrate their unique journeys, and embrace their own greatness.
For Ivy, the key to creating lasting change is resilience, inclusivity, and kindness. She hopes future generations will remember her as a person who not only worked toward personal success but also advocated for fairness and created opportunities for others to shine.
Ultimately, Ivy wants to leave behind a legacy rooted in passion, faith, and perseverance. “With these qualities, anything is possible,” she believes, and she is determined to continue proving that to herself and the world.
Do follow her on Instagram.
