Growing up feeling different - with Despina Hapeshis

It was difficult to be a normal teen for Despina Hapeshis (or Des, for short), particularly because she was a refugee. Eyes were always on her and bullies often made fun of her background.  To be truthful to yourself and to live your life when so many saw you differently was difficult. In this episode of the Raising Successful Kids Podcast, we hear more of Des’ personal stories and even her passion project turned business, the Transforme Fitness. It’s through Transforme that she helps people achieve transformations in their lives and relationships. Learn more about how she was able to keep her chin up whilst growing up differently and how she continues to inspire others by listening in today. KEY TAKEAWAYS Des was born in Cyprus, but she and her family had to seek refuge from different countries during her childhood. It was in 1999 when she and her family moved to England and then stayed there for good. Contrary to most refugees, Des, as an extrovert, got along well with other people easily. There was a culture shock at first, but she was always adaptable and ready to learn. Being surrounded by other Cypriots in her neighbourhood helped a lot. Though Des became a medical doctor, she didn’t feel that was where she should be. She was happy that she was helping others, but felt there was something else out there for her. Then, she discovered Zumba. At first, she was only planning Zumba to be a side hobby, but it crossed her mind that she could do this for the rest of her life, she could train others and help them achieve their fitness goals. So this is what she did. It made her happy to see others being the best versions of themselves. Influencing a community involves responsibility and compassion. It’s the people who should be at the centre of your cause, not you. The priority lies in bettering them, guiding them to attain their transformation. Everything else is will follow—the fulfilment, success, and even wealth. For kids, it’s important to not to pamper them. While, yes, parents and educators are big influences, keep enough distance for them to discover and find their values and skills. It is also important to instil some discipline and responsibility as early as possible. Success leaves clues. It’s easy to learn from other people’s journeys. You can tweak it according to your needs and capabilities. It should be easy to do this if you’re self-aware and determined to push forward. Des suggests that you find a coach or a mentor that jives with you so you have someone who can be there alongside you. BEST MOMENTS “The wealth will come but the wealth is not just money.” - Irene “We become slaves of our business.” – Des “You don’t know how far our ripples of our lives are gonna touch. So, you have a responsibility… whenever you are teaching kids or young people.” – Irene “If you have an element of faith in your life, it’s like adding an extra ingredient into a dish to make it tastier.” “Never stop seeking. Search deeper. Be open-minded. Your life is your life. You’re responsible. You’re able. You have the power inside you to make your choices.” VALUABLE RESOURCES Listen to the Raising Successful Kids Podcast on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/raising-successful-kids-podcast/id1378597983 Take the course Lose Weight, Tone Up and Balance Your Hormones on Udemy: https://www.udemy.com/course/lose-weight-tone-up-and-balance-your-hormones/ Book a Zumba class with Despina Hapeshis: https://www.zumba.com/en-US/profile/despina-hapeshis/108551 ABOUT THE GUEST Despina Hapeshis runs Transforme Fitness. She is the daughter of refugee parents who came to England from war torn Cyprus. Des became a qualified doctor and scientist but gave all of that up following a severe bout of anxiety and depression. She has built a successful fitness business for women, along with a community of people that help and inspire. Des has always been passionate in helping people to build community and see tran