Meet Elizabeth Sosa | Student of Life

We had the good fortune of connecting with Elizabeth Sosa and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Elizabeth, what’s your definition for success?
Success is different for each person.

As for me, staying true to myself, continuing to strive for greatness (not mediocrity), maintaining persistency on both the good & challenging days, embracing the failures (much easier said than done), keeping the focus, making the conscious decision of self-discipline (discipline is love), not allowing fear (or failures) to get in the way, and allowing myself to enjoy the fruit(s) of my labor. I want to create a life so good, I do not need a vacation.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a woman of many roles within my professional life. From the financial industry, to serving the community as an athlete, and down to my art. All three fields are simultaneously at various speed(s), each of which is an evolving journey and not a destination. Consistency & discipline are essential. And because I truly know my “why” for each, you can expect to see my face when discouraged, under the pressure(s) of performance, with the positive and negative opinion(s) from others, and not to mention the un/predictable changes. To this day it is not easy and the learning will never stop. The user errors are countless. However (a very big however) … I have gained self-compassion, created boundaries, replaced impulsive behavior with intentional strategy, embraced contrasting moments for areas of improvement, and carry an understanding of teamwork. It is never a one man show & vital to having the right people on a team. The biggest takeaway from this is we are all learning. Changes and mistakes are inevitable. Know your “why” and stay consistent. There is triumph.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Houston is a great city. If a friend of mine were visiting me, first and foremost, I would pick them up from the airport with open arms, ready to roll. I take much pride in my home and will make sure they are settled and feel at home. Knowing me, I would still hit the office for a little bit and teach classes, but depending on the time of day, we start with food. There is truth behind “food brings people together.” Off the top of my head, we would definitely grab a bite to eat while enjoying a drink at Backstreet Café, Hudson House, La Griglia (new location), Clarks Oyster Bar, and Brasserie 19. Nothing better than a great ambiance, with great people, and a delicious meal. Along with food, comes the fitness. Whether it be one or two classes, we hit a locally owned boutique fitness studio and train together. With this said, nature is very good for the soul. We would make time to walk Buffalo Bayou Park, Memorial Park, or Hermann Park for the outdoors scene. (my friend can choose which ever one!) When it comes to showing off the city of Houston, I would definitely play the role of a private tour guide and show them Montrose (where I live), River Oaks, Heights, Rice Village, Eado, the Galleria, and Downtown. Not to mention, the Museum of Fine Arts, Sawyer Yards, Outdoor Miller Theater. There is always something to do in this city!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
The unconditional love provided by my parents has kept me pushing. They have genuinely stood by my side through thick & thin, especially my mother. She deserves a massive shout out. Life is very interesting and we have been through plenty of ups & downs, (who hasn’t?) but one thing is certain…we are strong and nothing less. With this said, credit also goes to the naysayers. To the folks who have tried to stop me from flourishing to my best self, thank you.

Image Credits
Photographers: 1. Jeff Fitlow 2. Andrei Restrepo