with Tatiane de Souza

Too often, it seems that there is a stigma that models and those in the fashion industry do not consider their health a top priority – only their external image. We had the pleasure of getting to know Tatiane de Souza, a gorgeous Brazilian model who flips this idea on its head and inspires those around her to do the same. She radiates kindness, grace, charm, and love: “I hope to help people find their inner happiness, discover their strength and embrace who they really are.”

Tatiane was born on June 11, 1989 in a small city classed Sao Leopoldo in south Brazil – “or ‘Brasil’ for my fellow brasileiros.” Her modeling career took off at the young age of 16, when she was discovered at Elite Model Look in Sao Paulo. From that moment on, she was constantly on the move.

The work and travel brought so many new experiences and learning opportunities for Tatiane.

“I loved every second of the ceaseless motion, but something changed when I got to the United States.
Coming to Los Angeles felt like coming home.”

It was here, she realized, that she wanted to anchor down and build her life. She now lives primarily in Los Angeles and makes frequent trips to New York and Miami.

At the moment, however, modeling is not her number one goal. Instead, Tatiane has placed her education first. She is aiming to pass an English exam, which will help her to further her love of nutrition, exercise, meditation, and writing by getting a college degree in journalism and nutrition. In combining these studies with her health coach certification from the Institute of Integrative Nutrition, Tatiane is driven to help her community find inner happiness, discover their strengths and embrace who they really are.

Today, Tatiane shares her story and her self-care tips to help you treat yourself as a goddess every day – are you ready to be inspired?

BWB: What inspired you to become a health coach during such a successful time in your modeling career?

I have always had a passion for food. Since I love eating, and since I am a model, I needed to find the best way to enjoy this passion while remaining healthy and fit. I already had so much information on nutrition, but I wanted to learn how to better apply it and I wanted to know how I could help more people do the same. Modeling is a very hard industry and a lot of people confuse being skinny with being unhealthy.

BWB: How have you integrated coaching into your busy modeling schedule?

I love helping friends and family in any way I can. I think the best work any person can do is to be a shining example of health and strength. When you take care of yourself, everyone around you can’t help but naturally feel inspired to do the same.

I also tend to have a nice cup of coffee with almond milk in the morning, and this is normally the only cup for the day. Coffee is such a strong stimulant and, when used the wrong way, can lose its benefits.

BWB: Can you share your daily routine and favorite “self-care” rituals that help you stay healthy and fit?

I always start my day by mediating and putting my attention to God and the Universe, so I attract good energy, good people, and do my best work.
I also tend to have a nice cup of coffee with almond milk in the morning, and this is normally the only cup for the day. Coffee is such a strong stimulant and, when used the wrong way, can lose its benefits.
I love filling my plate with colorful vegetables – especially pumpkin and root veggies- fruit – especially green apples- and quinoa or brown rice.
I like to start my morning with an egg white omelet. Oh, and I love sashimi!
When I’m craving something sweet, I treat myself to some raw chia pudding. It’s SO good!
At the moment, I love to keep active with hiking, Zumba classes, Barry’s Bootcamp, and Yoga. I like keeping things diverse, so I never get bored.
Also, I like to walk as much as I can to stay active. Every night, I like to write and journal all the things that stressed or disturbed me during the day. This helps me release and let go and has definitely helped improve my happiness levels. I highly recommend doing this!

BWB: What favorite “can’t-live-without” holistic products do you use everyday?

I am always sure to have zinc pills, vitamin C, olive leaf spray, and oregano oil at home for moments when I feel I might be getting sick. I also keep astragalus, licorice root, and ElanVeda’s All Cough supplement on hand for when a cough comes on.
If I’m feeling low on energy, I’ll take vitamin B12. I also take Fem-Dophilus from Jarrow daily for a probiotic boost and Premier Search Lab’s Nucleo Immune and Adaptogen R3 for energy.
I don’t take any other supplements because I believe I can get the rest from food, although that might not be the case for everyone.

For all my holistic products, however, I just shop at Erewhon or Whole Foods. Barry’s Bootcamp and Modo Yoga are my go-to’s for working out.

BWB: What are your favorite spas or holistic spaces to visit in New York City or Los Angeles?

As far as spas go, I get facials done at Facial Bungalow in West Hollywood and every three to six months I’ll go to Aquarian Wellness for colonics.
For all my holistic products, however, I just shop at Erewhon or Whole Foods. Barry’s Bootcamp and Modo Yoga are my go-to’s for working out.

For food, my favorites are Café Gratitude, Urth Cade, Fig and Olive, Gracias Madre, Grassroots Alchemy, and Crossroads.

BWB: What are your favorite places in New York City and Los Angeles to enjoy healthy dining?

I adore Inn of the Seventh Ray in LA – that is my special heaven. When I’m in the need of a pick-me-up in LA, I like to get juices from Clover, Kreation, Juice Served Here, and Earth Bar.
For food, my favorites are Café Gratitude, Urth Cade, Fig and Olive, Gracias Madre, Grassroots Alchemy, and Crossroads.
Whenever I’m in New York City, I am sure to enjoy a meal at Candle 79. It’s so cozy and delicious.

BWB: What are your future plans and goals for developing your health coaching practice?

My two main goals right now are to get back to blogging and, after my TOEFL test create more time for coaching. I
’d also like to go to the Longevity Now conference to get ideas for my future practice, and, of course, start college either this fall or next winter to further develop my health coaching skills.