Janelle Mughannam

HERSTORY

Janelle Mughannam is a Certified Fitness Trainer, food, and lifestyle Vlogger who is known on YouTube as Coco Janelle. She has earned more than 40,000 subscribers creating exercise videos, meal prep tips, and clothing hauls, amongst other vlogs.

Coco Janelle is a California-based brand ambassador, she has become popular on Instagram, earning upwards of 218,000 followers.

She is of Palestinian, Egyptian and Jordanian descent. She has one sister, Celine, and one brother, Farris. She is in business with her younger sister, Celine “Cece” who is also a Fitness and Fashion Influencer on Instagram.

I was given the opportunity to interview Janelle Mughannam, here’s what Janelle “Coco” had to say ….

What inspired you to create FITWSIS?

At first our account started as a fitness account that shares tips and secrets about fitness. Today we transformed it into a start-up business with clients from all over the world.  Our mission is to guide people towards a healthier lifestyle. Every body is unique; each with its own strengths and limitations. Our method is to motivate and inspire you in any way possible. Our aim is not only to transform your body, but to influence you in making more mindful decisions when it comes to your health. We believe in finding the pleasurable side of fitness, and while there may be a sore muscle or two along the way, the amount of fun and levels of energy you will experience will far exceed the discomfort.


What have you learned during this journey?

I learned to work harder and to manage my time. Running a start-up business by yourself is difficult. My sister and I do all the work ourselves and it definitely  taught us to not procrastinate and to be better every single day.


Define beauty in your own words?

Beauty is something we cannot see because its from within 🙂


What is it like working with your sister on fitwsis, that not only benefits you guys but it is also helping people to live a better and happy life?

We love it! I feel like it has also brought us closer:) Plus working with a sibling is easier because you can fight and argue about something and be fine 2 seconds later lol. We have similar minds so we are always bouncing ideas off of each other. We also have duties and individual jobs within our company which helps us stay on top on everything!


Of all the people in the fitness world, who would you love to collaborate with if given the opportunity?

Good question!!! My sister and I love @stef_fit. We see ourselves in her and we would love to work with her one day!


What advice can you give to young women who are interested in following your footsteps?

DO NOT RUSH. I feel like when I rush or push things they never work out as planned. If you want to start your own business there are alot of conditions you must accomplish first before diving head first. You need a plan, you need a targeted audience and you need an investment! Take your time to make sure everything you release is perfect and neat.


What aspect of this artistry excites you the most?

We love receiving messages and emails from girls who have seen results using our plans. That is probably the most satisfying thing about what we do. Seeing others happy, motivated, and inspired from FITWSIS is the icing on the cake. Thats when we know we made it!


What goals do you want to accomplish in your career and in life

Currently I am just trying to hustle as much as I can NOW so I can be great LATER.


Do you have any beauty routines and if so, what are they?

I have really sensitive skin so I take my time with my skin care routine though the day. I love taking myself to the spa or salon to get pampered every now and then 🙂 I think its important to take care of yourself, especially us girls


Do you have any upcoming events or plans we should watch out for?

I guess you’ll have to wait and see:)


What do you think is the most significant barrier to female leadership?

I feel its because not enough women are supporting women who are on the top. If we have more women out there inspiring and changing the world then us women who concur. The future is female 🙂


Describe yourself in one word?

SPONTANEOUS!!I am always always up for new adventures and experiences.

I read that you are in College, what is your major?

I majored in Business Marketing and I have a concentration in Wine Studies. Yes wine:) I grew up in Sonoma County (near Napa which is the wine country of America).


Name 2 your beauty must-haves |Name 2 of your fitness must-haves

Beauty must-haves: Sunscreen + Moisturizer | Fitness must-haves: Water bottle + Music


Is there any woman who inspires you? Why?

My mother. She’s the most hard working person I know. I aspire to be as great as her one day.


What is your favorite healthy snack?

I love cheese platters with fruit!


Which one do you like better: being a YouTuber or being a Certified Fitness Trainer/Business Owner

I love youtube (even though I do not do it as much) because it showcases my personality 🙂


What is your favorite quote/poem?

“Girls Compete Women Empower” and “A year from now you’re going to wish you started today.”

INSTAGRAM – @COCOJANELLE
FITNESS/BRAND – @FITWSIS
YOUTUBE – JANELLEMUG
WEBSITE – FITWSIS.COM

Instapurging’ Will Make Your Life 50 Percent Less Stressful

Remember back when you first got an Instagram account? It was a simpler time, full of grainy remnants of drunken nights out and the occasional delightfully nostalgic #TBT.

Now, though, we sometimes find ourselves getting stressed out about during our daily (OK, thrice daily) Insta scroll.

If you’re like us, you need to get on board with “Instapurging,” ridding your feed of any accounts that make you feel stressed, inadequate or any other negative emotion.

All you need to do is go through the list of people you follow and take stock of how each makes you feel. If there’s a lifestyle blogger whose picture-perfect shots make you feel bummed out, unfollow. Keeping up with your favorite celebs and pseudo-celebs can be fun, but staring at Kim Kardashian’s superhuman waist-to-hip ratio for the 700th time can start to weigh on your psyche.

Sometimes, I just need to press that restart button and unfollow everyone except for Oprah, BeautyLeeBar, and Rihanna. It doesn’t mean I hate you, it just means our energy might not match which is okay with me. Sometimes I forget Instagram is just Instagram. Even, a perfect picture isn’t perfect. Its how you see things that can cause either a positive or negative thinking. 

Instapurging is good for the mind and the soul. I do it every month so when you see me start unfollowing bunch of people, this is why. It’s just a refresher that I think we all desire for at times. Taking a break from Instagram helps with my anxiety so much and am glad I don’t really have to deal with trolls. Its okay to take a break, Instagram will be there when you come back. 

 

Ask Lee: 22 Things You Didn’t Know About Me

 hope you’ve all enjoyed the Ask Me Anything segment so far, because I sure have enjoyed writing my Ask Lee posts. It’s always interesting to go through your questions and comments, then sit down to do some writing and give my two cents on each topic. To round out the theme of this month, I’ve put together 22 things you didn’t know about me. I personally love reading these types of posts, so I hope you enjoy finding out some new facts about yours truly! Let’s get started, shall we? 

1. Dirty Dancing is one of the few movies I can watch over and over again. Nobody puts Baby in a corner! I saw both Dirty Dancing movies growing up and I’m still in love.
2. Jeopardy, Harry Potter and Checkers are one of my favorite games to play on my phone.
3. My favorite drink is Pure Leaf Sweet Tea.
4. I am single but I do have a crush. Can you guess who? (hint: head over to my instagram)
5. My favorite person is my mom I guess, that’s the only person I care enough about to hangout with.
6. I can make a mean spicy like very spicy meatballs or shrimp dish with Asian vegetables.
7. I still write poetry.
8. I played sports growing up, I was very competitive.
9. I never been skydiving but I want to.
10. When I was a sophomore in high school, one of the janitors made a move on me. He had a major crush on me, thinking back I should had probably got my mom involve.
11. Favorite artist? too many to choose from, this isn’t a fair question.
12. Either Freshman or Sophomore of Highschool, one day I had gotten my period during gym. I was wearing a dark pattern tight dress but there was a spot still. It was kinda noticeable. Only one person let me know though, I was so embarrassed, thank god that was the last class of the day.
13. Love bright colors but room has to be dark. Favorite colors: purple, pink, black & baby blue
14. Mom was a banker in New York, she is retired.
15. The best gift I ever got was gifts that I got from my mom. Always got a lame gift from a dude.
16. I’m really good at cutting people off.
17. Do I like girls? Why, you want to date me or something.
18. My must-have product is sunscreen. It’s the first thing I put on every morning
19. Favorite ice cream is Superman, Vanilla or Talenti Gelato Southern Butter Pecan
20. My go-to cocktail at a bar is none, I don’t drink.
21. My go to style is anything black honestly. I’m not into fashion like people think I am.
22. Hair Care Routine coming soon…

What fact from the list above surprised you the most?

Let me know what you thought in the comments below! And if you have a list of fun facts most people don’t know about you, feel free to share. I’d love to read your answers.

XO Lee

 

25 Things That Will Instantly Boost Your Mood

Today I’ve rounded up 25 of my favorite instant mood boosters in case you’re in need of a little pick-me-up. Sometimes life can be stressful and overwhelming, but I’ve learned that focusing on the little things make a big difference.

1. Take a shower, or hot bath. The warm water relaxes tense muscles and calms your central nervous system. The sound of running water can also be quite calming to people.

2. Go for a walk. Soak up that sunshine and get a boost of Vitamin D.

3. Tick something off your to-do list. It always makes me feel like I’m a little more on top of life.

4. Make your favorite playlist. Fill it with happy, upbeat songs or ones that bring back good memories. This one is currently on repeat.

5. Eat some chocolate. It’s said to make us happy.

6. Bake something. My Pinterest board is literally overflowing with drool-worthy recipes if you’re ever in need.

7. Sweat it out. Release your frustrations and endorphins.

8. Open a window. Let in some light and fresh air. Wallowing in bed is just letting yourself engage in the bad feelings.

9. Organize and clean out your space. This could be your room, desk or both. Even if you’re life isn’t organized, at least your closet will be.

10. Get lost in a really great book. 

11. Make a cup of tea. You could even try making it from scratch if you’re feeling extra adventurous.

12. Learn something new. Learning can help us build confidence and a sense of self-efficacy, and fuel our creativity. You have a world of knowledge at your fingertips, don’t waste it in one corner.

13. Try a DIY. It’ll keep your distracted and focus your energy on creativity.

14. Make yourself a smoothie or fruit bowl. Did you know fruit has sugars that can lift your mood? Also the fact you might get an insta-worthy photo out of it wont hurt.

15. Write down things that make you happy. Like a list or make a picture chart. Visuals make me happy.

16. Burn your favorite candle. Citrus can improve your mood and candle light it’s said to reduce stress levels.

17. Detox your phone and social medias. Go through and delete anyone who sucks.

18. Buy some fresh flowers. Surround yourself with them. It seriously works.

19. Have a pamper day. Manicures, chocolate, cosy oversized sweaters & a feel good movie. Yes please.

20. Make plans. Whether it be travel or dinner plans, having something to look forward to can raise spirits.

21. Practice breathing and meditation. Used for centuries as a relaxation technique, meditation has been shown to ward off depressive thoughts and anxiety.

22. Do something nice for somebody else. Showing kindness can help us feel better. Small actions— holding the door for the person behind you, sending a
quick love text to a partner or friend, or donating to charity all count.

23. Pet an animal. After all, studies have shown petting dogs and cats can lower your heart rate & whilst we’re on the subject, here’s a Instagram full of cats.

24. Smile. Even if you don’t feel like it, sometimes moving the muscles in
our face activates chemicals in our brains to lift our moods.

25. Be grateful. Your happiness is only as good as your mindset.