Talía Vargas: “The ‘M’ for mom does not replace the ‘M’ for woman. We can do everything with organization”

There is no doubt that the history of Talia Vargas It merges between fitness life, motherhood and love for animals, pillars of a personal transformation.

The blonde, who participated in Miss Santa Cruz A few years ago, she suffered from postpartum depression before becoming a trainer and animal welfare advocate.

This woman has found in the sport and animal rescue not just a way to heal, but a lifestyle that drives her to help others.

Talía is a coach, model, influencer and student studying nutrition. Additionally, she is a mother of two children.

– Where does the taste for the fitness life come from?

I have been physically active all my life, since I was in school. I have practiced sports such as climbing, tennis, basketball and volleyball, among others. I like to be on the move. However, it was after having my first child that sport became my ally in overcoming postpartum depression. When I had my second child, I already knew what to do and I never felt stressed. In fact, I enjoyed the pregnancy and my baby much more.

– Why did you decide lead a healthy life?

As a result of postpartum depression, I decided to lead a healthy life and take much more care of my diet. I saw the results and it became my lifestyle, not only to look good, but also to feel good.

– Should a woman make taking care of herself a priority?

We all must prioritize taking care of ourselves. Taking care of our body is essential, because if we don’t do it, no one else will. I firmly believe that a woman who takes care of herself and is happy with what she sees in the mirror is a stronger and more confident woman at any stage of her life.

-Why do you train? only to women?

Actually, I also train men and boys, we have mixed classes. However, I enjoy training women more because many come with a different goal. Seeing how they evolve, how they become empowered and gain confidence not only in sport, but also in their environment, is something that I love. Some have gone through depression similar to mine, they feel undervalued for their role as housewives, and seeing how they change, how they laugh and share their stories is something I really enjoy.

– Do you think that being a mother and wife, women neglect themselves?

I don’t think they are neglected, simply, when we are mothers and housewives, we prioritize the well-being of our children. We postpone our own physical care, which is not bad, it is something instinctive. However, we should not abandon ourselves completely.

Talía Vargas with her children/ Photo: Marco Velasco

– What is your message for them?

I would tell them that the “M” for mom does not replace the “M” for woman. We can do both and more, all with organization. We can be mothers, wives, work colleagues and, above all, full women. As long as we are happy, our environment will be too.

-How have you gotten ahead with your children?

Raising Thiago and Axel alone has been challenging at times. I thank God for the health and job opportunities that allow me to support us. Furthermore, I have the unconditional support of my family, which has been fundamental. Without them, it would have been very complicated. The three of us make a great team and wherever I can, I take my children with me. I am also learning to give myself credit for being a feisty and brave woman.

– Did you participate in a beauty reign, would you try it again?

It was a very beautiful time, representing my country both nationally and internationally was an incredible experience. However, my life has taken a different path and I would not do it again, but it was something that taught me many lessons and helped shape my character.

– Where does Piel y Pelusa come from?

It was born from the need to help stray animals. I got tired of being just a spectator and decided to act. Together with my mother, we started on a piece of land that we turned into a shelter. We formalized it when a university professor helped us shape it. Today, my mother, my teacher and I run the shelter.

– What are you in charge of at the shelter?

I am in charge of managing social networks, obtaining food and resources for the animals. Being at the shelter is a way to de-stress. Seeing how animals appreciate the love we give them is very gratifying.

– Why help animals?

Pets are the most loyal beings. Unfortunately, many people do not understand the responsibility of having a pet, and that leads to abandonment and abuse. Helping these animals motivates me to move forward and I am always looking for adopters, donors and volunteers who want to join the cause.

– How many animals do you have?

At home we have seven dogs and five cats, and at the shelter we have around 25 dogs and 8 cats, as well as other animals such as chickens, ducks and turtles. I can’t change the lives of all the abandoned animals, but I can change the lives of those who cross my path.