Cassey Ho, founder of the #1 YouTube female fitness channel (over 3 million subscribers), Blogilates, creator of POP Pilates, the designer of oGorgeous Bags, is currently in Australia promoting Zespri® SunGold Kiwifruits– a sweeter, juicier tasting kiwifruit variety and one of the world’s most nutrient-rich fruits. Not only are they power-packed with nutrients like fibre, potassium, vitamin E, folate they are also exceptionally high vitamin C levels (just one piece contains 100% of our daily vitamin C needs!).
We were lucky enough to chat with the beloved and inspirational entrepreneur while she was in town. Read on for the interview.
Cassey Ho shares her secrets to confidence, balance and success
How do you kick-start your day?
My day always starts with a nutritious breakfast. I love adding Zespri SunGold Kiwifruit into my meals because of their high Vitamin C content; in fact I just found out that a single piece contains 100% of your Vitamin C requirement. Plus, it helps me feel energized throughout the day and it even helps fight fatigue between meals. It’s the ultimate superfood!
Do you have any nightly rituals?
I normally like to read the news and get caught up with what is happening in the world around me before I go to sleep.
What is your advice on a healthy work/life balance?
Life IS about balance. You must find that happy medium between work and doing other things that make you happy. Of course, I love my work and it’s a huge part of my life, but if I didn’t take the time to relax and do other things I enjoy, I would get burnt out and lose inspiration. It’s all about making work AND other parts of your life a priority.
Tell me about your own fitness philosophy. What does your workout regime look like?
I workout because it makes me feel good and energized. It adds value to my life and motivates me. I love high intensity workouts. My PIIT28 routines are my favorite because they are short but effective! And because PIIT workouts are so intense, I always make sure to recover after my workout with Zespri SunGold Kiwifruit because it aids in quick muscle recovery which decreases the chances of injury and helps me re-energize faster.
How did the idea for POP Pilates come about?
I love Pilates and I love pop music, so I thought, why not combine the two? I wanted to create a workout that felt more like a dance. It’s still intense, but it’s also fun and makes you feel good!
What do you think is the secret to your success?
I am 100% real and genuine. Everything I do comes from my heart and my passion. It’s my duty to serve others and help people live the healthiest, happiest lives they can. It’s all about passion and hard work.
Quick stretch break between snorkeling, tanning, and poke bowls. 🍣 POPsters, make sure to make time for yourselves. You guys work so hard – but there is a tipping point where the hard work no longer brings positive changes, rather it turns into stress, which will reverse much of the work you’ve put in. I’ve dealt with it myself. Rest is important. Don’t neglect it! 💗you!
A photo posted by Cassey Ho (@blogilates) on
What would you say is the best and worst part of your job?
The best part is meeting POPsters and hearing their stories about how Blogilates literally changed their lives. It’s incredible how special and real this community is. Some young POPsters are now even becoming certified to teach POP Pilates! That is the most incredible thing for me.
The negative side of running businesses through social media is that sometimes it’s hard to know who to trust. Many times I’ve had people ask me to “collab” or “be friends”, but really they just wanted publicity and to gain followers.
What’s the highest view you’ve ever had on one of your YouTube workouts?
My highest viewed video ever is The Perfect Body with over 9 million views.
My highest viewed workout video is a POP Pilates beginners video I posted in 2011!
What are your three top tips for creating an engaging fitness vlog?
- The workouts need to be fun! No one wants stale, boring workouts. They want energy and vibrance.
- Be real and genuine. Fitness and health needs to be relatable to the average viewer. People don’t want routines that are unrealistic to do or maintain. If you want your fitness vlog to be engaging and successful, then you need to give people something that is manageable, yet challenging enough to see results.
- Listen and engage with your viewers! Read and respond to comments and give your viewers what they want. If they want more ab routines – then give them some! Remember that they are your audience, so get inspiration from them.
How do you see your brand evolving over the next few years?
The goal is to keep connecting more and more POPsters together. I want people to make real friendships in the real world, not just online. That’s why having live events like The Zespri Sun-Up as well as live POP Pilates classes taught at gyms worldwide is so important to me.
9 quick questions with Cassey Ho
If I were a fruit or vegetable I’d be: Zespri SunGold Kiwifruit! They are the PERFECT snack to take on-the-go, and it a tastier and juicer version. They’re a nutritional pocket rocket.
Workout I’m currently obsessed with: PIIT28.
Most people probably don’t know this about me, but: I used to be infatuated with Michael Jackson (well, I kind of still am).
The one place I’d never wear yoga pants: A wedding!
If sugar were a superfood, my diet would consist of: Cheesecake.
I never leave home without: My iphone and water bottle.
I’m inspired by: My POPsters.
My favourite emoji is: The winky face with tongue sticking out.
My pet peeve is: People who want to be “pick my brain” because they are only interested in gaining followers and publicity.
