Paige Howell: Boxer by Day, Artist by Night

If you've ever been to an NYC Rumble class and had a young, blonde instructor not only kick your ass, but lift you up while doing it, there's a high chance it was Paige Howell. To give you a little context on how fierce our most recent girl crush is, she only answered to the name "Simba" for what she describes as too much of her childhood. When she's not working on her fitness, or yours, Paige is a singer/songwriter playing shows at venues around the city. Catch her at Rockwood Music Hall on May 16th at 7pm if you want to get a taste of her musical talents!

Paige is an incredible role model because not only is she strong both inside and out but also her confidence comes from such a pure place and can't be ignored. However, she might phrase it more like, "the hands in these gloves throw jabs and double text". If you want a few tips on how to not be afraid to be yourself and show all of the sides that this entails, Paige Howell is the girl for you.

How did you reach your current career and makes you love what you do?

I grew up training to be a professional ballerina, so I’ve been a disciplined athlete my whole life. After college I taught spin which was fun but it wasn’t enough for me, I started boxing and boxing is like a dance. There is technique and there is a skill to build and learn. You can also feel practice paying off. It also creates confidence.

What would you tell yourself when you were younger and/or what advice would you give other women?

When I was young I prematurely had issues with body image. It took me a long time to realize that strong not only looked better, but felt better than thin. I would tell women to stay in their own lane, because comparing ourselves to each other becomes destructive.

Who inspires you to live your best life?

This has a lot of answers. My parents are my rock. They have taught me love and immense work ethic. They have helped me in achieving all my dreams and are my cheerleaders. They love me even when I’m wrong and help me to see why I am wrong. I’m so blessed with incredible parents. I could also preach all day long about my sister. She is a badass and my complete opposite, she’s a lady of nature and she grounds me. She always is a reminder that the simple things in life really bring happiness. I am reminded of this every time I look at her beautiful face and her small pack of dogs always by her side. She’s also a brilliant photographer who assists my vision coming to life. Lady Gaga is one of my idols. She is a strong woman, who stands by everything she believes in regardless of anyone else’s opinion. She is kind, generous and graceful. All qualities I hope to embody. To top that all off she is arguably one of the most talented humans on the planet. Lastly I really admire Jenne Lombardo, she is a mom of three, engaged in a very loving relationship and is a total boss. She runs shit and runs the show. She is the founder of several companies and juggles a totally packed schedule all while parenting three beautiful children. Not to mention she is a health nut and never uses the excuse of being busy to forego her workout routines or nutrition.

Is there something you were self-conscious about when you were younger and have learned to embrace today?

My eyebrows! I got made fun of so much in middle school and high school for my full brow. My mom swore that one day I would love them. She was right.

What do you love about yourself?

I am fiercely loyal. If I love you you are untouchable because there is nothing I wouldn’t do to keep you safe and or defend you. I pride myself on this.