Anavaino’s brand founder story.
Anavaino’s brand origin story of how Amanda’s darkest times led to the creation of Anavaino.
“Amanda Buxsworth - My Story.
On a cold summer morning approximately 6am, my Mom and I had just finished our 45 minute jog and reached the peak of our trail to see the sun rise, I watched as its rays were bringing back life to everything the light touched. I remember this day very clearly, it was when she smiled for the final time.
We lived in a small caravan park in a little town in Nevada, my Mom would work two jobs to help get us by, I walked out to school that day never knowing what would unfold. School was quite a difficult time for me, I loved learning but struggled with my self-image and confidence which prevented me from eating properly, I was constantly bullied for it. As soon as class began, the principal called me to his office.
He had just received a call from one of Mom's managers and drove me to the restaurant she worked for. My eyes widened and flooded with tears as soon as I saw flames angrily devouring the building, I ran across the line of ambulances and firetrucks, I found her lying lifeless on a stretcher, skin scarred with the tortures of the embers. The paramedics hugged me as they covered her face and took her away.
After the funeral, I had no choice but to live with my dad, he divorced my Mom many years ago because he abused us and preferred alcohol over his family. I also dropped out of high school it was all too much for me, that same day I came home to him cursing and throwing empty bottles around me. He told me how weak I was, how my life lacked significance, I decided to pack up and leave without telling him. I walked for hours around town till I ended up at the trail my Mom and I used to jog at. I glanced up at the stars and at that moment, I had never felt more worthless and undeserving in my life, I thought about what I hadn't achieved so far, what future would I have with a path like mine? What would be the point of existing in a world that had no room for someone like me?
As I closed my eyes, enough was enough, I slipped my fingers into my pocket and took out a sharp glass shard and pressed it against my wrist, I felt nothing more than a waste of space. Suddenly, I felt a gentle hand on my shoulder, it was a lady in a blue coat and a warm smile. She asked where my parents were and I began to cry, she took me to a building with big glass windows where I could see women of all ages training and practicing. This place was known as FIOSD, the Female Institute Of Self Defence, she was the head instructor and decided to make me her student. In here, everyone was equal regardless of your past, I then made it my mission to live by my passion and made fitness my purpose. From that day onwards, this was my home and this was where I belonged.
I became dedicated to my self defence training, I trained for a further 10 years and participated in state martial arts competitions and ended up becoming a national finalist. Throughout this journey, my mentor taught me that change externally is only brought by internal change, I studied for hours each day on developing inner peace and learning to ascend and grow to the next level combining the body, mind and spirit. I loved reading about the Amazons and became inspired by their determination and persistence. I became a highly valued member of the institute and since then I've documented my fitness and martial arts progress through the podcast and YouTube channel. I also decided to create a platform where females of all ages can look to, a place that challenges the norms and stigmas that society associates with women. I started Anavaino, Greek for 'ascend', I believe in growth and I want to leave behind a legacy my mother would be proud of. Regardless of circumstances, I wanted every woman to feel, live, and train like an Amazon, my mentor taught me to pay my knowledge forward as a form of gratitude. Women are not an accessory nor a weakness but the reason why the world is becoming a better place. Here females are empowered and valued.
Unleash the Amazon within - Amanda Buxsworth.”