Humans of LoLo: Matt and Sarah

Matt, the owner of the Cookie Guy here in Victoria and his girlfriend Sarah. They have been active members of CrossFit LoLo since July, 2019. Matt and Sarah are our newest addition to the amazing Humans of Lolo bunch!

What is your fitness background?

Matt: “I was born and raised around competitive tennis, I didn’t touch weights until I was in uni. This is my second try at CrossFit, after tennis I was missing a team aspect of training and didn’t have a lot of motivation going to the gym on my own.”

Sarah: “I started playing softball when I was 4 and played competitively in through College.

CrossFit was pretty intimidating but, after getting injured,  Matt showed me that it can be modified so it’s been a great experience so far. The community aspect of CrossFit is also super inviting. I feel like I learn something new everyday. Previously I was going to the gym by myself but it was difficult because people would stare but here everyone is there for you.”

Tell us about The Cookie Guy: When did you know you were going to be the cookie guy?

“It was during 36 hour road trip back from Texas. I knew I wanted to start a business but didn’t know what yet. It was either going to be in baking or a bar. I started baking in college and I’ve always had a sweet tooth. Cookies just seemed like the right fit.”

What has been the happiest moment in your life?

“(Sarah laughs) meeting me – Duh.”

Matt: “There’s a lot of happy moments. I really loved my old job but the day I walked out of there, was one of the best moments. I loved the work and the people but it just wasn’t for me, I was ready to do my own thing.”

Sarah: “Can it be the most shocked I’ve ever been?”

Probably when I got told I made the national team for softball. We were brought into a room American idol style. They had divided us into three different groups, I thought I was going into the room that would get cut.

I was shocked, I thought I was at the end of my softball career because I previously had taken a year off. I was really surprised that I made the talent.

Softball is my dad’s life so I got to FaceTime him to tell him I made the team and he started crying.”

Were you crying? Matt and Sarah Humans of Lolo 

Sarah: “I don’t know if I was (just)”

Matt: “I bet you were”

What has been the saddest moment of your life?

Matt:”Probably say losing my grandparents.”

Sarah: “I lost three grandparents in one year. Before that I had never lost anyone. I was very close with all of my grandparents.”

Who is the most influential person in your life?

Matt: “There’s so many to count, my grandparents, parents and a handful of mentors whether it’s business, life. I’ve got a handful of coaches so it’s hard to name one.”

Sarah: “My sister is best friend. She is two years older than me and I watched her work really hard for what she wanted and succeeded. She’s been a great role model for me to aspire to.”

What are you afraid of right now Matt?

Matt: “In a weird way, success is kind of intimidating.”

What do you do when you get there?

“I’ve heard people say that; when you’re in it, you don’t even realize that people get excited about going to it as a destination spot.”

Sarah: “(Matt and Sarah laughs) I’m afraid of everything. Sometimes he hides in the closet to scare me, he’s so mean.”

“Probably public speaking, or getting injured again. Also, Birds. Birds are the worst, anything that flies.”

When have you been most vulnerable?

Matt: “I would probably say starting a business on my own, it’s the most rewarding thing but also the hardest thing. The way of the business relies on you, it’s a vulnerable and scary place. I guess I could describe it as the highest of highs and the lowest of lows.”

Acknowledge yourselves: humans of Lolo Matt  Sarah

Matt: “Probably just grinding it out in business and in life. I don’t back down from a challenge.”

Sarah: “I feel like I keep going back to the injury thing. For a time when I exercised for even 5 minutes my legs would go numb from my knees to my feet. The injury is still undetermined as to what caused it which is scary. I’ve been working my way back really slowly and I’ve been learning self-compassion.”