Namita Nayyar:
Between marathons, clinical work, and galas, your hair must go through a lot. What is your hair care philosophy? Any tips for maintaining healthy, beautiful hair amidst a high-intensity lifestyle?
Dr. Karena Setoudeh-Maram
Vitamin C and Iron are my secret weapons to great hair. Clip-in hair extensions are magical as well.
Namita Nayyar:
You are the CEO of a healthcare company and a household of six children and two grandchildren. What is your secret to managing the logistics of such a large, beautiful family while pursuing your own ambitious goals?
Dr. Karena Setoudeh-Maram
I have been blessed with a big, beautiful family. We are all very close and we travel the world together frequently. I have always put them first and that has paid big dividends.
Namita Nayyar:
Your children and grandchildren get to watch you run marathons, earn titles, and help others. What do you hope is the biggest lesson they learn from watching you live your life?
Dr. Karena Setoudeh-Maram
I feel they love watching my success, which in turn motivates them to be successful humans.
Namita Nayyar:
With such a busy global schedule, how do you create moments of connection and “down time” with your family? What does quality time look like for the Setoudeh-Maram household?
Dr. Karena Setoudeh-Maram
We eat together as a family. I love to cook and they love to eat. I know their favorite foods. We take one big international trip a year and explore new countries and cultures together.
Namita Nayyar:
You are Mrs. Texas Classic Universe 2026. What is the one major goal you want to accomplish during your reign before you pass on the crown?
Dr. Karena Setoudeh-Maram
I want to promote and grow the Classic Universe sisterhood. This is my forever family. I will compete on a big stage in July, and I want all of my fabulous friends to be part of a beautiful sisterhood.
Namita Nayyar:
You’ve achieved so much. When you close your eyes and look ten years into the future, what does “ Dr. Karena” look like? What new mountain are you climbing, literally or figuratively?
Dr. Karena Setoudeh-Maram
Ten years from now looks beautiful. I envision many grandchildren and the great success of all my children and their children. My dream is a beautiful sprawling ranch in Montana surrounded by the Great Rocky Mountains.
Namita Nayyar:
Finally, for the woman reading this who feels overwhelmed, who thinks she can’t start her fitness journey or go after a big dream because she’s “too busy” or “too old”. What would Dr. Karena say to her?
Dr. Karena Setoudeh-Maram
My best advice is to just start. One foot in front of the other. Baby steps. With repetition, those baby steps become leaps and bounds. It is a big and beautiful world, and I am glad each of you is in it. We all were born for greatness, shine for the world and the world will shine back. Remember: Find you’re Happy!
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