Nola Family August 2024

mom about town

HANNAH HUPPI BY MADISON VOORHIES

WHAT DOES A NORMAL DAY LOOK LIKE FOR YOU? HANNAH: What’s normal? Because John, Hazel, and I have so many things going on, we have to be pretty dynamic and flexible. Some days, I’m leaving the house at five to go coach; some days it’s John. We’re trying to keep things flexible while also recognizing the need for routines. One thing, as far as our routine that I like to do, is try to save enough time to park and walk Hazel to school. In our very busy lives, that’s a nice calm moment when it’s just me and her. I hold her hand, I get a little peek into her world, and I know she really likes it. After that, it’s always different. It always includes training, some kind of workout– rowing, running, biking, swimming– Then, coaching, or meetings. I’m a little bit of a jack of all trades. Evenings are the same. Sometimes, it’s a lot of extracurriculars for Hazel, or we’re at home. We always try to get outside every evening; that’s always our best family time. HOW DID YOU GET INTO ROWING? WHAT DRIVES YOU TO CONTINUE PURSUING IT? HANNAH: I grew up doing a lot of different sports: soccer, running, swimming… I trained in everything, basically, but didn’t start rowing until college. I didn’t even know what rowing was until I showed up to the first practice and I thought, “Oh, this is my sport!” I’ve been rowing ever since, and it’s been 16 years. What I like is that it’s a team sport, but it’s also got a big individual element. I also love that it is a lifelong sport. Your goals will change, but it’s a cool way to stay healthy and have a passion that can grow with you. I truly just love rowing, and I’ve enjoyed all the opportunities it’s brought me. I met my husband Husband: John Huppi Child: Hazel, 4 Occupation: COO of Snaply, Co-founder/Coach at ErgoFit, U.S. Coastal Rowing Athlete Hobbies: Rowing, ultrarunning/endurance sports, coaching, volunteering with youth sports Hannah Huppi is not your average mom. She wears many hats and epitomizes versatility and drive. Beyond her professional and athletic achievements, Hannah’s daily routine intertwines family life with her passion for coaching and endurance sports. She cherishes moments like walking her daughter Hazel to school, finding calm amid their bustling lives. With a love for rowing deeply rooted since college, Hannah’s journey reflects a commitment to entrepreneurship and empowering others through fitness, embodying resilience both on and off the water. Follow Hannah on her journey through motherhood and as she prepares to row across the Arctic Ocean next year.

I love seeing [Hazel] become her own person with opinions, being just amazed at things I take for granted. I love being able to see

the world through her eyes. It helps me take a step back and get a little bit of perspective.

on the first day of rowing practice at Tulane, and to think of what we’ve accomplished in the rowing world is really cool. Sharing this passion with my husband is one thing that’s kept me in the sport. We were on the national team together, in the same boat, sharing some of the best moments of our athletic careers. But we’ve also had completely devastating failures in our athletic careers. Being able to do that with your partner is something most people don’t get to do. WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO OPEN YOUR OWN FITNESS STUDIO? HANNAH: A theme in all my work and athletics has been entrepreneurship. I went to graduate school in Berlin, and when I was there, I worked for a marketing software startup. That’s what started the love. Now, I’m working as the COO of Snaply. It’s fun getting back into the creative, startup business. In the meantime, I’m also working at ErgoFit. I’ve always had a passion for rowing, I’ve always seen the need for it in the market, and we just wanted to spread our love of rowing to everyone in New Orleans and allow them to have this unique– but super impactful– fitness outlet. That’s why we started ErgoFit. It’s my first time working more hands-on in a brick-and-mortar start-up, which has been a very different experience, but a lot of fun. I enjoy seeing this side of entrepreneurship. WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR OTHER ASPIRING ENTREPREUR PARENTS? HANNAH: If possible– especially if it is a passion-driven project– include your kids. One of the really special things

14 AUGUST 2024 | NOLAFAMILY.COM

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