Today we’d like to introduce you to Heather Williams
Hi Heather, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I think my fitness journey started wen I was little. Like many little girls, I took many forms of dance that eventually lead to cheer and gymnastics. Early on I was driven by the desire to move or as adults would say ‘that baby can’t sit still’. What they didn’t realize is for years I wore corrective shoes and had been told I would never have a ‘normal’ life if my parents did not break and reset my legs.
In my teen years aerobics became my way to manage my weight and not be labeled as the ‘fat dancer’. I was not fat but it was the 80’s and a resurgence of Twiggy was all that was modeled.
It wasn’t until my college years that I realized fitness was my way to satiate my desire to teach, perform and lead. In my mind I would get everyone to love fitness as much as I did ( and do). Fast forward 37 years and while I can’t say my clients and class participants are as enamored as I am, I do believe they have latched onto my fitness philosophy.
I believe fitness is the foundation of a holistic life and one’s path to having it all. I coach my clients to see fitness as daily self care their goals driving their journey to forever fit. The latter being the inspiration for my company name: Journey24EverFit.
My goal is to actively spread this message well into my 90’s. I see myself as the white haired almost centenarian teaching 3 classes a week, When I started teaching my senior year in high school, I could not have imagined I would still be teaching, coaching and training well into my 50’s. Back then 30 seemed old.
2020 took so much from us but it also gave. It gave me the courage to take my passion and purpose away from my former employer and do it on my own.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Looking back, my personal and professional fitness journey as been smooth. There have been challenges and ups and downs like any career path but I have learned a lot. I think the biggest obstacle was early on and not seeing many women of color with in fitness spaces. However, I was also a theatre major in high school and college and in the 90’s one could say the same for auditioning for roles, I think my auditioning experience prepared me for building my fitness professional skill and determination.
Entrepreneurship has had a host of other challenges. My business is an online platform and until a few years ago, I despised social media. If you laughed, I am not offended- it’s funny. Learning social media algorithms, technology and a budget sheet that’s based on my capital and not the company’s have all been challenging,
However, when I feel the stress of it all I remind myself I have managed and run large group exercise departments and created revenue for several private clubs, clearly I can do this for myself.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My social media bios would tell you I am a Group Exercise Instructor, Personal Trainer and Fitness Coach, what I really am is a life long fitness enthusiasts- who loves people.
Most people would say they know me for my laugh. I have been told it’s infectious. I try to infuse a sense of light hearted humor into my classes and sessions. I realize many people I encounter find exercise and nutrition to be a struggle. I want them to feel comfortable when we are discussing their desires, dreams and well being. I am a science girl but I try to balance academics and the lighter side of my industry.
Whenever I run into someone I haven’t seen in a long time I am always asked “you still doing that fitness thing” . With pride and a very big smile I say ” I sure am”. While my daily responsibilities as a solopreneur are detailed and varied, if I had to sum it up: at the end of the day I am paid to workout with others. Who wouldn’t be proud of that?
I think what sets me apart from others in my industry is my approach. I like to say fitness is not just planks and push ups. I want my clients and class participants to do more than schedule their workouts, my goal is to inspire them to see fitness as the way to prioritizing themselves and maintain their joy.
What does success mean to you?
Being able to live life on your own terms.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://journey24everfit.sutra.fit/
- Instagram: https://nstagram.com/journey24everfit/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/journey24everfit/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCuH5_WFWcZ7XNGCDhuFnWQ
