Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Yamika Leeper-Stephens. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Yamika thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. If you had a defining moment that you feel really changed the trajectory of your career, we’d love to hear the story and details.

My career path has many layers and defining moments that have led me to where I am today.

My first defining moments of my career path was in my second year of college. I was attending Wright State University (WSU) in Dayton, Ohio majoring in Computer Engineering. I thought I had a passion for computers. Oh was I wrong!

I can remember sitting in a computer programming coding class after spending hours correcting a programming assignment that kept getting errors. In that moment I was thinking is this really what I’m supposed to do? After completing my second computer programming course I was done. I did what some college students do when they aren’t certain if the major they chose is choosing them back, I changed my major. Not once but twice from Human Factors to Psychology.

The path of life I initially chose was not my final destination but only a mere experience of what I needed for growth that led me in the right direction. When I changed my major to psychology it made sense. I truly believe your passion for life is created in childhood. As a young girl I always thought I would do something relative to health and well being. In addition to that, I loved waking up early in the morning turning on the television to the PBS channel working out to Jane Fonda or Richard Simmons.

After choosing the major that chose me back life was happening and not in a good way. My mother’s health was not in great condition which led me to make some lifestyle changes of my own. My eating habits changed and I made moving my body a priority. I took some Health, Physical Education & Recreational (HPR) classes and fell in love with working out again. It was that same feeling I had as a little girl watching the PBS channel working out. It was a happy feeling.

While attending WSU my mother passed away of health conditions that could have been prevented with some lifestyle changes and good health care practices. After my mother’s passing I took a year and a half away from school to collect myself and grieve. I vowed to myself that I would take a proactive approach to my health care and wellness. Not only be an advocate for my health but others as well. My grief and loss was the biggest and major moment that changed the trajectory of my career path.

After a brief pause from college, I returned to WSU to complete my Psychology degree and completed an Exercise Specialist certification and a degree in Exercise Science at Sinclair College in Dayton, Ohio.

These defining moments helps me understand who I am and confirms who I am supposed to be. I’ve had many obstacles to be where I am in life only to remind me I am that same little girl with a passion for life, health and wellness. My career path and lifestyle coaching allows me to share my passion with my students , clients and the rest of the world.

I’m doing everything I thought I would never do and love it. From teaching Physical Education, Group Fitness, Yoga, Lifestyle Coaching and Professional Speaking; life is grand. I accepted my role in life and it’s been good.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am a Lifestyle Coach owner and operator of Your Lifestyle (YLS) Fitness & Exercise Coaching, LLC. I specialize in Life Coaching, Physical Fitness, Yoga, and certified in Meditation. By profession, I am a Physical Education Instructor at Sinclair College in Dayton, Ohio. I have a background in Exercise Science and a Bachelor’s of Arts in Psychology. I am known most for my Yoga practices at the college and in the community.

Through my Lifestyle Coaching, I am able to make mind-body connections that is life-changing. I create a lifestyle program and a YLS Coaching Action Plan tailored to individuals’ and or groups health and wellness goals.

What ultimately sets me apart from others is I focus on the need for creating a lifestyle of healthy living and wholeness not the want for temporary fixes.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

If you could go back, would you choose the same profession, specialty, etc.?

Contact Info:

• Website: [email protected]
• Instagram: @ylscoaching
• Facebook: @YLSCoaching
• Linkedin: @ylscoaching