Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Akaira Cryer-Simmons. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Akaira , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear about the things you feel your parents did right and how those things have impacted your career and life.
I absolutely adore my parents! Since I was a young girl, they’ve instilled countless values in me that I utilize within the family that I created and the empire I am working to build.
My father constantly reminds me that I am a queen and anything that I want in this world, I can attain. Throughout the years, he preached the importance of having a voice and never being afraid to have conversations with him or my mother whether they liked the topic at hand or not. Also, he helped me build the mindset of finding my passion and dedicating time and patience to perfect my craft no matter the amount of money that follows. When I took a leap of faith transitioning into full-time entrepreneurship as a personal trainer, I called him to ask his thoughts about this major adjustment. Not only did he ask what were my husband’s thoughts, but he inquired if I would remain true to the process no matter the outcome. When I expressed that health and fitness are my lifestyles, he told me that I have his full support and to go for it. So you can see this is where prioritizing my household and understanding the importance of remaining true to my interests stems.
My mother, on the other hand, displayed the essence of being a nurturer and the significance of presence. My sister and I participated in a variety of sports and school plays throughout our upbringing and she didn’t miss a beat. While she was a teacher and furthering her education, not once did she stop us from being active or participating in the activities that interested us. The way that I engage with my daughter and the people around me is a reflection of her powerful energy. The way that I pour into my family and all of my clients throughout group sessions and personal training are the tools that she provided me with to demonstrate genuineness and empathy. Being there for the people you love the most by simply showing up is what she taught me and I thank God daily to still have her presence encouraging me along the way.
I am honored to be a reflection of my parents in more ways than one!
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My name is Akaira Cryer-Simmons and I am the Founder of MRS X AKFITNESS, LLC. I am a Christian, wife, mother, and full-time entrepreneur working to create balance for the many roles that I attain. My fitness brand caters to women of all backgrounds, shapes, and sizes. I believe that it is essential to create a safe space for women to build themselves in more ways than one. When it comes to fitness, exercising improves your physical along with your mental and emotional well-being. I am aware that this is my God-given purpose to serve women and I am working daily to improve the wellness of the ladies that I encounter.
I’ve always been an active individual and decided to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology. Once I earned that degree from LSU (Geaux Tigers), I realized that the Physical Therapist route wasn’t my calling, I worked in the medical field for years and decided to earn an MBA in Healthcare Administration to increase my chances of securing a decent salary (so I thought). Continued to work on the administration side in a hospital setting and decided to start hosting group fitness classes during the midst of a pandemic. I birthed MRS X AKFITNESS, LLC in November 2020 and held group sessions as a part-time hobby because I thoroughly enjoyed working out and the fellowship amongst the ladies. As time went by, my full-time career began to be more demanding by lessening my availability for my family, creating stress and anxiety, and an overall outcome of me being in a state of depression. I had to make a decision quickly, not only for the sake of being present for my family but for my health. I wasn’t happy or thriving. The same week that I submitted my separation notice to the employer, I interviewed to operate at a private-owned gym (McGruder Fitness By Design) as my own brand and was a part of that family the same day! It was all a part of God’s plan for my own decision-making to crumble in order for his divine purpose to be put into action!
MRS X AKFITNESS, LLC provides virtual and in-person personal training sessions. I offer group fitness classes every Thursday at 7 PM and Saturday at 9 AM. I host 21-day challenges that promote overall health and wellness. While the challenge includes a physical aspect, I provide the ladies with different tasks to be aware of their spiritual, mental, and emotional well-being. Also, I lead health and wellness events to provide resources to the community throughout the year!
I am extremely proud of creating a brand that is authentic and serves a purpose in the community. It amazes me to hear the ladies express how they feel refreshed from attending a session and being able to conquer the remainder of their day. It heartens me to know that they look forward to the experience of the safe space that we’ve created together. The ladies may initially enter their fitness journey feeling alone, but leave knowing that they’ve inherited another family. During our group classes, we perform affirmations, work out side by side with a partner, and have our circle of life segment discussing the random topic that I pick for the day. In personal training, I am holding the ladies accountable inside and outside of the gym. I encourage them to consider this venture as a lifestyle change, which means developing adjustments that work best for them to continue for the long haul.
The main thing that I want everyone to know about MRS X AKFITNESS, LLC is that I am doing God’s work. Starting from taking a leap of faith into entrepreneurship during a pandemic, building a specific niche, and flourishing even with setbacks, it’s all HIS work. I can’t take any of the credit because I am a vessel being used. I am extremely appreciative of the numerous opportunities given to me to share the goodness of HIS GRACE!
Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?
Other than having the knowledge to be a personal trainer, I believe one should be aware of their niche. This statement implies understanding the target audience that you plan to serve. Ways to be more aware consist of conducting research, receiving feedback from current clients, providing surveys on social sites, etc. The goal is to provide a solution to a problem that an individual seeking your service may have. If you don’t fully prepare yourself to assist your client, then that type of career may not be best for you, or more time is needed to build your craft.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
MRS X AKFITNESS, LLC is a lifestyle that I embody. Health and fitness are major elements of who I am and encourage others around me to pursue. Studies have shown how taking care of one’s body internally and externally assists with preventing illnesses and leads to healing. I am able to build my reputation within the fitness market because I am consistently showing up as myself. I am displaying the ins and outs of fitness. I showcase meal ideas and exercise routines to help anyone willing to view them on social media. I am currently pregnant and still dedicate some time to going to the gym and building other health-conscious acts (visiting a chiropractor) to remain consistent and prepare for labor and delivery. When embarking on a new journey, always keep in mind if an encounter is one that will improve your life or be a setback because of the mindset you have towards it.
Contact Info:
- Website: mrsxakfitness.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrsxakfitness/
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/mrsxakfitness
- Other: https://linktr.ee/mrsxakfitness
Image Credits
Otis Clayborne Brenden Williams Phive-14 Photography