We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Janine Cooper. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Janine below.

Alright, Janine thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Talk to us about building your team? What was it like? What were some of the key challenges and what was your process like?

My studio wouldn’t exist without the hard work and devotion from my instructors and staff. They are the best employees that I could ask for. They are always willing to step-up. I value the time that they put into their craft, and to this business as well. They are just as much a part of this as I am. I think that it makes us stand out as a business. I love the fact that we are a diverse, group of instructors, with so many styles, and backgrounds. I have gotten so many compliments from clients that they are welcoming, knowledgable, and in tune with our clients and the various communities that we serve. They are the best support.

When hiring my employees, and staff, I look for that certain “something.” I can say that all of my employees and staff have that. It’s the dedication, drive, and the continuous ability to always be open to learning that I love to see. It has to be the want of being a part of a team, and the willingness to communicate. I want to always be available to my instructors and staff with any questions, opinions, ideas, concerns, etc. that they have. You MUST be present as an employer.

Janine, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am the owner of a pole, aerial, and group fitness movement studio in Cary, North Carolina. I have been in the pole industry for about 16 years, and it has been an amazing ride. I took my first class in 2009, and immediately afterwards, I was hooked. I love the strength, beauty, and the flow of pole. As I progressed, I got certified to be a pole and group fitness instructor, and began teaching. I later moved to Raleigh, NC and taught between studios in Charlotte and Raleigh. Eventually, I became the Managing Partner at Aradia Fitness Cary, and now, I am the sole Owner. I have competed at several national pole dance fitness competitions, performed in showcases, trained instructors, and taught workshops across the country and internationally.

I am most proud of the diversity that was developed at my studio. I love seeing such a diverse group of individuals, both within my staff and instructors, as well as my clientele. We have an all-inclusive studio that is accepting of everyone who wants to have fun and those who want to feel good about themselves. This sets the studio apart from others, as well as our varierty of classes and styles. We have something for everyone who wants to dance and move their bodies.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

Juggling one full-time job is difficult, so the fact that I have learned to juggle two is definitely an accomplishment for me. When first taking on the studio by myself, there is always a question of whether or not you can do this on your own. I had to look at it and realize that I was already doing it, and I just had to believe within myself and know that others had my back. Again, I have an outstanding team, family, and friends who are constantly in support of me, and I couldn’t do it without them. Being a black-owned business presents its’ obstacles. However, I am a firm believer in hard work. I work hard, do my best, and put the time and effort into this business. Again, I am present day-to-day, and take everything as it comes. Every day is a learning opportunity and to always aim to be greater than what you were yesterday.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

I am a focused, organized, and goal-oriented person. I roll with the punches and do my best. I want people to see me as a hard-worker because I know that at the end of the day, this is my business and I have to work hard for that business. This isn’t an easy job because it demands a lot physically, mentally, and emotionally. It may take a toll on you some days, but you strive and make it through, stronger and better. I am a minority, small business owner, and owning this is a “labor of love.” I own this studio because this is my happy place, my passion, my outlet. So, I will work hard for something and those that mean a lot to me.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://triangle.aradiafitness.com/
• Instagram: @aradiafitnessnc, @jboogiekan1
• Facebook: Aradia Fitness Cary

Image Credits

Austin Dowd Photography
Janine Cooper
Xenia DeLuze
Sean Maverick Photography
Alloy Images