Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to April Wilson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
April, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Any thoughts around creating more inclusive workplaces?
I think the quote “Be the change you wish to see,” is important to not only any business owner, but to any minority business owner. Not only do I identify as a Black woman, but I am also a Black woman who owns a business. The way that these identities intersect have been crucial to the way that I approach not only the corporate world, but the fitness world.
One day I will have my own gym, however that dream starts with me, and within seeing that dream into fruition, I had to identify the spaces that were not historically held by women. While there are many women bodybuilders, fitness instructors, and gurus, the industry was wildly held as a male-dominated field, with fitness for women being seen as frivolous. Never did
society expect for women to redefine the landscape in the way that they have today.
I have taken a lot of risks, but I have also created a more inclusive approach to personal training. I seek to make it accessible to all body types, genders, as well as socioeconomic statuses.
April, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
Fit Faith started with a mustard seed sized vision to unite women via healthy living and fitness training. I vividly recall listening to my pastor, Dr. Bartholomew Orr, but hearing God speak to me through a series entitled “Faith over Fear.” During the sermon, Dr. Orr referenced I Timothy 1: 7-8, that reminds us that God does not give us a spirit of fear rather He gives us a spirit of power, love, and self-discipline. At that moment, I felt like God was directing my steps towards my God given path, but I was reluctant to follow. I was perplexed, to say the least. Knowing that I could not be the only Christian experiencing this inward conflict, I began to question the congregation to gauge if anyone felt as out of place as I did, but at that moment everyone seemed to have it all together. I realized that I was asking the wrong people; I needed to tap into the Power Source. Thus, I began my journey of fasting and praying. Months passed and I was still uncertain of God’s plan for my life which was seemingly spinning out of control! I was struggling to hold my marriage together, caring for my ill parents, pleading for peace at work, experiencing a financial hardship, while attempting to raise my sons and deal with what appeared to be insurmountable insecurities. But my GOD intervened! He cleared my path and enlightened me to the desires and passions of my heart: my FAITH and FITNESS. I woke up one morning with the confidence to promote and implement a 30-day Bootcamp challenge. I had no money, no equipment, and no clue of a potential venue to host the fitness sessions. Literally, all I had was my FAITH and a desire to be FIT. By the grace of God, I hosted the first FIT FAITH 30-day Bootcamp in September of 2019 birthed FIT FAITH. My life transformed following the initial 30-day Bootcamp.Since then, I have hosted numerous Bootcamps around the city of Memphis and Southaven, provided fitness services for people in the community, and revived my spiritual fitness. In conjunction with fitness classes, the Fit Faith apparel line has become increasingly popular. Prominent leaders of the community, celebrities and all members of the Fit Faith family can be seen donning Fit Faith apparel!
Additionally, God has blessed me with opportunities to travel to conduct fitness classes as well as share my testimony on various platforms such as radio and television. This opportunity has also allowed me time to educate myself on the business side of things as well as develop strong partnerships with prominent franchises.
Being a fitness trainer has helped to mold me into the person I am today. Training has been very rewarding because I get to see people at their weakest and most vulnerable moments and as their coach I get to aid in the process of making them stronger. God definitely has a sense of humor! For some reason everyone I am connected with within the Fit Faith family serves a purpose. Whether that purpose be for me to help them or them there to help push me, everyone I am connected to is reasonably there for a reason. I remember, one of my past colleagues would always say, “ My goal here, or my task here, is to help as many people as I can while I can.” Then I did not know the severity of what she meant but now I can truly say that that is also my ultimate goal in life.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
Some of the things that I really pride myself on is kindness, tenacity, and faith. All of these components are evident in my personal life, as well as throughout my journey as a businesswoman. However, the way that I have been able to incorporate these things into Fit Faith, have proved to contribute to the success of my clients and my business. One of the first things that I let all of my clients know is that I am not a mean trainer. However, that does not mean that I am not tough, and don’t produce results, because everyone knows that we put in work! However, I think it’s important to be able to meet everyone at the different stages of their fitness journey and encourage them wherever they are. Being authentic has been the leading driving force that has continued to help Fit Faith grow!
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
A lot of the time people ask me how I do it all! I’m a mother of two incredible boys,work full time as a clinical analyst, operate and run Fit Faith, compete in bodybuilding,volunteer as a Deputy Sheriff for the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office where I am assigned to uniform patrol,run a tax agency and customize shirts and accessories. With a full plate I manage to remain resilient as a great mother, great worker, and a great trainer.
I have also been blessed to inspire and encourage others, and part of that comes with making sure I’m not pouring from an empty cup. I realize that my company is much bigger than me, and it has helped change lives and inspire people, therefore I have no choice but to keep going! Not sure how I am able to successfully manage all of my roles but God is a fervent God who guides me as I maneuver through my day.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.fitfaithbelievers.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/invites/contact/?i=17ee1vc5gy7nt&utm_content=arehbbf
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fitfaithfitness/
- Other: Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@fitfaith?_r=1&_d=dd59138c0b36bh&sec_uid=MS4wLjABAAAAacedKb-ydIH-vSbzXANKkPLwbt28a8MjNKeAjuh5wVwkn8c3n5T0DBObQ4V2mugR&share_author_id=6532054664299413506&sharer_language=en&source=h5_m&u_code=cm1d2khicgk4da&ug_btm=b8727,b0&sec_user_id=MS4wLjABAAAAacedKb-ydIH-vSbzXANKkPLwbt28a8MjNKeAjuh5wVwkn8c3n5T0DBObQ4V2mugR&utm_source=copy&social_share_type=5&utm_campaign=client_share&utm_medium=ios&tt_from=copy&user_id=6532054664299413506&share_link_id=86EDDDB7-ADEC-4385-BF46-AF795157569B&share_app_id=1233
Image Credits
Demarcus Bowser