We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Arnita Champion a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Arnita thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Before we get into specifics, let’s talk about success more generally. What do you think it takes to be successful?

Failure is an event, not a permanent state. I’ve faced failures in every area of my life—Faith, Fitness, Food, and Fashion. Each stumble has its own story, its own lesson. But one thing I’ve learned above all else is that failure is not the end; it’s a push forward.

In the journey of life, failure can be a faithful companion, guiding us towards our ultimate purpose. You see, I didn’t just face failure—I embraced it. From not making the Olympic team after 12 years of relentless effort for those fleeting 12 seconds to the daily struggles of maintaining faith, fitness, a balanced diet, and a sense of style. Each setback was a setup for a comeback.

One pivotal truth has anchored me through these turbulent waters: Put God first in everything. Without Him, I wouldn’t last, and I’d surely come in last. Success isn’t a one-size-fits-all concept. It’s deeply personal and uniquely defined by each individual. Only you can define your own success.

Let me share a story that encapsulates this. As a young hurdler, I dreamt of Olympic glory. For 12 long years, I trained, competed, and gave my all. Yet, despite my best efforts, I never made the team. It was a crushing blow each time. But those 12 seconds of disappointment after 12 years of dedication taught me more than any victory could have.

I realized that success wasn’t just about crossing the finish line first. It was about the journey, the persistence, the growth, and the faith I cultivated along the way. Each failure pushed me closer to understanding my true purpose. It wasn’t about the medals; it was about the message. It was about inspiring others, especially women in their 40s, 50s, and 60s, to Seek, Overcome, Achieve, Radiantly (SOAR).

Success, to me, now looks like the smiles on the faces of women who’ve regained their confidence, the breakthroughs in faith, the small victories in fitness, the joy of healthy eating, and the radiance of self-expression through fashion. It’s the impact I make on others’ lives, the faith I live by, and the love I share.

Another anecdote that shaped my view involves my entrepreneurial journey. Launching physical products like the SOAR Journal/Planner, Affirmation Cards, and Resistance C-Bandz wasn’t a smooth ride. There were countless obstacles, from production issues to marketing challenges. Yet, each setback was a learning curve, a stepping stone towards refinement and success.

I remember a particular instance when a shipment of my products was delayed, jeopardizing a major event. I was devastated, but instead of succumbing to despair, I turned to prayer. I asked God for guidance and strength. The situation forced me to think creatively, to find alternative ways to engage my audience. In the end, the event was a success, and I gained invaluable insights into crisis management and adaptability.

But the failures that truly tested my faith were deeply personal. I faced the heartbreak of three failed marriages. Each time, I entered with hope and dreams, only to be met with disappointment and pain. The emotional toll was immense, and I found myself questioning my worth, my choices, and even God. I was in a toxic relationship with food, using it as a comfort in times of stress and sadness, leading to a cycle of guilt and self-doubt. I doubted God, wondering why He allowed such pain and struggle in my life.

Moreover, I spent years trying to be what others wanted me to be, to look a certain way, to act a certain way, all for acceptance. I believed that by pleasing others, I would find happiness. But the more I tried to fit into others’ molds, the more I lost myself. It was a hard lesson to learn that true acceptance comes from within, and self-love is far more valuable than the fleeting approval of others.

These experiences taught me that failure is not a dead end but a detour to something greater. They reinforced my belief that with God at the forefront, any obstacle can be overcome. Success is not about the absence of failure; it’s about the resilience to rise after each fall.

So, what does it take to be successful? It takes faith—unwavering faith in God and in yourself. It takes perseverance—pushing forward despite the setbacks. It takes a positive mindset—seeing failure as a stepping stone rather than a stumbling block. And most importantly, it takes a heart willing to learn, grow, and serve others.

Success is a journey, not a destination. It’s defined by your willingness to embrace the journey, to learn from every failure, and to keep God at the center of it all. Remember, only you can define your own success. So, rise above the failures, seek your unique path, and let your faith guide you to soar.

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

As a motivational speaker and entrepreneur based in California. My focus lies in four key areas: Faith, Fitness, Food, and Fashion. These elements are not just my passions but also the pillars through which I inspire and empower women, especially those in their 40s, 50s, and 60s, to SOAR: Seek, Overcome, Achieve, Radiantly.
My journey into this multifaceted industry began with my background as a world-class hurdler athlete. I competed in the 1984, 1988, and 1992 Olympic trial finals, a period that taught me resilience, dedication, and the importance of mental and physical well-being. Although I never made it to the Olympic team, those 12 years of relentless effort for just 12 seconds of competition instilled in me a deep understanding of perseverance and the value of every moment.
Transitioning from athletics, I channeled my experience and lessons learned into helping others. I realized that the struggles I faced and the resilience I built were not unique to athletes but relevant to anyone striving to achieve their goals. This epiphany led me to develop my own brand and suite of products designed to uplift and support women in their personal and professional journeys.
I offer a range of physical products, including the SOAR Journal/Planner, Affirmation Cards, and Resistance C-Bandz. These tools are designed to help women set and achieve their goals, stay motivated, and build both physical and mental strength. The SOAR Journal/Planner is a comprehensive guide that encourages daily reflection, goal setting, and personal growth. The Affirmation Cards provide daily positive reinforcement to cultivate a strong and optimistic mindset, while the Resistance C-Bandz are versatile workout tools that promote fitness and strength training.
In addition to these products, I offer motivational speaking services, where I share my story and the lessons I’ve learned to inspire and empower audiences. My talks are centered around the themes of faith, fitness, food, and fashion, and how these elements intertwine to create a balanced and fulfilling life.
What sets me apart from others in this industry is my holistic approach. I don’t just focus on one aspect of personal development but integrate all four pillars to create a comprehensive support system. My own experiences with failure and success have given me a unique perspective and a genuine empathy for those I work with. I understand the struggles of maintaining faith, fitness, a healthy relationship with food, and a sense of style amidst life’s challenges. I’ve faced and overcome these battles myself, from the heartbreak of three failed marriages and a toxic relationship with food to doubting God and trying to conform to societal expectations.
One of the things I’m most proud of is the community of empowered women I’ve built. Seeing women regain their confidence, achieve their goals, and radiate positivity and strength is incredibly rewarding. My mission is to continue expanding this community and to reach even more women who need encouragement and support.
For those who are new to my work, I want you to know that my brand is built on authenticity, resilience, and faith. I believe that with God at the forefront, any obstacle can be overcome. My products and services are designed to help you navigate life’s challenges, find your true self, and achieve your dreams. Success is a journey, not a destination, and I’m here to guide you every step of the way.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

As a young athlete, I dreamt of Olympic glory. For 12 long years, I trained, competed, and poured my heart and soul into hurdling. I dedicated countless hours to perfecting my technique, strengthening my body, and honing my mind. The goal was always clear: to make it to the Olympic team. Yet, despite my relentless effort, I never crossed that final hurdle.

Competing in the Olympic trial finals in 1984, 1988, and 1992, I gave my all, each time hoping that this would be the year my dreams came true. The disappointment of not making the team was a crushing blow. Imagine dedicating 12 years of your life to something and seeing it slip away in just 12 seconds. It was heartbreaking, and each failure felt like a personal defeat.

But this story doesn’t end with failure. Instead, it’s about how those setbacks became the foundation of my resilience. Each time I faced disappointment, I had a choice: to give up or to keep going. I chose to keep going. I chose to see each setback not as a final defeat but as a lesson and an opportunity to grow stronger.

During those challenging years, I learned the true meaning of perseverance. I learned that success isn’t always about reaching the finish line first but about the journey and the growth that happens along the way. I realized that my identity and worth weren’t tied to a medal or a title but to my character and my faith.

After my athletic career, I faced another series of personal challenges. I experienced the heartbreak of three failed marriages, each time entering with hope and dreams, only to be met with disappointment and pain. These experiences tested my faith and my resilience in profound ways. There were moments when I doubted myself and even doubted God. I found myself in a toxic relationship with food, using it as a comfort in times of stress and sadness, leading to a cycle of guilt and self-doubt.

One pivotal moment came when I decided to take control of my life and my narrative. I turned to prayer and sought guidance from God. I realized that I needed to stop trying to be what others wanted me to be and start embracing who I truly was. I needed to accept myself and love myself, flaws and all. This shift in mindset was transformative.

I started focusing on my passions—faith, fitness, food, and fashion—and how they could help others. I began sharing my story, not just the successes but also the failures, and how I overcame them. I launched my own brand, creating products like the SOAR Journal/Planner, Affirmation Cards, and Resistance C-Bandz to help other women navigate their own journeys.

One of the most rewarding moments was when I saw the impact of my work on other women. I remember a particular event where a woman approached me after my talk. She was in tears, sharing how my story had given her hope and inspired her to make positive changes in her life. In that moment, I realized that my failures had a purpose. They had shaped me into a person who could empathize, inspire, and uplift others.

Through my journey, I’ve learned that resilience isn’t about never failing. It’s about rising every time you fall. It’s about trusting in God’s plan, even when it’s hard to see. It’s about embracing your true self and living authentically. And it’s about using your experiences, both good and bad, to make a positive impact on the world.

My journey has been filled with challenges, but each one has made me stronger and more determined. I’ve learned that with faith, perseverance, and a positive mindset, we can overcome any obstacle. And I’m committed to helping others do the same, to inspire them to Seek, Overcome, Achieve, Radiantly. Together, we can all soar.

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

One of the most profound lessons I had to unlearn was that not everyone who says they are praying for you has your best interests at heart. This realization was both shocking and liberating, and the backstory is one of personal growth and discernment.

Throughout my journey, especially during the times I was competing in the Olympic trials, going through my marriages, and building my brand, I often found solace in the words of those who said they were praying for me. As someone deeply rooted in faith, I took great comfort in the idea that others were lifting me up in their prayers. However, over time, I began to notice a pattern that made me question the sincerity of some of these well-wishers.

During one of my most challenging periods, after the heartbreak of my third failed marriage, I was surrounded by a circle of people who professed their support and offered prayers. I was in a vulnerable state, doubting myself and my decisions, and clinging to the hope that their prayers would help guide me. But as I opened up about my struggles and shared my dreams and aspirations, I noticed that some of these individuals were less supportive and more critical. Their words and actions began to reveal a different motive—one that seemed more focused on my failures than on helping me rise above them.

One particular incident stands out. There was a person I considered a close friend and confidante, someone who often prayed with me and for me. I shared my plans for launching my SOAR brand, my excitement about creating products to empower women, and my vision for the future. Instead of encouragement, I received subtle discouragement, veiled as concern. Comments like, “Are you sure you’re ready for this?” or “Maybe you should wait until you’re more stable,” began to chip away at my confidence.

It wasn’t until I overheard a conversation this person had with another mutual acquaintance that I realized their true intentions. They were discussing my plans, not with support, but with skepticism and even a hint of schadenfreude. It was a painful revelation to understand that someone I trusted and relied on for spiritual support was actually preying on my vulnerabilities and uncertainties.

This experience taught me a crucial lesson: discernment. I had to unlearn the blind trust I placed in those who professed to be praying for me. I had to learn to recognize the difference between genuine support and disguised negativity. It was a lesson in understanding that not all prayers are sincere and that some people may use the guise of spirituality to undermine your confidence and progress.

In the aftermath of this realization, I became more selective about the people I allowed into my inner circle. I learned to rely more on my own relationship with God and to seek His guidance directly, rather than through the lens of others. I also began to value actions over words, recognizing that true support comes from those who uplift you with both their prayers and their actions.

This lesson was instrumental in strengthening my resolve and focus. It empowered me to pursue my dreams with greater clarity and confidence, knowing that my faith and resilience were rooted in my own relationship with God and not dependent on the validation of others. It also deepened my empathy and understanding when working with other women, many of whom face similar challenges in discerning genuine support from disguised negativity.

Ultimately, this experience shaped the way I approach my work and my interactions with others. It reinforced the importance of authenticity, integrity, and the power of genuine faith. And it reminded me that while the prayers of others can be comforting, it is our own faith and connection with God that truly guides and sustains us through life’s challenges.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.arnitachampion.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arnitachampion/?igsh=NGVhN2U2NjQ0Yg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheArnitaChampion/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arnita-champion-7a544113/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/arnitachampion1?lang=en
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/arnitachampion

Image Credits

Barbara Price – Upperroom3productions
Michael Roud