We recently connected with JaKya Sheppard-McCarter and have shared our conversation below.

JaKya , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you share an anecdote or story from your schooling/training that you feel illustrates what the overall experience was like?

I never stop learning. I received my associate degree to Santa Fe College in my hometown, Gainesville, Fl.
Transferred to University of Houston.
Earned over 25+ certification in health in fitness from NASM, Smart fitness and other similar disciplines.
I also completed UH S.U.R.E entrepreneurial program.
Truly, I feel like experience is just as important as education. Especially when you’re applying what you learned.
Going to school to learn about business is what I believe sets me apart from other trainers.
It’s one thing to have a business but it take way more than being good at what you do to stay in business.

JaKya , 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?

With over 10 years of fitness and wellness experience, I am a transformation coach using movement, healthy eating and technology to help women become their own body goals. My most proudest moment(s) is to help individuals who have come to me frustrated after wasting hundreds on fad diets, quick fix pills and one size fits all fitness programs and get them to successfully implement my 4 step weight loss system.

Can you talk to us about how your funded your firm or practice?

Initially, I worked a full time job and a part time job to fund getting my own fitness equipment, website and marketing material. Shortly after that, I applied to get a business credit card and I was shocked I got approved to be honest. Recently, I applied for my first business loan and got approved. I paid it back in less than a year.
Now I have more business credit lines open so I can have access to longer business loans amounts in the future if I ever need them.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

In a service based business it’s all about impressionable customer service and a good product/service. I believe your members will tell you everything you need to know and if you listen to them they will bring more members like them to you.
Referrals are The Fitness Empire #1 resource for growth because we’re extremely passionate about community.
We love to serve people and make their lives better as a result of coming into our studio.

Contact Info:

• Website: thefitnessempirehouston.com
• Instagram: @thefitnessempirehou
• Facebook: @thefitnessempirehouston
• Linkedin: @thefitnessempirehouston
• Twitter: @train4yourreign
• Youtube: The Fitness Empire
• Other: Pinterest • The Fitness Empire

Image Credits
Gate 88 photography