Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kawanna “OJD” Lewis. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Kawanna “OJD”, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?
The story behind the mission of Trap Bootcamp and my journey as a creative in the music industry is a unique blend of upbringing, personal experiences, and unwavering passion.
Growing up, I had the privilege of being influenced by both of my parents in distinct ways. My mother instilled in me a strong business mindset, emphasizing the value of hard work and entrepreneurship. On the other hand, my father, a member of the iconic Lakeside band known for the funk classic “Fantastic Voyage,” introduced me to the world of music at an early age. These dual influences fostered a diverse range of skills and perspectives within me.
Life took a challenging turn when I became a survivor of domestic violence. However, I made a conscious decision to shed the mindset of a victim. I learned that life and business share a common lesson – the importance of resilience. I embraced the idea of getting back up and making something extraordinary out of myself.
As a mother, I took time off to focus on my family and embarked on a fitness journey as both a competitor and an instructor. This experience was immensely rewarding, but my passion for music continued to burn brightly. It was during this time that I made the commitment to pursue my love for music more fervently.
Now, I’m thrilled to announce that I’m on the brink of releasing a new EP titled “Summer of Confessions: Vol. 1.” This project has been a labor of love, and I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with talented producers like Spontaneous Worldwide and Focus. This EP is a testament to my journey, blending my diverse influences and life experiences into a musical narrative that I’m excited to share with the world.
In essence, the mission of Trap Bootcamp and my musical journey both reflect the idea that life’s challenges can be transformed into opportunities for growth and creativity. It’s about harnessing the strength within, being resilient, and following your passions with unwavering determination.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
Of course, let me give you a more straightforward rundown of who I am and what I do.
I’m Kawanna “OJD” Lewis, (aka Oracle Jayne Doe) and I’ve had an interesting journey into the fitness and music industries. My upbringing was unique, The fusion of business acumen and musical heritage shaped me
Now, let’s talk about Trap Bootcamp. We offer fitness programs that combine effective workouts and nutrition to Transform Regenerate and Actively Progress our clientele in the outcome they desire. Our aim is to make fitness engaging and enjoyable, solving the problem of mundane routines with exciting, dynamic sessions.
I took a break to focus on family and my personal fitness journey. At one point, I became a fitness competitor and instructor, which was a rewarding experience. However, my true passion has always been music.
What makes me stand out? It’s a mix of business knowledge, a musical legacy, resilience in the face of adversity, and a deep love for music. I’m proud of my journey, and I want to inspire others with it.
What else should we know about how you took your side hustle and scaled it up into what it is today?
I have a journey that’s a bit like a melody that keeps evolving.
My fitness journey began while I pursued my passion for music. Back then, I was carrying a bit of extra weight, and I decided it was time for a change. I sought help from a local trainer, and during our sessions, I found a new love – working out.
Simultaneously, I was coaching for a sports and afterschool program, where I discovered the joy of helping others get fit. As I continued to perform in the music scene, I decided to take my newfound passion for fitness to the next level. I apprenticed, learning the ins and outs of the fitness business while still pursuing my musical dreams.
I enjoyed training so much that I started taking on clients on the side. This passion soon consumed me, and I found myself working at five different locations, including the renowned Equinox. In 2017, I took the plunge and started Trap Bootcamp, all while still juggling my responsibilities at Equinox.
Soon after, I became a fitness instructor and decided to challenge myself even further by entering my first NPC bikini competition. The experience was both exhilarating and rewarding, as I earned second place. It was at this point that I realized my true calling was in the fitness industry.
As I shifted my focus to the fitness business, I continued to train online during the challenging times of COVID-19. Remarkably, my loyal clients stood by me, supporting Trap Bootcamp, and cheering on my music career. This unwavering support from my clients has been a true testament to the sense of community and dedication we’ve built together.
Today, I’m proud to say that I’m continuing to train my clients and pursue my passion. I remain dedicated to Trap Bootcamp. It’s a harmonious blend of fitness and my music, two passions that fuel my journey. I’m grateful for the amazing people who have joined me along the way and any new fans I gain from this awesome interview.
Can you open up about how you funded your business?
During my time at Equinox, I had the privilege of training some affluent clients who recognized the potential of my business venture and understood my deep passion for helping people. One client, by the name of Marjan, saw something special and decided to take action.
One day, she reached out to me and asked me to meet her in the parking lot. Little did I know, she handed over a check for $1,500, a generous contribution that proved to be the cornerstone for funding my very first event. This pivotal moment marked the beginning of a series of successful events that Trap Bootcamp hosted.
As time passed, our journey evolved. This year, we made a strategic decision to shift our focus from large-scale events to prioritizing the personal care and development of each client. This adjustment allowed us to conserve capital for future endeavors.
I’m elated to share that business is on the upswing, and it’s all thanks to the incredible support we’ve received along the way. The generosity of individuals like Marjan, combined with the dedication of our clients and the hard work of our team, has propelled Trap Bootcamp to new heights. We’re excited for what the future holds and are immensely thankful for everyone who has been a part of our journey.
Contact Info:
- Website: Trapbootcamp.com
- Instagram: @trapbootcamp @oraclejd
- Facebook: the Official Trap Bootcamp
- Linkedin: Kawanna “OJD” Lewis
- Twitter: @trapbootcamp
- Youtube: Trap Bootcamp
Image Credits
Dion Lack Photography –