Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Latrina Woods . We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Latrina thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

Vivify Training & Fitness is a Black woman-owned boutique fitness studio serving women often left out of the fitness industry. We pride ourselves on a holistic approach and personalized pathway to helping women reach their health and wellness goals.

Vivify began at the height of the COVID pandemic, when I started taking my family to a local park so my middle-school step daughter could get in her “PE class” and my partner could get in a workout, since OrangeTheory was closed! Running workouts for my family reminded me of my lifelong passion for training others. At the same time, I was witnessing that my community – the Black community – was disproportionately affected by COVID, and I wanted to step in to turn around the underlying health conditions at risk. I wanted to turn my passion into a business and also make my community stronger.

I was able to participate in a local fellowship that helped me flesh out my vision and mission and rented a space in a shared fitness studio, where I offered personal training and small-group classes. Side note I would like to give a shout-out to my partner because if it weren’t for her keeping me focused, I would have started a different kind of business.

Back to what I was saying. My first client was a woman in her fifties with mobility and cardiovascular issues.  Within the first 8 weeks, she lost 10lbs and could  take her dog on long walks without pain. As I was training her, I posted her fitness journey on social media, which inspired similar women to become members – many with the goal of not just losing weight but also getting off blood pressure and diabetes medication. Given what my clients were up against health-wise, I realized I could impact overall health and wellness even more if, in addition to training, I modified my model to include nutrition and health, and coaching. My clientele increased to the point where I outgrew the shared space, and in March 2022, I leased my own space where I could grow to scale as a full-service fitness studio offering small group fitness classes, personal training, and health coaching. I hired two instructors and now often a variety of fun, effective classes, but most importantly, I have created a welcoming community where women of all ages and fitness levels feel seen, safe, comfortable, and empowered to take the reins over their health.

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

My name is Latrina Woods. I grew up in Seattle, Washington, and have always dreamed of owning  my own business. However, I grew up in poverty, a single-parent household, and did not believe that was possible for someone like me.

At the age of 12, I found my passion for basketball and, coincidently, my ticket to a free college education. Through basketball, I developed my  passion for health, and wellness, and I knew I wanted to own a gym one day. After graduating college, I worked in various gym settings that included; big box gyms, privately owned studios, and at people’s home.

I made multiple attempts to start a fitness business and just needed help to get it right. Unfortunately, my failed attempts would lead me to dead-end corporate jobs.

I gave up and, in 2014, moved to New Orleans for a fresh start. Moving to New Orleans was  the best decision I have ever made. I met inspiring people, the love of my life, and I am building a business that’s saving lives.

How did you build your audience on social media?

I built my social media audience by creating content that provides value to my ideal customer.

I strive to provide a good mix of posts that educate, promote, and make you laugh.

On top of that, I continue to educate myself on algorithms, hashtags, and other resources that get your content seen by more people.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

Anything and everything from Seth Godin, the godfather of inbound marketing. Seth Godin teaches the philosophy of creating valuable content to gain the trust and relationship of your future prospects. Secondly, Alex Hormozi Gym Launch secrets gave me the blueprint on how to open and run a sustainable fitness business.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.vivifytraining.co
• Instagram: vivivifytraining_nola
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vivifytrainingandfitness
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3orUUDKs7sM