Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Renea Jones-Hudson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Renea, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Was there a moment in your career that meaningfully altered your trajectory? If so, we’d love to hear the backstory.
My journey didn’t begin in the boardroom or the classroom; it started at 18, lacing up boots and donning a uniform that would define the next twenty-plus years of my life. The military wasn’t just my job; it was my world—shaping me, raising me, teaching me, and giving me a sense of purpose and direction. But as I hung up my uniform just shy of 42, I realized my story was far from over. There was something within me, a feeling of untapped potential, something more, and I wanted to explore it.
With no concrete plan but a heart full of ambition, I stepped into the next chapter of my life. I opened a boutique fitness studio in Williamsburg, Virginia, without realizing it would become much more than a place for workouts. It became a community, a gathering spot where every session and every conversation added layers to my post-military life. My clients weren’t just clients; they were the window to the world, teaching me about life outside the regimented structure I was accustomed to. They became my friends, mentors, and, unbeknownst to me then, my new network.
The true turning point came with the pandemic—a period that forced the world to pause but somehow set me free. Until then, I hadn’t stopped and reflected on who I was beyond my military identity. I was always on the move, planning the next step, never pausing to digest life itself.
This unexpected break was my blessing in disguise. It offered me a moment to breathe, think, and discover myself. It taught me the value of slowing down, the importance of self-reflection, and the beauty of finding purpose beyond past roles. I learned that life is not just about following orders or ticking boxes; it’s about creating your path, learning from every encounter, and growing in ways you never imagined.
Looking back, I see that my most defining moment came not from a place of action but from stillness. It wasn’t about what I did but what I discovered about myself. And that realization has been the most inspiring part of my journey—a reminder that it’s never too late to find out who you really are and what you truly want to become. But that moment was only the beginning.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I am originally from the island of Jamaica and migrated to the United States at age 14. I’m honored to be the mother of two children, my son, 24, my daughter, 10, and my husband, a 22-year Army veteran.
My military journey started at 18 with a simple goal: to get a college education. “Be all that you can be,” they said, and at that time, all I wanted to be was a college student. My path wasn’t the traditional college route, but I embraced it, aiming not just for academic success but striving to excel in everything I did. This drive wasn’t about competing with others but a personal quest for excellence, fueled by my athletic spirit and a relentless determination to make something of myself.
My military service introduced me to the world of health and wellness through bodybuilding, where I competed as a figure competitor for approximately five years. This experience was transformative, revealing a new version of myself and igniting a passion for guiding others towards a healthier, more fulfilled life. This journey was also about overcoming my health and wellness challenges, and it fueled my passion even more.
That led me to open a fitness studio after retiring, aiming to support people through their health journeys, both the highs and lows, and to teach them the importance of a healthy lifestyle that starts with the right mindset.
Over time, my focus shifted. I felt a deep connection with women, understanding our tendency to be hard on ourselves, feeling unseen and unappreciated, yet always managing to show up. This empathy grew stronger towards my fellow military women, who face these challenges with the added complexity of military life.
Now, as an empowerment coach for transitioning military and veteran women, my mission is to help her rediscover her worth, redefine her identity, and confidently step into her post-military life. I’m here to help her clarify her goals, boost her confidence, and craft strategies to transition seamlessly into her Next Best Self.
What fills me with pride is the knowledge I’ve gained and the journey I’ve lived; it’s similar to her journey, if not the same—the highs and lows, the victories and defeats, and the resilience built along the way. I’ve walked this path and brought these experiences to every coaching session and conversation.
My message to her is hope and empowerment: “You have so much to offer the world. Embrace your ability, your skills, and your greatness. Believe in yourself as you venture beyond the military; know that you have all you need to be the best version of yourself in this new chapter.”
Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?
In coaching, especially for those transitioning from military to civilian life, success hinges on more than training and knowledge. At its core, empathy and understanding are indispensable, enabling a coach to deeply connect with and address the unique needs of military and veteran women.
This tailored approach ensures that guidance is both impactful and meaningful. Equally vital is authenticity and trust; by sharing personal journeys of struggles and triumphs, a coach can forge strong bonds with clients, showing genuine understanding and effective guidance. Adaptability and flexibility are key, as each woman’s transition is highly individualized; a coach must meet clients where they are, offering support that resonates with their unique circumstances.
Effective communication underpins these efforts, as clear articulation and active listening are foundational to a productive coaching relationship. Moreover, a supportive network amplifies the value of coaching, providing clients with additional resources and connections. Staying abreast of new strategies, tools, and insights through continuous learning and self-development ensures that coaching methods remain practical and relevant.
Finally, resilience and perseverance are not just traits coaches encourage in their clients but are essential qualities for coaches themselves, helping them navigate their business challenges while serving as models for the individuals they assist. These elements combined create a comprehensive framework for success in the specialized field of empowerment coaching for transitioning military and veteran women.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
Throughout my entrepreneurial journey, I’ve experienced the tumultuous highs and lows that come with carving out my path. There were countless moments when the sheer weight of challenges made me contemplate giving up. The path of an entrepreneur is often depicted as a path of relentless pursuit and unwavering courage, but the reality is that it’s also filled with self-doubt, second-guessing, and moments of vulnerability.
However, in these moments of uncertainty, the true essence of leadership and empowerment shines brightest. Recognizing the importance of support was a turning point for me. I understood that to navigate this rollercoaster ride, I couldn’t do it alone—I needed to surround myself with individuals who not only shared my vision but could also offer the encouragement, advice, and resilience I needed to push through the toughest days.
This realization led me to seek out mentors, peers, and a community that resonated with my mission. It was about more than just finding people to lean on; it was about building a network of collaborators, cheerleaders, and fellow dreamers who understood the journey because they were journeying too. This support system became my foundation, reminding me that every entrepreneur’s path is strewn with obstacles, but the collective strength, wisdom, and encouragement we share propel us forward.
In embracing this support, I also fully stepped into my role as a leader. I learned that true leadership is about steering the ship through smooth waters and standing firm when the storm hits. It’s about showing vulnerability, admitting when you need help, and then using that help to lift yourself and empower others around you. It’s a cycle of support that fosters growth, resilience, and success for oneself and the entire community.
As I reflect on this journey, my message to other entrepreneurs, especially those just starting, is this: never underestimate the power of support. It’s okay to feel overwhelmed and to have moments of doubt but remember; it’s through these challenges that we find our strength and our voice. By enlisting the support we need and offering the same in return, we don’t just survive the rollercoaster ride of entrepreneurship; we thrive, leading and inspiring with every twist and turn.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.reneajoneshudson.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reneajoneshudson
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/reneajoneshudson
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reneajoneshudson
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@reneajoneshudson1
Image Credits
Photographer: Katya Vilchyk