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

Shajuna, appreciate you joining us today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

Covid-19 had hit. I used to go to this gym a few times a week, so I was devastated that I couldn’t attend anymore due to the the severity of Covid, everything shut down. Life really changed for everyone! So I started working out at home. Trying to relieve stress and anxiety. I started posting videos I would create. Next thing I knew, a lot of my friends or random people would ask me if I train people. At first, I was like, I’m not about to start training. I got into fitness apparel first. Then naturally, becoming a personal trainer just stuck with me. So now, I sell fitness apparel and also personal train!

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?

So the name of my brand is BlaqkIn. It’s pronounced BlackIn. I am about to turn 34 next month. Yes, I’m a lucky Libra! I have always been an athlete my entire life so it was almost naturally that later in life I would turn to fitness. In college, I ran track and played softball, so the discipline was there! I was unhappy with just working in Corporate America. I needed something else. Having a job and having a business can be exhausting. My days start at 4:30am in order to get my clients finished up before 11am. Then I start again at 7:00pm. So my days are extra long, but it’s so rewarding seeing my clients happy with their results! I am a results driven person, I am focused on getting my clients exactly what they want. Since I also sell fitness apparel, fitness sets, fitness bands, meal plans, and personal training sessions. So you are getting everything you need from me! 😊 I go over and beyond for my clients to accommodate them when it comes to restraints on what their body can do. I customize workouts for your workout level. I am very hands on with getting you the results you NEED! I love what I do, so when we are working out, it a whole experience! I am very personable and almost every client I have end up a lifetime friend! You get a personal trainer, stylist, wellness tips, therapist, ect all in one! I am proud at the growth I’ve seen since 2020!

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

Everything I did initially, I funded from my own pocket. I did have a corporate job that I was able to use funds to start off which is a blessing many people do not have. I had no idea how to start a business. What it took to keep it going but I did it. My first shipment, I was able to save up from a few paychecks to buy my first fitness sets. Then, I grew a little smarter to find a good business credit card to help with large purchases that I was able to pay over time. It worked out better for me.

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

Of course, there is an infatuation with new things. When I first launched my fitness apparel, business was going really well. Support was really big. People asking to help and assist. Then it all stopped. I couldn’t find a good vendor. Delaying releases of fitness sets. It was so frustrating. I wasn’t getting many website views anymore. It was tough. I put so much into my business and it seems like it was in a standstill. Then, I started coming up with new ideas. New fitness camps, that opened up personal training. I didn’t want to transition to becoming a trainer but then that’s where I found my purpose! Personal training was what I needed and afterwards, business got better. My confidence was back. I felt like I accomplished something great!

Contact Info:

• Website: BlaqkIn.com
• Instagram: BlaqkinFitness
• Facebook: Osiima Balewa
• Linkedin: Shajuna Fisher

Image Credits
@VicSupreme