Today we’d like to introduce you to Jyima Ofori-Atta.
Jyima, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I was definitely one of those people that when I started my career as a Personal Trainer, it was no surprise to anyone close to me. I am a First Generation American, my mother is from Trinidad & Tobago and my father is from Ghana. I grew up watching them work extensive hours so I naturally adopted that mentality of hard work and discipline as I started playing sports.
I played basketball in college and later went to start training in boxing at a local gym once I graduated college. I got my degree in business management and started my personal training business. I started as a strength and conditioning coach for boxers and college basketball players in Worcester, Massachusetts. I got a chance to visit Los Angeles in 2007 and instantly fell in love I knew this is where I wanted to move!!
When I got the opportunity to work for equinox in West LA, it was a no brainer for me I went home gave my two weeks notice and moved to LA. I worked at Equinox for about three months before I realized I really wanted to branch out on my own. I’ll never forget I trained an actress for free and just asked her to mention me to anyone she knew. From there, I got my first two clients and eventually built up a following big enough to open my own Fitness Studio in 2016 in the Artist District. We have since been in business for four years with a star rating on Yelp.
I truly believe my approach to fitness and relationships is what separates me. I care more about each one of my members and clients reaching their goals than anything. I keep an open line police to call or text with any questions. I always try to follow up with them and if they want to link up on an off day for extra work I’m all in. I try to emphasize more than anything the mental approach to fitness should transcend into your live which is be more consistent than intense and focus on being in a space of peace especially when it comes to how you react to stressors.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, when I left my job at Equinox as a trainer it took months for me to build my business. Then when it was time to open my studio, I couldn’t get a loan so my friends and family got together and chipped in as much as they could, there were about 10-15 old friends and family members that contributed. I literally remember one time rent being due and I wrote a check know it was going to be $500 short in the hopes I could find the money before the landlord cashed it. I got a call from my college roommate and he said he just was able to deposit $500 that I didn’t ask him for and didn’t even know he had. Lack of backing or capital was huge in the beginning. With no money to hire workers, I would know down walls and paint from 8pm until 4am then nap for 2 hours before my first session at 6am. I would train and teach classes from 6am – 8pm at another gym until we finally opened. Our members saw the struggle when we first opened no equipment just a big open space. Until little by little, we were able to build it up.
Please tell us about The Jyim Certified Personal Trainers.
The Jyim “Guided Intense Fitness’. I come from an athletic background so I implement as much of that into our fitness model as much as possible. I love the fact that we have a culture of hard workers who believe in giving maximal effort but incorporating as much inclusive wellness as possible like nutrition and recovery. What sets us apart is that we are a small goal-oriented studio. I make sure all of the instructors I hire live what they preach and we measure our success by the results our members get. Not sales. All instructors are certified personal trainers and also take continuing education workshops. We believe in creating a foundation of good health before going hard working out.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
My favorite memory from childhood is playing basketball all day with my friends because we were so competitive no one wanted to quit.
Pricing:
- Unlimited Class Membership $165/Mo.
- Personal Training $100/session. Personal Training 20-Pack $90/Session ($1800)
- Virtual Membership $99. 1 month Discount $89
Contact Info:
- Address: 830 Traction Avenue, Los Angeles, CA
- Website: www.thejyim.com
- Phone: 323.513.2003
- Email: [email protected]
Image Credit:
Jyima Ofori-Atta
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