
Today we’d like to introduce you to Shawndrea (Drea) Rawal.
So, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Project Snatched (formally know as Ambitious Fitness) started as a health initiative for Howard University students in 2012. I had a background in sports and leadership that I felt could help impact health at my university in a different way. Therefore, I wrote a letter to the administration at Howard University explaining to them the state of obesity, black health, and our responsibility to the cause as the most illustrious HBCU in the country to for our students and faculty. The administration was receptive to my message and offered me a position through the work study program to hold physical fitness hours in Burr gym allowing students and faculty access to fitness facilities after class hours. I was ecstatic!
From there I started Snatched Camp in Burr Gym charging ladies 2.50 per session. I worked with students and faculty in the gym charging $10 per session and finessing my work study check. I worked at Nike, WSC, Equinox, etc. every gym known to man to understand the market and where I could potentially fit inn the market. I realized that helping people in this capacity was my greatest gift therefore I had to hone in on what exactly I wanted to do.
After graduating Howard University in 2015, I moved to NYC with the dream of working in the psychology field in some way shape or form. It did not happen. I had worked in NYC during the summer while at Howard therefore I had a network good enough to land a job at a fitness startup called TONEHOUSE NYC. There I was able to get first-hand experience on how to open and operate an independent gym. While at Tonehouse I worked as a sports specialist for a nonprofit in NYC teaching young ladies self-efficacy through physical activity. Being able to put all of my skills to use was truly fulfilling for me.
After a year at ToneHouse I was let go. That was a turning point for me. I worked hard and did not seem to understand the decision to let me go but GOD. Shortly after being let go there, I got an email from a beautiful woman asking me to train a new singer for her debut album. I was stoked because I had no idea how I was going to make ends meet in New York City alone. From there, I started training and traveling with clients implementing my method of training and lifestyle change. Then, I started Snatched Camp NYC which was a hit in Harlem, NYC at Central Park West. I offered the class by donation and had over 40 people show up on a weekly basis.
September 2017, I officially moved back to Los Angeles and started working in the psychology field while training on the side. Unfortunately, I did not understand that my gift was right in front of me. It wasn’t until Jan 2018 that I started to work for myself full time, during the day lol. I would work overnight at the psych facility and train people all day long. I was exhausted and spreading myself thin. Looking back, I lacked faith in m abilities to stand on my own two feet without the security of another paycheck. I worked till I had the courage to get myself fired.
Now, August 2019 I work for myself full time, FULLTIME. I work for myself. I average ten clients daily, I have built some great relationships and I’m grateful to be on the track to gross 78k in my first year. It’s crazy what faith, belief in yourself and God can do.
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 has not been a smooth road. Being an entrepreneur requires grit, consistency, and resilience. I think the most difficult thing was dealing with betrayal. I hired three guys in NYC to help wit Snatched Camp and things did not end very well. The logo to my business was stolen, my intellectual property, my brand was used to promote and conduct business that I had nothing to do with, it was just a bad situation. That experience triggered my move back to California and put a bad taste in my mouth about working with people. Furthermore, It taught me alot about business, how to handle myself, and how to remain true to yourself regardless of what other people are doing. If that ever were to happen again, I am now in the position to protect myself.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Project Snatched LLC – what should we know?
Project Snatched is a health consulting agency that specializes in lifestyle transformation; we use mental strength to manifest physical results. I work with people from all walks of life and health conditions. I have a background in Counseling Psychology, Nutrition, and optimal functional movement. I have studied from the time I was sixteen years old attending NIKE clinics with my high school coaches. I am most proud of the reputation I have in my field for being extremely good at my job and connecting with the people that seek my help. I believe you can build a relationship with anyone from any walk of life, you just have to be open and accepting of energy. I teach my clients self- love through caring for themselves in an unconventional way; creating an environment for growth, self- discovery, and overall success in all aspects of life. My approach is unique in that we are holistic and client specific, no client is treated or approached the same.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
I think the most important characteristic I hold is creating space for people. Creating space for people to be accepted for who they are, where they are and allowing them space to transform without judgment or ridicule. Quieting the ego and understanding that we are all the same and all have the same opportunity for change, growth, and development gives people the understanding that they are worthy and capable of everything they desire, it’s always my aim to aid in that journey.
Pricing:
- Individual Session: $115
- Monthly Membership: $470
- Monthly Small group Training: 165
- Snatched Meal Plan: $75
- Snatched Consultation: FREE
Contact Info:
- Website: projectsnatched.com
- Phone: (310)678-8639
- Email: Drea@projectsnatched.com
- Instagram: @snatchedxdrea | @projectsnatched
- Twitter: snatchedxdrea
Image Credit:
Wearing my own athleisure brand Brûleé Activewear coming 2020.
Suggest a story: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
