We had the good fortune of connecting with Lenise Jay and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lenise, what makes you happy? Why?
What makes me happy is hanging upside down and performing. I love the feeling and empowerment I get from getting my body to do things that I have never done before. Aerial Arts, dance, and working out have always given me a light. I also enjoy helping peopling get over physical and mental obstacles.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I love what I do, because I’m all about encouraging people. Yes, people get to stretch, exercise, and have fun, but they also leave empowered and ready to tackle life. Getting to where I am today was definitely not easy. One of my closest friends said “Diamonds are made out of pressure” and it is so true! As an African American women from the South making her way to LA was definitely not an easy journey, but worth every moment. I moved out here with literally three suit cases, no job, and no savings. I only had tax refund check of $1,200 if that lol. I have met some amazing people along the way and some people that were definitely lessons well learned. The biggest thing that keeps my flame going is the fact that I get to wake up every morning and decide what attitude I’m going to bring forth that day. When you declare greatness, you achieve greatness! When I’m teaching rather its one on one, or group setting, I always remind them the next step their bodies are going to make is up to them. If you feel defeated, you are already defeated, but if you claim that you are going to hit that challenge successfully, you have already won!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I honestly see beauty in every part of LA! Getting on the subway is full of adventure to me. If I had family or friends to visit, I would definitely take them to the beach, Hollywood blvd, any comedy club, and definitely to an aerial class lol.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to shout out to: The Aerial House
Fit&Bendy
AirFit Now
Club Pilates
Paper Doll Militia
The Fly Black Aerialists

Website: www.flyfitlenise.com

Instagram: @flyfitlenise

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RoQMindandbodypilates

Image Credits
Christian Yi Photography Lee Jameson Photography House of Jenius Photography

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