Meet Keya Clark | Personal Trainer, Wellness Coach, Designer

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

Hi Keya, is there a quote or affirmation that’s meaningful to you?
My favorite affirmation/ quote is “Things are always working out for me.” It means trusting the process. It prompts me to remember who I really am and the power I really have. It means to keep the faith and enjoy the journey no matter what. It means that just because you don’t see it whole in the physical doesn’t mean it isn’t coming together perfectly and divinely. When you plant a seed you can’t see evidence immediately and for the most part we let that be. Just surrender having to know every single step and having it ALL figured out.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I have 2 businesses currently. Honestly, it’s more than just a business; it’s who I am. I am a certified fitness trainer/wellness coach and designer/CEO of an apparel brand. I didn’t see this anywhere in my future and it’s still sort of surreal. I’ll start with becoming a personal trainer. In 2015, I trained my very first client, but the journey really began in January of 2013. The church I attended at the time has an annual fast and out of the six years, I had attended I never participated, until then. About two weeks into the (Daniel) fast friends started to notice changes in my body. At this moment I’m shocked for a couple of reasons. 1.) I had only changed my diet for two weeks, I hadn’t noticed at all and standing at about 300 pounds at the age of 29 I had never eaten anything close to that type of diet. 2.) I had never intentionally loss weight either. I am self-trained and when I say I started from the bottom with this whole health and wellness life I mean it to the core. As stated earlier I started really basic with what I knew and slowly built on that foundation. I eventually decided to document on social media in hopes to inspire at least some change. In 2014 I found a barber on Instagram because I wanted to change my look. Fast forward almost exactly a year later, he asked me to train him. Mind you this hadn’t even crossed my thoughts once, so much so that I replied “train you in what?” I told him I didn’t train people; that I just posted content hoping people were inspired. He said “I’m inspired, what’s up?” All it took was one yes. I started to build.
What sets me apart is my wholistic approach. I work from the inside out because I believe everything is mental. Starting out severely overweight and completely lacking in nutritional education and practices really gave me and advantage. Most trainers played sports or was athletic. I can relate the the people who don’t have a clue where to start, who think gyms are intimidating, who feel stuck, misfit and just not capable.
I started my brand, Black Thighs Matter Apparel about a year later. I happen to have minored in Fashion Merchandising. I didn’t realize that came full circle until like 4 years in. lol. I always wanted to be in fashion but more of owning a boutique. Me, this little girl who never had nothing is dreaming, manifesting and creating something. Chills. The name didn’t just come out of thin air. Promoting body positivity and self-love was and still is at the core of what I do. In high school, I was a part of the majorette squad and when we would march in parades they would call me thunder thighs from the sidelines. I remember so vividly having huge blisters from the friction of my thighs and having to endure that for miles and days. I didn’t say anything. I guess I was embarrassed or prideful or maybe resilient. While living in New Orleans I was heavy in activism and community work and so that’s how the play on words and a comment from a friend became a movement. I didn’t see the vision and honestly at this point, I didn’t have a clear one. I started with 25 black and white t shirts. The brand sells unisex apparel but it’s definitely an ode to black women. Its a celebration of black bodies, a declaration of self love and a reminder to be loud proud and take up space.
I am where I am today because of my faith, my believing and really just putting one foot in front of the other. I continue to do what feels like the logical next step. I used to be afraid to mess up or miss an opportunity… now I know there is no such thing. I can’t get it wrong; the only thing that matters is that I have fun along the way. It was not easy. I was a self trained formerly overweight trainer; the thoughts were intrusive wondering would I be respected by other professionals, proving myself worthy to peers and clients. On top of those things I didn’t know the first thing about running a business. It was mostly difficult because of me being in my own way 1 way or another. I knew it was divine because things would just fall in to place in a certain way. The more I surrender, the easier it gets. I overcame and overcome by not giving up, by giving myself grace, by having fun by telling myself things that serve me Like I got this and its a marathon not a sprint. listening to Nipsey got me through some tough times. His music was my gospel music on them lonely long day and nights. I never forgot about the bigger picture.
I’m most proud of the way I believe in myself, the way do what I love my way, how I don’t compromise my integrity for no amount of dollars, how I’m allowing myself to attract instead of chasing, how I fully and boldly stepped all the way into my light. I really get my flowers and I’m proud of the impact nd just truly grateful to be able to impact and inspire!

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’m from New Orleans so food and music is top on the list. We are definitely getting tacos from Teddy’s Red tacos, Villa Tacos, Ha He Heng for Thai and Blossom Japanese for sushi. Caribbean Soul Kitchen and We Jammin has my Caribbean food faves! I’m heading to Venice to skate and ride bikes and do the beach life. Obviously we’re hiking because it’s one of the reasons I moved here. I go to Runyon sometimes but I love a Griffith hike! I love a good dance night so wherever Dj Printz and Kene. O are spinning, I’m there. There are a few other DJs I frequent but those are my tops. The LA Social Collective is my go to for “Sunday funday.” One of my favorite (in New Orleans we call them) “hole in the walls” is the Dime. They always have good energy and DJ’s there. One of the very best times I had was at the Ebony Beach Club party. Absolutely unforgettable!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My shoutout has to go to my mother. She is hands down my number 1 fan. She believes in me beyond comprehension. Every person she comes in contact with leaves knowing about me and my brands. She works pop ups and just helps in every way possible. She is such a light and a joy to have around. The people love her and when she isn’t around her presence is requested. The family support does not end with her but she definitely holds the title and sets a great example. Since you mentioned books, I have to shout out Think and Grow Rich A Black Choice by Napoleon Hill Forward by Dennis Ebro and Ask and It is Given by Jerry and Esther Hicks. These two books opened my mind and expanded my thinking and being like nothing before. Think and Grow Rich made me see and think of early black wealth differently. Ask and It is Given gave me the game on the Law of attraction and the inner power I have to create and manifest everything I want.

Website: Supanovafit.com / BTMA.BIGCARTEL.COM

Instagram: Supanovafit / blackthighsmatterapparel

Twitter: supanovafit

Facebook: Supanovafit

Image Credits
Ashley Lorraine