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

Hi Christa, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
The rationale that led me to commit to starting my own business was my last corporate position. The last position I had as a content producer was literally the ideal job scenario. I had an amazing boss, a great team to work with, and the freedom to be as creative as I wanted to be. However, even in that situation, I was still miserable. I continuously felt as though I was being pulled towards something else, something more. I’ve always had an entrepreneurial mentality, but settled for traditional roles because it was “safe”. I settled because it was “the smart thing to do.” Yet, after this epiphany in June 2020, I knew it was time for me to put all of my time and energy into creating something of my own that was more in line with both my purpose and my passions in life.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
As a wellness professional I center my work around empowering and uplifting people, specifically women. I use fitness, meditation, and accountability as tools to help people tap into their full potential and discover more aspects of their life’s purpose.

I began my professional fitness journey in 2012 when I completed my 200-hour yoga certification. I’ve always been interested in helping people live their best lives, and working in wellness allows me to do that full time. It was an easy transition for me because it was a passion of mine already, and I believe my new field of work is in complete alignment with my overall life’s purpose.

The biggest challenge I’ve had to overcome as a business owner in my field is combating imposter syndrome. I am not the “typical” type of person you’d see in the yoga or fitness space and because of that, I question whether or not I belong in this space. However, as someone who believes in spiritual guidance, I know that divine intervention has led me to this place and made provisions for me to succeed and grow in the space.

A few lessons I’ve learned along the way are that when you first start a business it is all an uphill climb. You have to build and retain clientele. You have to constantly find new and innovative ways to keep people interested in your brand and what you have to offer them. You also have to be okay with losing in addition to winning. The beauty of owning your own business is that it’s a living breathing organism and it can grow as you evolve.

I want people to understand that my business is centered around empowerment, social justice, and embracing a life of purpose. I strive to encourage my clients to see how their individual existence has a major impact on their global community. I work to remove fear and excuses from their mindsets and help them discover their true power in the world.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
To be honest I’m a bit of a homebody, especially now that we’re in a pandemic. However, during a recent visit from two of my besties I took them on a tour of Kobe Bryant murals around Downtown LA and to El Matador Beach in Malibu. We went on a sunset boat ride in Marina del Rey and had an amazing dinner at Bossa Nova in West Hollywood.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Throughout my life, I’ve always had people who have believed in me and encouraged me to chase my dreams. However, in recent years my close group of friends have really pushed me to lean into my entrepreneurial spirit. They have lifted me up when I’ve doubted my abilities and encouraged me to keep going even when my family didn’t quite understand what I was doing. Though I may have eventually ended up running my own company I’m not sure I would have done it as soon as I have without their support.

Website: https://www.christajaninefit.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christajanine/

Other: https://www.traumatotriumphco.com/

Image Credits

Photographers: Asha Moné, Majesty Rose, Michaela Todaro, & Sebastian Vanegas

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