Meet LaToyia Adams of Fit-N-This in River Oaks

Today we’d like to introduce you to LaToyia Adams.

LaToyia, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Wow, where do I start… My life motto in one word would be: Be unstoppable! I am from Louisville, Kentucky and was raised by a single mother in a small two bedroom house with one sibling and five cousins (off and on). My aunt had issues of which resulted in my mom taking in all five of my cousins and costing my parents ultimately divorce. My mom did the best she could with (now) seven kids, but it was tough at times. However, I learned many valuable lessons and life skills from my childhood. Mainly, it spiked my interest to want to select a career that would help others and to always give back. I went to college and graduated from Florida State College of Law with the life goal of becoming a healthcare attorney. I moved to Houston in 2011 after taking, but failing, the Texas bar. I was convinced that once I came to Texas, I could re-take the bar and continue on my journey. Wrong!! I took the bar again – failed. Again: failed. I failed four times! In Texas, you are only allowed to take the bar five times and then you have to petition to be allowed another shot. I was embarrassed, defeated, felt dumb (even after all of my education) and sad – but I was determined! I reflected on my goals and remembered where I came from and why I started and used the power of my ambition to push myself. The fifth and final time: I passed! I lived up to the saying, “You can do whatever you put your mind to.” Finally, an attorney, I was able to move forward into my career confidently. With this, however, my health was not best – I was overweight at one point (a size 16 at my largest), had high blood pressure and was battling a hormonal imbalance called Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD).

I, again, knew I could take control of this. I put my determination forward and lost all of the weight, I no longer have high blood pressure, live a healthy lifestyle and run a successful small fitness business helping others to achieve their fitness goals. I still battle PMDD but my active lifestyle gives me the energy and positivity to keep pushing!

Lastly, and my main passion, is community service! I pursue my calling to give back and help others by volunteering with “Normal to be fit,” which is a charity that helps individuals with disabilities to workout and lead healthier lives and “Friends of Down Syndrome” a charity to help individuals with this condition. I love life and I want to do all in my power to help others live up to their fullest potential each and every day – whether it be legally, physically or by just providing a listening ear.

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’s been a rough road. I have had financial issues, I have moved around a lot/had lack of stability, battled depression at times, been attempted to be robbed at gunpoint, and have a health condition of which places me in pain almost daily. Yet, I know that there are others out there that have it worse than me – those are the ones that I vow to be there for. They motivate me to be better and give me way more than I could ever give them.

We’d love to hear more about your business.
I am a healthcare attorney, but I own a small fitness business. I teach fitness classes at luxury apartment complexes to provide a convenient way to work out while at home for the residents. I, also, personal train. I am know for helping others lose weight and lead healthy lifestyles- not just go in a diet or a quick fix. I am most proud of hearing of all of the success stories and the feedback that I get from clients. It is life altering to know that not only have I impacted, but have changed someone else’s life for the better.

Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
The qualities that I think is most important are perseverance and determination. It may sound generic, but it is true! If you give up on you, who else will root for you?? You have to go for what you want, even if it is a hard, dark and lonely road. You cannnot stop! You have to remember why you started and how the accomplishment of meeting your goals will feel! This starts within- it is your fire that keeps burning. All you need is one flame.

Suggest a story: VoyageHouston 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.