Today we’d like to introduce you to Corniesha Johnson.
Hi Corniesha, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Confession before this interview I went to a lake and danced to salsa music and created Zumba choreography. That’s me free-spirited. During undergraduate school at Georgia State University, I did spontaneous fun activities. I could never stay entirely in the moment because of my responsibilities. I had two jobs and went to school at night. I hustled. Logic over my heart any day back then. In the past, I told my loved ones to put “died trying on my tombstone.” I said it jokingly, but I meant it.
Going to college was a goal of mine. I extended that goal to graduate school. My education was a key that I knew would open many doors for me. I received my Bachelor’s degree in social work. The look on my face when I discovered the fancy words and terminologies for what I had lived my entire life. I did not wear being resilient as a badge of honor. I did not learn how to create generational wealth. I filled out my FAFSA like everyone else and used my refunds to pay off bills. Financial struggles have a way of affecting you on more than just one level. You have to combat these struggles with expansion, creativity, love, stillness, forgiveness, and grace for yourself.
I never gave up on myself. I did very well in school because I stayed focused. I did not let my circumstances distract me. I am a natural helper. Having had been on more than one side of the fence. My compassion and empathy meter is high.
During my senior year in undergraduate school, a friend suggested one of my term papers be written about dance. Writing about dance was not logical to me at the time. I tried to write about dance, but I could not find the words. I told my friend that in a different lifetime I would be a dancer. I did not realize that life would be NOW. I tucked my dream of dancing away. I pretended like it was a hobby and not a passion.
After several attempts to MAKE life work in Georgia. I decided to move to Houston, TX. I vowed that I would not let any part of myself lay dormant. My mindset had changed after achieving my goal to go to college. I wanted a new life. I remained open to positive possibilities. I no longer wanted “died trying on my tombstone.” I went from having the mindset of died trying to “challenge accepted.” I started saying yes to my life. I got a temporary job with the county. I also received two promotions and became the team lead. My new life skyrocketed. I learned Spanish and studied two hours a day after work. I held babies in the NICU. I also became a mediator and danced. It’s safe to say that I had a busy schedule. I was determined to have new positive experiences.
Due to my love for dance, a friend suggested me teaching Zumba. Ironically I had been curious about Zumba and passed by a local Zumba studio regularly. The word DANCE stood out to me on the studio’s schedule. After that, it was pretty much a wrap. After attending four Zumba dance classes, I became a certified Zumba instructor. I am now an entrepreneur. I host Zumba/ dance events outdoors and online. I also teach Zumba at a hospital. It’s funny how all of your skills can merge into a business. I’m in the process of writing an inspiring book that will help people get to the heart of the matter. We all have gifts. We have to let go of what does not suit us to give our gifts, talents, and skills space. I have coached and mentored many.
Alright, 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?
There are shifts in your pain. I made healing a priority. I continuously go down into the roots of my struggles. I had to go from a lack mindset to an abundance mindset. Being laid off left me feeling like a rug had been snatched from underneath me. I gave a lot of my time, skills, and energy to my job. I said I wanted a new life and was getting it, but not the way I envisioned. I regrouped and gained a positive perspective. I continued to listen to positive YouTube videos, danced, and kept studying Spanish. Redirection comes in all forms. I handled my circumstances as they unfolded. At times I did things in increments.
Shortly after being laid off, I had an apartment fire. It was apparent to me that everything I built was in the process of being destroyed. I was still wrapping my brain around being laid off after three years at my job. I got quiet and danced more. I felt like I wasn’t moving fast enough for the universe. I was doing the work like changing my diet to exercising more. In hindsight, I was doing surface work. Personal development is layered. It was time to go to the roots. Surface work gives you surface results. My remedy was to keep saying yes to what was in alignment with me.
The ultimate struggle was being evicted after the fire because I could not find a job. I lived in my car. Despite all of my challenges, I have never been homeless. I prided myself on being able to keep a roof over my head. From a thriving perspective, I still kept a roof over my head. I did not have a home in the traditional sense, but that did not make me less of a person or less than anyone else. I did what I could and drove for Uber Eats. I used the funds I earned from Uber Eats to pay for my car. I did not identify with being homeless because I technically had somewhere to live. Circumstances do not define you. Consistency helped me. I continued to apply for jobs on my phone. I continued to make posts for my business on Instagram from the backseat of my car. I attended my Zumba certification class in a pair of flats because I could not afford tennis shoes. I danced through it all.
The goal is to share my love for dance through Zumba and inspire people that have felt like the underdog in some shape, way, or form. Coaching has been rewarding on so many levels. Standing behind a brand that I know is reputable as a brand ambassador is a lot of fun as well. We are all creators. I’ll never be just one thing. Neither are you!
Who else deserves credit in your story?
CC Sunchild- A creative genius, artist, cheerleader, and friend. Building and running a business is work. CC has been there for me every step of the way.
Lisa Nichols-Mentor-Personally called me out and told me to stop hiding! Lisa made me feel uncomfortable on purpose with a purpose. She inspired me to give my first online Zumba class.
Business Coach (Pat G.)- One word comes to mind when I think of Pat..wisdom!! She has helped me with my perspective and perception of owning a business, and life in general.
Cathy F.- Advocate- The person who suggested that I become a Zumba instructor. Need I say more?!? She has supported me with my business endeavors in the past and the present.
Viridiana F- Teammate, Advocate, Cheerleader. One of my fellow ZIN members. I learned how to salsa dance and bachata on the dance floor at salsa socials. Viridiana kept her classes going online during the pandemic. She has helped me with Zumba and salsa dancing.
Keenya Kelly- Cheerleader/Tik Tok Mentor. Times have changed! Social media plays a huge part in small businesses. Dancing on Tik Tok started as a hobby and became a way to monetize my business. Keenya’s Tik Tok tips helped me monetize my business in more ways than one.
M.C.W.- It takes a village to make dreams come true. I have transformed many times. Through it all M.C.W. has held me up. The unconditional love that I’ve experienced from her is like no other. Our bond is layered. Thank you for loving me on purpose with a purpose. More adventures await!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.zumba.com/en-US/profile/corniesha-johnson/1794182
- Instagram: thesavvynailchic
Image Credits
@NikkiThompson
@headshotsandhairathaven
@maxopm
