Today we’d like to introduce you to Dawn Singletary.
Hi Dawn, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I was in Corporate America and was so focused on the success of my career I let my health take a backseat.
My father passed in 2012 and had an important message for me about the importance of health shortly before his passing.
I started and stopped my fitness journey many times. And eventually got in good enough shape to compete, train clients, open my own all women’s gym, and obtain an IFBB Pro Card just last month.
Several people have shared that my story inspired them to fight for everything that seems unattainable.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
The road hasn’t been as smooth, but I wouldn’t be who I am or where I am if it were.
All I knew was corporate America. I even went back to school to get my MBA. This was a step out on faith.
I was overweight. I am over 40. I have 4 autoimmune diseases, one being lupus of the skin, and have been diagnosed as pre-osteoporosis. Physically, this is not a likely profession or even a hobby.
I was told by some people in the fitness industry that I didn’t have what it takes to compete, but I still kept going. I just knew this wasn’t the end of my story.
I came in last place when I competed in my first 2 local amateur shows for bodybuilding. Which made it harder for people to believe I could do well in competing. The third local show I nationally qualified. I then did 3 national shows after that. Nationally I placed 3rd (which is an honor in itself), then 2nd, and last month I earned an IFBB Pro card which is only awarded to very few in the world and qualifies a person as an official professional bodybuilder- globally recognized.
I was also prepping for this last show while I got married and was opening a gym.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a coach and trainer for women who want to take their physical and mental health to the next level. They go hand and hand.
I’m known for empowering women to push the limits. The limits on taking care of themselves mentally and physically. We literally lift weights and get on machines over here at 6140 Fitness. We offer group classes and cardio, but we provide a safe space for women to be comfortable lifting weights and sculpting their bodies with proper guidance.
I’m most proud to know that my actions to push forward in different areas of my life- even when I was appearing to fail, inspired other women to keep pushing forward part fear in their own lives.
What sets me apart from others is that I’m not afraid to take a loss if I can see the big picture. Business-wise, what sets us apart is that we are an actual gym, with full equipment, and our focus is proper form and women’s empowerment.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
Success is setting a goal, visualizing a dream and not stopping until the goal is obtained and the dream is my reality.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: IyanlaOfFitness
- Facebook: Dawn Singletary
