Today we’d like to introduce you to Jakya Sheppard.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Jakya. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I am Ja’ Kya Sheppard. I’m from Gainesville, Florida, born and raised. Majored in Sports and Exercise Science at Santa Fe College and graduated in 2011. Shortly after, I relocated to Houston, where I enrolled at the University of Houston to pursue my kinesiology degree. As a result of financial aid and grants not falling through, I was hit was out-of-state tuition. On a quest to pay back that debt, I got a job in retail. That was short lived because my purpose was calling me to back to the fitness industry.
I started working out and a local gym. Shortly after, I got training sessions to learn from my trainer the ins and out of the transformation process from a clients point of view. He saw my interest in as many questions as I asked and we had a conversation about me become a trainer. I quickly applied, studied for my certification and started working in the gym within two months of preparation for becoming a fitness professional. I left my retail job to work as a trainer full-time. I love transforming lives. Every day I woke up with intentionality. I was training everyone, kids, men, and women.
After embarking on several fitness journeys with different women from all various backgrounds, I found my passion: Women’s Fitness Transformation. I didn’t want to work with anyone else. All I wanted to do was empower Women through health and fitness.
Strengthening moms, wives, and busy woman alike giving them the proper tools to receive the results they desired. Even other members started to compliment the dramatic difference in my client’s waist, curvy physiques and overall toning of their body composition. All the regulars distinguished who was being trained by me in comparison to the results of my colligates. So much so my group class dropped my government name and started calling me ‘TheBeastCoach’ instinctively. There was only one slight problem. I had to do my job the way they wanted me to do it.
As I learn and grow through research and experience, I learned that their systemic practices were only surface deep. The nutrition, training, and accountability were considerably watered down compared to the vision I had for my ladies. As my limitation grow so did my frustration, I realized the only way to see change is to be the solution. I did just that.
For the next 12 months, I built my business from the ground up on my laptop. Building my website, going to business seminars, networking, getting a mentor and building my personal brand. Meanwhile, my clients started to take notice. I was picking up clients outside the gym, hosting outdoor boot camps and inviting them to outside fellowship to demonstrate the accountability they desired. I picked back up my retail job for extra income as I prepared my exit from corporate to full-time entrepreneur.
I worked during as a department store associate during my downtime at the gym. My side-hustle grew, time became scarce, and I soon had to make a decision. I felt that push so strong from God to take that step of faith to go full time as an independent trainer, so I took leave off Christmas weekend, and I never looked back. Since my departure, I have gained way more business than I ever had. Obstacles have tested the seriousness of my calling but I strongly believe anything worth having is worth fighting for! I’ve received Top 40 Trainers in Houston Awards, Speaking at numerous Women’s Conferences and featured on mainstream blogs.
I’m so grateful that I’m taking destiny steps daily. I say to everyone with a dream, take baby steps, apply yourself, pray often, invest and believe in yourself in the good and bad seasons. Hard work pays off! If you are interested in additional information in regards to my results-driven program, guiltless eating, and motivating accountability please visit my website at www.thebeastcoach or email me at [email protected]
Has it been a smooth road?
Last year when hurricane Harvey hit, I wasn’t prepared for the financial hardship that came with the effects of the devasting storm. I was left to really exercise my faith and find ways to recover from losing a lot of clients from them trying to bounce back from the damages and loss they personal experience that caused me to lose business.
As a business owner, I struggled with marketing and sales. I had to learn that I had to release my weakness to someone who specialized in that area of business. That was a true game changer! Anything I’m not naturally good at, I leave it to professionals. It made more super productive and made my job more enjoyable.
I also learned that being an independent trainer can be a dirty business. People will try to use, discredit and take advantage of you if you don’t have character, standards and a strong belief system. Learning the power of discernment and saying ‘no’ to things that don’t feel right was instrumental in my growth.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Ja’ Kya is a fitness-preneur to some of the biggest female game-changers. Her customized training style creates a unique and memorable experience for all clients, most popular amongst millennial woman, Her strong technology-driven platform that’s has a solid on and off-online presences helps members stay focused and engaged with your fitness journey.
Girl bosses, mom-prenuers, wives and brides alike rave about the wealth of knowledge they acquire and program outcomes as a result of their exposure to her brand. She is an ingenious, animated and witty speaker and coach emphatically know as ‘TheBeastCoach’.
The program has a reputation for eliminating major problem areas by helping clients lose an average of 10-12lbs in the first month of training. This movement is documented on her social media platform where audiences take pleasure in learning proactive health and wellness tips, effective workout moves.
She recently opened up about her PCOS (poly-cystic ovarian syndrome diagnoses where is proudly brings awareness documenting her journey through transparent heartfelt stories. Her unmatched style equips women to reach their goals and take on healthy habits as a lifestyle. She is available for conferences, keynotes, interviews, panels, private training, interviews, event host, and expert commentary as well as live and virtual media bookings.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Yes, it is great. That is the main reason I moved here from Florida because of the opportunity for potential growth and expansion. I would definitely tell them Houston is where it is at.
Anyone starting out in the fitness industry definitely will need to do their research and know their niche. There are tons of fitness gym, clubs, and similar business models. You have to know what makes you stand out and capitalize on that!
Pricing:
- Virtual Training starts at $69.99
- Group Training starts at $145
- Personal Training starts at $210
Contact Info:
- Address: 15299 Lee Rd, Houston, Tx 77032
- Website: www.thebeastcoach.com
- Phone: 8329300448
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @jakyasheppard
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/thebeastcoach
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/jakyasheppard
Image Credit:
Jasmine Betsy, Jeremy Tillis
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
