Today we’d like to introduce you to Querencia Joshua and Aaliyah Jackson.
Hi Querencia Joshua- Founder of blkgirlfitnessjourney, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
In April 2020, our founder, Querencia Joshua, began her weight loss journey where she started at 280+ pounds and started documenting her journey on Instagram (@blkgrlfitnessjourney). She documented workout videos, transformation pictures, and inspiring quotes to motivate herself and others on their fitness journey as well. After a year of documenting her journey, she envisioned for this journey to not only include herself but another black girl on a similar journey. In January 2021, Querencia met Aaliyah Jackson, who was also on a similar journey since August 2019 and since then, we have built a close bond through health and fitness. In May 2021, Aaliyah became co-founder of Blk Girl Fitness Journey, and the brand has taken off ever since.
The two us have lost a total of 150 pounds and we are continuing to work towards our fitness goals with the motivation from not only each other but from our super supportive followers, family, and friends. As a duo, the two of us have built a solid foundation as fitness enthusiasts inspiring not only black girls but a variety of women around the U.S. We continue to post inspirational quotes, meal prep ideas, workout videos, and much more. We plan to take the brand much further by transforming into a company. We will provide fitness apparel and other fitness-related accessories as well as hosting local live workouts and informative events bringing awareness to health-related issues within the black community.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
As with any weight loss journey, it has its ups and downs. Aaliyah has had many fluctuations with her weight and has struggled with staying consistent with her weight loss journey for many years. It wasn’t until she was diagnosed with PCOS and prediabetes that she finally took her health serious. She had many times where she wanted to give up, but with the support of family, friends, and her dear friend Querencia, she has been able to stay consistent and control her health conditions.
Similar to Aaliyah, Querencia has had quite a few ups and downs as well. She began her weight loss journey during her time in college at McNeese State University. Prior to the start of her journey, she too was also diagnosed with prediabetes. However, with struggling to balance life, school, and extra-curricular activities, it was hard for her to stay consistent with her health and fitness goals. Overall, Querencia stated that she has probably started and stopped her journey over a million times. The difference between then and now is that she knows so much more about how the body works, and she can easily decipher between a crash diet what actually works for weight loss. Now Querencia knows discipline but also without depriving herself of the things she loves most.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
We are fitness enthusiasts who are on a journey to becoming the best versions of ourselves by promoting physical and mental health through our platform. Our goal is to inspire women of all shapes, sizes, and fitness levels to live healthier lives. We are known for documenting our fitness journeys by providing transformation photos, workout videos, meal prep ideas, and much more.
We are extremely proud of how much our brand has grown in the past few months and the many lives we have touched just through documenting our journey. We are also proud that we have found a way to not only lose weight but live a healthier lifestyle and staying consistent with it. What sets us apart from others is that we are very transparent throughout this journey. We have days where we want to give up, but the accountability from each other and our followers keeps us going.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
We would like to encourage readers that may also be struggling with gaining or losing weight by letting them know that it is always okay to start over but always find the willpower to start. It may be hard in the beginning but always envision the future! Wake up every morning with a mind that focuses on bettering yourself both physically and mentally. We would also like to encourage readers to follow alongside us during our journey by following us on Instagram @blkgrlfitnessjourney – Feel free to inbox us any questions or just to say hi!
Contact Info:
- Email: blkgirlfitnesscompany@gmail.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/blkgrlfitnessjourney
