Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Rodgers.
Jennifer, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I was born and raised in Clarksdale, MS being a country girl and raise on not eating healthy was the thing in Mississippi. My grandmothers raises me and both of them where diabetics, so I wanted to become a nurse. While I was in the 8th grade, I was able to do finger stick on students that came on the clinic at school. After that, I knew that I wanted to be a nurse. So, I move to Memphis, TN in 2003 and I went to Concorde Career College and graduate with a 4.0 GPA as a Certified Medical Assistant in 2004. Fast forward to 2008 when I move to Atlanta, where I continued to work as a CMA then in 2012, I was in the gym lifting weights and I saw these ladies in the room dancing, so I wanted to try the class which was Zumba. I went it the class and stay for 10 minutes because I couldn’t get the moves. I when back when the class begins on another day because I’m not a quitter just to say in 2013, I became a Zumba instructor. I have been dancing since I was four years old and dancing alone with healthy became important part of my life and I wanted to help others doing it in a fun way. Then, in 2017, I as got my license as a Mixxedfit instructor which is a people-inspired fitness program that combines explosive dance movements with bodyweight toning. Then, in 2018, I took a leap of faith to started my own business by becoming a Paparazzi Consultant.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
This year has being a struggle for me because I have lost five family members. Back in April, I buried my grandmother/mother and dad a week apart. Then, in May, I lost my grandmother’s sister, then in July, I lost my four months old niece, and in July, lost a close cousin. This year was the most testing year that I have been through in my life, but what has gotten me through everything is praying, just seeing my son smile, going to church still singing in the choir and worshipping for others. I like listening to Won’t He Do It by Koryn Hawthorne, once I start singing that song and just listen to the lyrics on those bad days, I know everything is going to be ok. Also, staying in the gym and teaching my 2 fitness formats which help people reach their fitness goals. My advice to young women, don’t let no one tell you that you can’t do anything, continued to follow through with your dreams and always with God by your side you can do anything.
Please tell us about Sparkle Diva Jewelry – what should we know?
I am a proud Paparazzi Consultant who loves helping people look fashionable and fabulous in any way I can. The name of my company is Sparkle Diva Jewelry. The jewelry is lead and nickle free which is only $5, but we also have some exclusive ZI Collection that’s $25. What set me apart from others is that as in anything in life I keep it real with people, I’m that fitness instructor that will tell you that you can have a Krispy Kreme donuts because everything is done in moderation.
Finding a mentor and building a network are often cited in studies as a major factor impacting one’s success. Do you have any advice or lessons to share regarding finding a mentor or networking in general?
The advice I have for anyone is to hang around people that are business mind and who wants more out of life that have goals set and reach their goals that they set a least within five years. Also, keep you a person that will keep you accountable for what you say you are going to do.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.sparkledivastyle.com
- Phone: 770-696-7978
- Email: moniqueh30@gmail.com
- Instagram: jrdivafitness
- Facebook: Jennifer Rodgers
Image Credit:
Myself Jennifer Rodgers
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