Today we’d like to introduce you to J’La Scott.
J’La, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I officially started my fitness journey in 2012 and I believe that’s when my story really started. I say officially because before then, I would dabble in fitness here and there but I was never committed to the process and lifestyle. When I was a teenager, I had an athletic spirit and I really wanted to play sports but due to my religious upbringing, I wasn’t allowed to.
Once I entered adulthood, I had a lot of insecurities and was extremely shy from being so sheltered so I would shy away from doing anything athletic, even though I really wanted to. I would always collect the women’s fitness magazines and I would think, “OMG I want that woman’s abs so freaking bad and her legs.” But it always seemed beyond unattainable and unrealistic. I also felt deterred because I lacked the knowledge of what to do and how to get started. Then one day I said, “I’m gonna do it. I’m going to commit to it. I want to challenge myself to do whatever I have to do to look like that.” So I hired a trainer and the rest is history. I never looked back from that day. In the early years of my training, I had a few different trainers that showed me the ropes. After a few years with them, I began training myself with the knowledge I’d obtained from them and from watching YouTube and tutorials online. Fitness really transformed my life – externally and internally. I really feel like it saved my life honestly. What started off as an obsession for vanity turned into an obsession for my mental and spiritual health and soundness. I suffer from depression and it’s one of the main things that keep me balanced, focused, and centered. I don’t even chase the results for that perfect body I once desired; I chase how it makes me feel internally. The physical results are just a bonus.
With a love for fitness, I then begin to fall in love with athletic apparel. My body started looking amazing so I took more pride in what I wore. It had to look dope, sexy and comfortable. I can’t stress comfortable enough. But I had an extremely hard time finding athletic apparel that would fit me properly, with being very curvy in some places and muscular in others. Also, finding athletic apparel that looked unique felt luxurious but didn’t cost a fortune. So I decided to create a women’s athletic line that solved all the problems I encountered and I was sure other women encountered as well. In creating my brand, I also wanted it to stand for something I believed in, was close to my heart, empowering, great, and told my story; a story that would resonate with many. So I decided upon Rebel Life Apparel.
From a young child, a teen, and into early adulthood I had a hard time fitting in. I actually never fit in. When I was younger, I was constantly teased for my ethnic features. From my skin color, extra full lips, curly hair – that some days depending on the weather would turn into a puffball-, for having curves in certain places and not having curves in other places; the teasing was endless. Kids looked at me as not being black enough for being well-spoken and articulate. I felt different. I definitely looked different, I saw the world differently; I was raised differently. I never truly felt okay with just being me.
I always felt, “Maybe I needed to be like others in certain ways to fit in.” Then through a journey of growth, self-discovery, self-love, and beginning my fitness journey – I realized the person I needed to be to fit in was ME. Just me. Everything I was, is all I ever needed to be. That’s when I found my confidence; through self-love. I realized being different was okay. Having unique features was okay. Being well-spoken and articulate was completely fine. (It’s actually quite funny that all the things I was teased for are now all the things people admire about me, but that is another story.) Sticking to the morals and values I was raised with (by two beautiful people, my mother and father) was actually amazing, rare, and something to celebrate. Traveling the road less traveled was also okay. Living a life that fulfills you and is how you want and not what someone else envisions is absolutely OKAY. And that is what my brand symbolizes and celebrates; what I wanted to convey to young women, ethnic women, all women, the world. To be a rebel, be different, live life on your terms, and be uniquely you; finding love and liberation in that.
Outside of fitness, my career has been predominantly in the medical field – from executive assisting, administrative assisting to surgical assisting. When Covid and the pandemic hit March 2020, a part of the medical practice I was with closed and everyone was laid off. I was heartbroken but I always seem to find a way to see the best in devastating situations.
After being laid off, I decided to go full force into bringing the dreams I had put on the back burner to life. That experience made me realize it was time to create a life and career I had control over, one no one could take from me, fulfilled my every passion and purpose; and had longevity. So I got back to developing my athletic apparel brand as well as pursuing another dream of mine, which was of going into real estate. By nature, I’m a multifaceted young woman. I love design, art, architecture, helping, serving, and be a part of things that involve bettering and changing people’s lives; real estate encompasses all of those things. When I was younger, I had a desire to be a real estate agent but I never saw women that looked like me doing it and didn’t think it was really possible. But moving to Atlanta a few years back changed my whole perspective of the possibilities for young African American and ethnic women. Seeing young women that looked like me making waves in the real estate industry has been such an inspiration to me.
After I was laid off, I went to real estate school and obtained my real estate license. That was a journey and another story within itself. But I’ll keep it short and say, “It was challenging but when you are determined, committed, and dedicated there isn’t anything you can’t do or will let get in the way of bringing your dreams to life.” I’m fresh in the field as a real estate agent but I know with my mindset, drive, constantly striving towards success and excellence, my vision and desire of becoming a top producing real estate agent in Atlanta will soon come to fruition.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My journey hasn’t been a smooth road in any way, shape, or form. I’d liken it more to an action-packed movie with some good drama, a dab of love; well crazy in love, romance, and many magical moments, lol. But I wouldn’t change any part of it. Every age and stage of life there will be sacrifices, struggles, and hurdles to overcome. Turning 18 coupled with my overly ambitious nature is when I really had to grasp that concept. From a young age and into young adulthood, I struggled with not having confidence, lack of self-identity, lack of self-love, insecurities, the list goes on. I’ve had moments when I’ve been dead broke, saving and scraping up money together just to get by. When I was in the conception stages of my business, I lacked the knowledge resources, capital, and a team to get me going. I’ve always had my family’s backing and support, along with a few friends, but they could only do so much so it was left to me. I’ve had to figure everything out on my own and there is still so much for me to learn and much to accomplish. Despite what I lacked, I didn’t let that stop me from making a way to bring my dream and vision to life. I never will. If you want it bad enough, you will figure out a way, trust me. When you’re following your dreams and fulfilling your purpose, the universe will always place what you need in your life to accomplish those things. I believe we all possess the answers to everything we want to know inside of us; we just have to believe, have faith and dig deep to find it.
As you know, we’re big fans of The Rebel Life Apparel. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Well, I am I Licensed Real Estate Agent in Atlanta, Georgia.
I assist clients with buying a home, selling their home, or finding an investment property. Purchasing a home is one of the biggest investments and decisions in someone’s life. It’s such a rewarding feeling and an absolute joy helping individuals or families navigate this process and being a part of such a life-changing journey.
I also have a women’s athletic apparel line: The Rebel Life Apparel.
It is a luxury women’s athletic and athleisure wear line. Fashionable, unique athletic wear with a luxury feel that is perfect for any athletic activity or outside of the gym. Every piece from sports bras, leggings, or sets is specifically created with quality materials and a high elastic stretch for curvy women like myself or plus size. Comfort and luxury are key for me. It’s a non-negotiable. So whether slim or curvy, I believe comfortability should never be sacrificed.
What sets our brand apart from others is the style and selection of our athletic wear. From unique patterns different materials; some pieces are very edgy and sexy yet still very much athletic. One set could be for the gym or for a night out, and everything feels like absolute luxury. There’s isn’t anything that you’d have to worry about would it fit right, everything fits perfectly. And that is one of the main things I wanted women to never have to worry about.
Brand wise, I’m most proud of creating something that women love, believe in, and trust. It makes me smile receiving pictures from women saying how amazing and beautiful they feel in their apparel. That’s what makes me proud; being a part of someone’s fitness journey, being a source of their inspiration, and seeing the confidence they exude – and in something I created. It’s an amazing feeling.
I’m just getting started but have so many ideas and plans for expansion in the future.
How do you think about happiness?
What makes me happy is such a loaded answer. It isn’t one singular thing. It’s an array of things; from personal, familial, my career, and just life in general. Seeing my parents happy, healthy, and smiling makes me happy. Making them proud, putting a smile on their face; taking care of them, and being the best daughter and friend to them I can make me happy. Being the best sister and aunt I can be. The best friend I can be. Setting personal and life goals, watching them unfold, and achieving them all bring me the greatest joy. Investing into myself, personal growth, and genuinely loving every part of me and who I am at different stages in my life. Giving back to the community, feeding the homeless; literally seeking out homeless people to give meals to and engaging with them; having a brief conversation with them. I feel oftentimes homeless people are dehumanized and overlooked but they’re just as much human as we are and they have a story, a lot to talk about, and a lot we can learn from them. But anything that involves me serving and helping others makes me happy. Bringing my dreams to life and watching my career take off. My spiritual growth and drawing close to God, constantly trying to better that relationship and friendship. Simply enjoying life, traveling, and admiring the beauty of the world and God’s creations. All those things make me truly happy and equate to success to me.
Contact Info:
- Email: jlaatdreamhomesco@gmail.com
- Website: therebel-life.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/jlalove
- Facebook: facebook.com/therebellifeapparel1
- Other: instagram.com/therebellifeapparel
Image Credits:
Jack Manning
Leo Marshall
Cameroun Thomas
