Today we’d like to introduce you to Monique Jefferson.
Hi Monique, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Well… it all started with a girl who had a dream to break barriers in a mostly white, male-dominated field! I started training in 2011 in Columbus, Ga.(it was my senior year of college at Columbus State University). I remember people watching me all the time when I worked out and asking for my advice. Most students would come in and recognize me because I played basketball, but being a 5th year senior because I transferred, they got to see me as just the average student sometimes— that just so happened to LOVE working out! So, I started there and brought my talents back home to Birmingham, AL and I’ve been here ever since; working with various middle/high school athletic programs/individuals and growing my fitness clientele as well.
Many people doubted me along the way and thought I should just give up because I was a young, black female in the South trying to make a name for myself and break barriers in again a mostly white, male-dominated field, but I was determined to show them that it can be done. I’ve always been a super tough woman— focused, driven, and just a go-getter so this wasn’t foreign to me. I just continued to trust God and stay the course, so look at me now! And I’m just grazing the surface!
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?
Well, it’s never smooth when you’re black- let’s just be clear- but I will say that now it’s becoming a lot smoother to make the connections and get in touch with certain individuals now that my brand is known and people are watching more & more. I had a lot of struggles along the way from financial to emotional-not feeling like I had enough of support to make it, feeling like I wasn’t good enough, feeling like I should just keep things small and never aim for the BIG. But, God has gifted me with a light that just cannot be dimmed!
So, I will continue grinding it out and being an example unto those who may look up to me by encouraging them along the way, because I want them to have what I didn’t get in the BEGINNING! Belief in my worth and capabilities to be able to take things to a whole other level! My mom has always told me “All things are possible for those who believe”!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Sure! I am currently a certified personal trainer, certified strength & conditioning coach, and currently pursuing my sports performance enhancement specialist certification! I specialize in girls’ sports performance training (any sport, but primarily basketball), but what I’m known for is my fitness personal training in and around the city! I just got into the strength and conditioning aspect in the past three years but before adding that facet, I was known strictly for my fitness training. I train men & women when it comes to that so there’s no discrimination right there— I just so happen to attract more female clients than male! The thing that I’m most proud of is that I didn’t give up; To see my business go from where it was, to now where it is and to know it’s steadily growing is what fuels me day in and day out.
I’m proud of my growth in the industry. Because the thing that sets me apart from others… I know how to be professional yet congenial with my clients. Each and everyone love the connection I can make with them instantly to help them achieve whatever goals they may have set for themselves ‐– I call it my anointing. But I’m just built different. I’ve always been different. And I’m set on being myself in this industry and showing people you don’t have to conform to what’s considered the “norm” in this industry for women. You hear “sex sells” all the time well, this sex ain’t selling and what you see is what you get! A real one! A person who’s dedicated and loves what she does for real. I’m focused on impacting lives and changing the game for women and I truly believe God is going to use me to do it! To show people women can do it too!
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
Of course. I’m definitely a book lover and I like to read anything motivational or inspirational. I listen to a lot of videos by Eric “ET” Thomas, David Goggins, Tony Robbins and Les Brown on my tablet in the mornings and at night. I read different health books/journals or just something inspirational all the time. You have to feed your mental, recharge your body and I do this not only by working out but by doing those things I just listed. Totally fulfilling!
Contact Info:
- Email: Info@
championstatustraining.com - Website: Championstatustrainin
g.com - Instagram: @championstatustng
- Facebook: Champion Status Training
Image Credits
Daz Goodman
