Today we’d like to introduce you to Misty Gradney.
Hi Misty, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Entertainment has always been a passion of mine. I graduated from Clark Atlanta University in Film and TV. Working on sets was so much fun in Atlanta. I soon moved back to Charleston, SC and opened a small business promoting health and wellness serving smoothies. I went further and became a Zumba instructor and that’s where the journey really began. I developed Patrois Fitness, SOCA TURN UP and Caribbean HEAT workouts. When I saw how many lives I was able to touch with this God gift I continued to go deeper and deeper. Now I’m a personal trainer and travel to different states conducting exhilarating dance fitness! Creating an experience for each and every person. Dance fitness has become my everything.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The struggles in the fitness industry is someone is always better or someone is doing what you’re doing as well. It’s hard trying to get that class built up or getting booked for the events as an entertainment. It was very male-dominated when I started out. When you are competing with others for the same spot, it can be discouraging. Then finances let’s be honest, it takes money to do what you love.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Best Damn Instructor Ever! That’s me! I’m the creator of SOCA TURN UP and Caribbean HEAT fitness. This dance fitness is a combination of soca, dancehall, reggaeton, Zouk, Afro beats and other rhythms. I’m known as Best Damn Instructor Ever I hardly hear my real name called in the streets. That name was given to me by a group of young ladies when I took a cruise to the Bahamas in 2015. So it’s now my brand. I’m most proud of the people who have supported me, believed in me and encouraged me because they saw the potential. I’m so happy I can perform at any event and I’m able to have my children with me doing what I love to do. Bring a role model for them is most important. Now people ask me, “How are you different from other instructors?” My answer to them is I GIVE YOU AN EXPERIENCE YOU WILL NEVER FORGET. No one teaches like me, I reach people because I’m like them. I’m that single mother, I’m that dream chaser, I have weight loss goals, I struggled with depression and self-esteem, I’ve been in their shoes and because of that I can reach them teach them and they will never forget.
What matters most to you? Why?
I’ve been in the fitness industry for over ten years. I know what my God-given purpose is and that is to help others. It’s important for me to help others in their journey. It’s important for me to build a legacy that can be continued for years and years to come. It’s important for me to make a difference in this lifetime.
Pricing:
- Personal session start at $150 per month
Contact Info:
- Website: www.bestdamninstructorever.com
- Instagram: @bestdamninstructorever
- Facebook: www.Facebook.com/bestdamninstructorever
- Twitter: IamBDIE
Image Credits
Think Reddot Media J. Washington Photography Jeffrey Bowens Photography
