Inspiring Conversations with Lenora of Karnath Taekwondo

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lenora.

Hi Lenora, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Hi, yes, I’m a business owner of a taekwondo studio in Suwanee, GA. Starting my taekwondo journey as a kid just 32 years in Kissimmee, FL. Not realizing that this art would be something I’d fall in love with as well as teaching others. As a child I wanted to be a teacher, now I can say I’ve accomplished that along with becoming an entrepreneur.

Back in 1994 is when I took my first taekwondo class with my little sister. I was nervous and scared, but jumped right in. This was supposed to something my sister wanted to do and I was just there to help her. Little did I know, I would be the one wanting to sign up and continue training.

After a few years of training, I was able to earn my black belt. This took some time, hard work, discipline, dedication, and this prepared me mentally and shaped me into the person that I have become. I loved helping out when needed and decided to test for my instructor level. This process was completely different to prepare since this is the level of passing on knowledge to others.

Now years later and tons of experience, I took a big leap and made the decision and became a school owner. Wow, talk about a scary moment. Nothing beats putting everything into a studio, sacrificing time, and just believing in yourself. Looking back, I don’t regret a single decision.

Then as a family, we had to make a move. Tough to leave, but it was necessary. My husband was offered a promotion that we couldn’t pass up. I sold my studio to a local student, packed up and moved to Georgia.

All of my family lives in Florida, so this move was hard. I felt lost and didn’t know what my next steps were going be or even where to start. So after a couple of years I started sending out proposals to local community centers to see if they would like to have a taekwondo program at their location. Got an offer at Old Atlanta Community Center in 2019, this is how I started building up my student base. The plan was to have enough students and move to my own brick and mortar.

Now we all know what happened in 2020, yes, COVID. The struggle was real and my determination was tested. Do I just quit what I just started or figure out a way to pull through. So we pivot and adapt, had in-person classes and zoom class options as well. Continued building up my student base until I made enough revenue to start in my own store front.

By September 2020, I took advantage of the leasing prices that Covid had caused. There were several small businesses closing down, but here I go, starting one up. Got the keys and got my students back to training.

Starting and running a business is terrifying, but you’ll never know what you will become if you don’t jump in and make some sacrifices.

We’ve been impressed with Karnath Taekwondo , but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
At this moment, I have earn the rank of Master Instructor and I will become a 7th Degree in 2027. I teach most ages starting at 3 years old and up. Yes, even adults train too. Taekwondo is an art of self defense, and builds character within your confidence and mental strength.

Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
My family, my students, friends. You want to be around like minded people that can build you up.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://karnathtaekwondo.com/