Today we’d like to introduce you to Kia Dawn.
Hi Kia, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I am originally from Seattle, Washington, heavily bred and greatly influenced by the art of music, gymnastics and dancing having had grandparents who were pioneers on the 1940’s New York jazz music scene. My grandfather Otis “CANDY” Finch was an infamous drummer that worked with Dizzy Gillespie, Shirley Scott, Big John Patton and many other famous Jazz composers. My graceful Dama (grandmother) “Willa Mae Dozier was a published model for The J”et Beauty” Magazine, a Cotton Club Cabaret Dancer and Alvin Ailey Dance Academy student but during her remaining years of life, she owned an in-house children’s daycare center. Following in his parent’s footsteps my dadah (father) Akim “The Dream” Finch is a renowned percussionist in the greater pacific northwest regions performing with Darren Motamedy and many other resounding artist for events hosted by Russel Wilson, Anthony Anderson and James Gore. Growing up, I had the opportunity to observe him maintain a career working with children’s by day and by night transforming into a musician going to perform. Through those years I learned how to develop a system that balances both my business and my talents allowing me to enjoy the benefits of both.
After receiving a cheer scholarship to attend Langston University in Oklahoma, where I participated in a plethora of school activities such as pageants, was a cheerleader (2009-2011) and a J-Sette (majorette) dancer with the HBCU Marching Band (2011-2013) meanwhile earning credits towards a Bachelors Degree in Journalism with an in Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education. During, college breaks I would spend winter and summer breaks traveling to attend the different cheer and dance workshops hosted by “Going Pro Sports Entertainment Company” for several weeks I’d attend these camps led by NFL Cheerleaders and NBA Dancers, receiving 1 on1 consultation and training from the following: Seahawks Sea Gal – Mhkeeba Pate (2009), Houston Texans Cheerleader – Britany Davis (2010), Oklahoma City Thunders Girl – Shereka B. (2011), Cincinnati Bengals Cheerleader- Mercedes M. (2012),
After completing my associates I decided to move to Atlanta in 2013, transferring my college credits to Georgia State University to finish up my Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism with a minor in Psychology. Awhile still pursuing my dance career, I began training under Emmy Award-winning choreographer Rikki McKinney, CiCi Kelly, and Lauren Pittman at Gotta Dance Atlanta Dance Company (2014 – 2016). Signing up for more professional dance and cheer prep camps led by the Atlanta Hawks Dancer- Lauren P, Atlanta Falcons Cheerleader – Kadija J. (2014), Atlanta Falcons Cheerleader – Denita C. (2015), Atlanta Hawks Dancer -Jennifer (2016). I was able to receive the proper preparations to begin auditioning for the local Semi-Professional National Atlanta Basketball Leagues as a dancer and Football Leagues as cheerleader. all that hard work gained me the opportunities to perform with the GA Falcons Football Team (2016), The Atlanta Wildcats Basketball team (2017), and the ATL SHOW Basketball Team (2018).
Throughout my years of studying at GSU, I utilized my degree and got a job as a special education teacher putting myself through school working for the Atlanta Pubic school district in 2016-2018 and when I moved home for Seattle Public School district with my dada (father). Over the years I’ve had multiple position working as a lead prekindergarten teacher, YMCA cheer and dance coach and for my senior internship I worked as a gymnastics coach from for KIDSGYM USA in college park.
However; it was the 2020 global pandemic that inspired me to create the therapeutic wellness brand “Mindfulness Mobility, LLC” a company that allows me to help modify the life of my clients by properly coaching them on the healthy benefits of mindfulness, mobility, and fitness.
The motto is “Fuel The Mind and Carve The body” through body awareness actions that make the connection between mind and body through different meditative calorie burning exercises like Belly Dance, Waistline Whine Infusion, and Cardio Weight Training. Providing support, encouragement, and accountability during their lifestyle transformation. The following year, I established my dream vision of having a kids fitness program “Twist N Shout Arena, INC” a nonprofit organization built on making an impact on the kids in the communities as youth therapeutic fitness leader. Making physical fitness fun for families through educational, mindful and gymnastics activities using all of my degrees, talents and certifications to teach these the next generations the skills shared with me.
The artistry, stage presence, and creative direction that I have gained over the years has earned myself the benefit of Booking, teaching and training continuously to build up my resume working as a independent contractor and artist. Performing with the Atlanta Braves Stadium as Gold Human Statue, worked on the final season of “Iyanla Van Fix My Life” Tv show and hosted two “Community Outdoor Kids Day Mixer’s” as well as many other amazing projects.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Probably one of the biggest lessons I’ve ever learned upon this journey as a business owner is that if I want to be successful I have to work with a purpose. I’ve built two successful businesses meaning early mornings, late nights and work on the weekends with lots of coconut water, scheduling, and irreplaceable freedom. Being a female entrepreneur comes with its fair share of challenges which I have learned that adversity builds character and arrives to help achieve success at any stage of the entrepreneurial journey. Not only have I learned about the fitness industry, but I’ve had the opportunity to grow through life lessons like living out of my car, sleeping in a garage, and getting early to go be a fitness instructor in a room full of highly energized, bright and smiling faces of kids and adults. One thing we can all agree on is that the dream of being your own boss takes a long time and a lot of patience with yourself. Starting a business can feel isolating at times because people are unable to see your vision and that can be discouraging. Quite honestly, I used to feel the exact same way like what’s the big deal? Until, I was reminded by a happy customer of mine the impact my business has had upon her lifestyle and how her family is benefiting from my wellness program. Making a difference and building up great recommendation for a thriving business, which provides me a gift of joy to acknowledge the ways I’m can put a smile on their face and how important you’ve made them feel about themselves in your presences.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
The personality behind Mindfulness Mobility is naturally light-hearted and inclusive. Our optimistic attitude makes it easy to help others sort through internal conflicts that may be blocking their body from reaching its maximum potential. We have an innate ability to listen and identify how energy can affect the perception a person has of themselves, and we’re devoted to helping people learn to channel their inner strength to develop self-discipline. Our audience is naturally attracted to our intuitive sense for how the body, mind and spirit work together to create a harmonious environment of wellness. They appreciate our commitment to creating inner stability within the body, and need our guidance to achieve that connectedness so they can reach their wellness goals with confidence.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
I had a real childhood with freedom to play, be spontaneous, and try new activities aside from performing arts, gymnastics, and sports camps.
During the week, I would get home from practice, change my clothes, and head for an adventure whether that be to the beach, community center, or library. My brother and I took advantage of our bike rides until curfew. Not only did we have fun, but our parents made sure we were well disciplined and dedicated when it came to our performance.
Growing up with an active life, weekly the schedule was dance studio to the gymnastics gym learning the fundamentals of movement in a safe environment among other ambitious, confident, and courageous kids. Physical activity cognitive, motor, and social development skills. When I started performing I was unaware of how consumed my life would become by it, aligning me with numerous rewards in my adulthood.
Contact Info:
- Email: minfulnessmobility@gmail.com
- Website: https://www.mindfulnessmobility.com/
- Instagram: mindfulnes_mobility
- Facebook: mindfulness mobility llc
- Youtube: mindfulness mobility
- Yelp: mindfulness mobility
