Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Jones.
Stephanie, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Have you ever heard the saying….the joy is in the journey not the destination? That’s exactly what this experience has been for me, a journey. And at certain points along the way, I was just trying to figure things out. Really, I never saw myself being in the fitness industry, becoming a Massage Therapist, or even having my own business. Life experiences unfolded for me and those areas caught my attention.
My first job in high school was at a bank, so I had my eyes set on a corporate career. Which led me to majoring in Accounting at the University of Maryland (College Park). I worked out at the campus recreation center regularly to keep myself active. I ended up spending a lot of time there. From working out to studying at one of the tables, and later working there as a Recreation Center Supervisor. During that same time, I discovered an interest in massage therapy while taking a stress management course. Once I graduated from UMD, I moved to Atlanta and jumped right into my field. I was doing well as an accountant but I was itching to explore massage therapy more. So I enrolled into the Atlanta School of Massage and fell in love with the profession. I discovered a passion that I didn’t even know I had.
I was pretty disciplined about working out so I trained at my cousin’s gym when I wasn’t working as an accountant by day and in school for massage therapy by night. That training and discipline in the gym led me on stage to compete in my very first bodybuilding competition. It was that experience that opened the door to the fitness industry.
After working as an accountant for 13 years, I realized that I wasn’t feeling it anymore. I honestly don’t think that I ever felt it. I did it because that’s what I went to school for and I knew how…but it wasn’t fulfilling and just felt like a job after a while.
One thing that I didn’t want for myself was to be angry, bitter, and doing a job that just felt like a job. I literally cried while driving to work because I was too afraid to walk in what I enjoyed doing and deep down felt was my purpose. Fitness and massage is what I really wanted to do.
There was something about training people and helping them achieve their fitness goals and to be able to relieve muscle tension and increase relaxation through massage therapy…that gave me life and made me feel like I was making a difference. I just didn’t think that I had what it took to make it work as a full-time profession. Positive self-talk is so important and I struggled with it back then. Even through the ups and downs and uncertainty about it, I finally decided to operate as a licensed massage therapist and certified personal trainer and fitness instructor full-time and I haven’t looked back.
Some people have been wanting to do things that they are passionate about since they were as young as they can remember. My experience was a little different. Fitness and massage knocked on the door, looking for me. I’m so glad I answered.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
This journey has definitely had its share of obstacles and challenges.
When I first launched Boom Shock Fitness, I was trying to be everything to everyone and struggled with fine-tuning my audience. I wanted to help anyone who needed help. That actually caused me to stretch myself so thin that it was getting hard to keep up. I was losing the passion that I once felt because I was overwhelming and overworking myself. That’s when I knew I had to tighten up and get clear. I wasn’t going to make it if I didn’t.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Boom Shock Fitness & Wellness helps women get back to taking time out for themselves and become better on their fitness journey by tackling the frustrations related to achieving their goals. There’s no cookie-cutter way to be successful at this healthier living thing. You have to find what works for you on your fitness journey….and WORK IT!! If Boom Shock Fitness & Wellness is able to help you do that…then we’ve done our part.
Sometimes we just need a wellness reset to help us get back on track. Boom Shock Fitness & Wellness provides “LIVE” virtual 1:1 training programs, group fitness camps, customized workout plans, and even a 20-day self-guided workout challenge. Massage therapy services are available for corporate events and organizations who would like to incorporate chair massage or stress management technique workshops.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
I have such an amazing support system that keeps me uplifted, encouraged, and supported me. It has been a journey of learning experiences and I am grateful for the people I have met and the relationships I have developed along the way.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.boomshockfitness.com
- Instagram: @boomshock
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BoomShockFitness
- Youtube: Stephanie Boom Shock Jones
- Other: https://www.boomshock.lgpapparel.com
Image Credits:
Jasmine Denton (Regal Soul Media) Cassandra Davis (Pure Amethyst Photography)
