Today we’d like to introduce you to Rashaundra Eberhart.
Hi Rashaundra, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I started coaching when I was in High School. I attend Albany State University for 3yrs and left once my little sister passed and went back to Gresham Park to start back coaching. One of the judges talked to me every year asking me why I don’t start an All-Star problem. After giving too much thought in 2009, I decided that that was my last year Coaching Park and Recreation. Once June 2010 came, I had parents reaching out asking me if I was returning back to the Park and I said no. At this, I’m pregnant with my 2nd child which was a baby girl and I was due in August. I asked my sis LaTonya (Amy) could she step in and help me coach since I was pregnant. We hosted Sunday camp at Cedar Grove High School, Thanks to Coach Nick and this particular year a new Principal came in and said we could no longer be there. I looked at my sister and said how am I going to have a team and no gym. And it was like God spoke to me instantly. I talked to my mom and asked could we practice in her back yard and she said yes. Of course, I had to stay in the house since I just had my baby girl so I opened the windows and was coaching from inside the house and my sister was outside with the girls while parents sit in the house, lol. When it rained and when it got cold we pulled the girls in the garage to teach. And I’m still thinking where can we go and could I afford to move. Once my six weeks was up, I was on a hint to find a building for us and a month later I found one. Three years after being in that building the girls started getting taller ceiling was to low and the gym started growing and I said OMG what am I going to do now. So I went back out to find another location and I found one and we have been there since but believe or now, it’s time to find another location.
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?
No, it has not been a smooth road, from finances, trying to Coach, being a listening ear for parents it’s been rough. I’ve had parents leave because they didn’t trust the process when I suggest that their rush their daughter and she’s to young to do certain things but then take them somewhere and do whatever the other gym suggests. I had a few leave because they had a problem with Team Moms. Others left because they wanted to travel more, etc instead of looking at the growth of their daughter.
We’ve been impressed with Exclusive Elite All-Stars, 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?
I’m known for Coaching and a lot of people know that I’m a Great tumbling Coach and just an overall good coach. The thing that set EEA apart from other gyms is that we are all about family so like the saying goes, It takes a Village, and trust and believe we are the Village. Our athletes are not just a number in the gym but we care about their academics as well as their behavior away from the gym. We offer competitive cheer, competitive dance, private tumbling class, Saturday Tumbling class, Summer camp. Stunt group training.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
Yes, Covid-19 can make or break your business but it’s up to you how you push and make it work. When Covid hit, we had to close down but the athletes still had practice and we was back to how it all began outside but this time in my background.
Pricing:
- Private Tumbling $40 a hour
- Saturday Tumbling $20 a hour
- Summer Camp $75 a week
Contact Info:
- Instagram: eeajewelz
- Facebook: Exclusive Elite All-Stars
- Youtube: eea jewelz
