Life & Work with Clarisse Frazier of South Fulton

Today we’d like to introduce you to Clarisse Frazier.

Hi Clarisse, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My story begins in Alexandria, Louisiana which is probably a town most have never heard of. The fact is, “small town” was never something I wanted to be, but in hindsight, I am grateful for my humble beginnings. Looking back at the lessons I learned as the daughter of two teenage parents with high school educations, I can honestly say, my story is a tesitimony of what you can be with prayer, purpose and persistance.

While many of the steps I have taken appear to be side steps to where I am now, each step was necessary on this journey to now be the proud owner of Shock Fitness Studio in South Fulton. From my degrees in Literaure, Education and Teacher Leadership to my 13 years of fitness experience as a group fitness instructor and personal trainer, everything finally makes sense as I can now utilize what I have learned and how I have grown to impact my community as a business owner,

How did I get here? That question has a ton of layers but the long of the short is, I made a decision to honor God and His direction for my life. When that agreement was made, the various stages of obiedience and faith began and for over 20 years, God has been pruning me to be the leader I am today. As He continues to lead and guide my steps, I have been blessed to see my dreams come true. Shock Fitness Studio is not just a gym; it is confirmation of God’s ability to do what seems impossible if you dare to trust Him.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road to entreprenuership has not been a smooth road for me. In fact, I ran for this responsibility for many years often hiding my talents behind the boldness of others. Instead of having to step out on my own, I elected to nestle behind someone else so I never had to assume the role of owner or CEO. As I endeavored to build my legacy under the blanket of others, I found my true potential could never fully bloom. When God give you a vision, He gives it to YOU. That means, no one will ever be able to see what you see and therefore, they will never be able to support you how needed for you to fully grow to your God-led potential.

During this journey to gym ownership, about six doors were shut. I experienced unreliable contractors, missed funding opportunities, bank denials and even personal health challenges during the two years I spent searching for the perfect home for my program. With each closed door, my faith waivered and I questioned God’s plan. I spent a lot of time addressing my personal fears and with concentrated therapy, I was abe to settle my spirit and to trust I was going to reach my goals with just a little patience and hard work. I continued to work hard and with great integrity because I believe you cannot expect a blessing if you can be trusted with what has been assigned to your hand. For over a year, I endured some “squeezing” to remind myself to stay focused on the next steps for my life.

When you’ve never been a business owner of if you don’t have a lot of first-hand support with ownership, it can be absolutely terrifying to venture into the world of entrepreneurship. Having to work a business plan from all angles including financial projections, permits, laws, agreements and all of the other unforeseen business matters thrown at you requiring immediate action, it was perhaps some of the scariest few months of my life. However, what I found in those unfamiliar spaces was the familiar voice of a God who continued to nudge me forward. Although I didn’t know everything, I spent many nights at Bartaco with my computer learning and researching until it made sense. Then, one day, it all came together and the severely bumpy road became just a bit easier to navigate.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
For the past 21 years, I have served the field of Education as classroom teacher and an Instructional Coach. Having impacted children in Georgia for the majority of my professional career, I am honored to say much of what I implement as a business owner was learned from my classroom experience. The ability to serve the needs of others, multitask, critically think and problem solve became second nature and I utilize those skills daily.

As a gym owner, I serve as a Coach for my team often working with them to determine their needs and to improve their practices. I am blessed to have served many of them as their fitness coach and to now work with them as their professional fitness coach is an honor. Each day, my team and I provide our community with quality fitness options to promote health and wellness in an area considered to be a “food desert.”

What I am known for is my unorthodox teaching style as an instructor. Whether it is spin, bootcamps, circuit training or lifting sessions, I have a strong presence on the microphone and my voice creates an unforgettable experience. The SBR Spin Instructor Training program created to train others to teach the SBR way of spin was officially launched in 2021 and has now impacted over 93 fitness professional around the world. My background as a coach and Professional Development trainer has equipped me to provide consultative support to other small business to devise a growth strategy for their facilities by growing their indoor cycling program. I have been able to travel the county successfully touring Florida, Texas, California, Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, Washington DC, Maryland and Bermuda. Additionally, I have been able to host successful fitness events in Atlanta often drawing participants from all over the country.

I am most proud of my team! Without my team pushing me, believing in me and working hard for what we love, I would not have stepped out to do it on my own. My team continues to show me there is space for us in this world and we can make our space truly safe for everyone. From my riders to my training team to my instructors to my staff members, I am honored to lead and to grow each day to be the best I can be for them. I am proud of my teams all over the world to selflessly give of themselves in service to others. To be connect to each of them and their God-led missions is a blessing I don’t take for granted. I am proud to have the keys to our BEAUTIFUL facility which sits in the heart of my community. South Fulton is where I chose to raise my own daughter and to give back is a gift.

What sets me apart of others is I am truly NEVER satisfied with my own efforts. I strive each day to outwork my efforts from the day before, I am uniquely creative and I am able to juggle many things at once. This allows me an opportunity to lead and serve at the same time. I am the ablity to motivate others and to shift and entire room’s energy. Each time I am able to rock a class, I know God is giving me exactly what I need to do the job and at a high level. In fact, its never been a job for me; it has been my cleaning breath in a world of chaos.

How do you think about luck?
I don’t believe in luck. I believe in divine direction and purpose. When people lean on luck, it has no true foundation and no “story.” When I reflect on my life and even this new venture as a business owner, I know there is nothing lucky about what I had to endure to get here. Many of the lessons I have learned came from tremendous hurt and loss. I wouldn’t wish it on anyone. These lessons forced me into therapy to save my own life.

Although God never left me, I certainly tried to leave Him in my quest to recover from life’s pitfalls. Again, there was nothing about luck that pulled me out of my darkness. I stand today in light for the first time in over 8 years and I know that it has nothing to do with luck and everything to do with God.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.shockfitnessstudio.com
• Instagram: @shock_fitness_studio @shockedby_risse
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/shock-fitness-studio-riverdale
• Other: www.shockedbyrisse.com

Image Credits
Paul McPherson Kristina Cooper