We had the good fortune of connecting with Shannaan Dawda and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shannaan, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?

Just Work Fitness was a vision that was planted in my heart, driving me to create an environment and a facility to elevate both myself and my clients to the next level, personally, professionally, and financially.

Fitness has been a part of my life since I was 13 years old and for the last decade, I have been big into entrepreneurship. I’ve always had the ambition to not only work within, but to own my own business. Even during my time in the corporate world, I came to this realization.

At some point, I faced a ceiling or felt like I was in a box and I’m not too fond of boxes. I like to be let loose, shooting for the stars. This is where I thrive naturally.

What should our readers know about your business?

Business wise it’s been a 10-year journey.

Initially, I was in the space of Finance & Accounting. I have always been good with numbers and math since I was a young man. So it was natural.

After being in the finance and accounting industry, where I helped people as a financial behavior coach and CPA for 10 years it felt like it was time to move on.

During that time I was always working out and always keeping my health a priority. Eventually, I became a trainer in January 2020, just before the pandemic hit. That in itself was the biggest lesson.

Here I was, a new trainer just starting and trying to make a name for myself when gyms began closing down. I remember it like yesterday, I said to myself, “I can’t stop now otherwise it will be the end of my new career as a trainer.”

So I started training people at a local park downtown. The state of Georgia allowed people to be 6 feet apart if outdoors. So, that’s how I set up the workouts.

It started as a handful of people and eventually, it became 60+ clients a week working out at the park with me. Everyone who joined either lost weight or was prevented from gaining the, “COVID-19 weight” from getting to them. It was amazing to see. From that, I learned to just keep showing up and doing the work. Regardless of what life is throwing at you or society, stay within the rules and find a way.

That’s where the brand name Just Work comes from. We just showed up and did the work. And the results came with it too.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

Oh, this is fun!

Day One – We have to hit the gym and work out at Just Work Fitness. After our workout, we will grab some grilled lamb from The Nema Kitchen located on Campbellton Road.

Day two – City trek: I appreciate local graffiti and my friends do too so Hit the Belt Line, Grab some Playa bowls, Then hit Peachtree and Auburn Ave for a walk and visit local shops.

Day three – Go to the High Museum. You gotta see the art of every city you visit.

Day Four – AMP Kart Racing – The best go-kart racing in the state. That’s a day trip.

Day 5- Ponce City market

Day 6 – The Avalon in Alpharetta

Day 7 – Brunch at R Thomas Deluxe Grill

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?

Oh, I most definitely have to first give thanks to the most high.

Without God, I would not be here nor have the wonderful parents who instilled so many values in me as a young man that I am now reaping the benefits from. Also, thanks to my high school coaches for both football and Track & Field.

They showed me how putting in work every day would lead to something.

I would also like to thank Keundrick Lucious of Effect Fitness for allowing me to start my career as a trainer/instructor at his gym, Effect Fitness, before departing to start my own.

I would also like to thank my clients at Just Work Fitness. Your support and loyalty during such a major transition do not go unnoticed. Thank you!

Website: www.justworkfitness.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justworkfit/

Twitter: @justworkfit

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@justwork5871?si=bZaHhRk_v_7Z6yTM

Other: Threads – @justworkfit

Image Credits
Paul McPherson Jr. Freddricka Embry

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