We had the good fortune of connecting with BRANDI JONES and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi BRANDI, how do you think about risk?
Three years ago , I was working for the School District of Philadelphia and I knew that this was not the life God had for me. Each and everyday I would go to work depressed angry and ready to quit . I felt like my life was slipping away and I had to take action . One day after work I went home and God spoke to me and he said leave that job and I will guide you into your destiny . The next day I went into work and quit , I felt free but I did not have plan but I was happy and depressed free.
I started working out everyday to clear my head, I started taking cycling classes at my local gym, the head cyclist instructor was leaving the gym to go on to pursue a career of her own . She asked me if I wanted to take her spot and I accepted the job offer . Never in my life did I think that I would be a cyclist instructor, I was nervous but I knew great things were about to happen in my life .
In 2020 when covid hit , all of the gyms were closed and I had no idea how I was going to survive , I had to still pay my bills put food in the house , and also remain calm and positive. I started going for walks and working outdoors , immediately I begin posting on Instagram to inspire others to start working out .
During the pandemic, people started reaching out to me and wanting to workout with me . I was never a personal trainer I was just a cyclist instructor, but I was willing to help those who wanted and to make a change in their lives .
One day while sitting in my kitchen I came up with the Name B PHENOMENAL., being that my name is Brandi I wanted to keep my first initial apart of my brand . The name spoke to me in a way that not only can you B PHENOMENAL when you are working out but you can B PHENOMENAL in your everyday life.
Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
I believe my passion and work ethics sets me apart from others . I enjoy waking up everyday helping others achieve their goals, I get excited when a client calls/ text me and tell me that they have dropped a few pounds or inches.
Anytime when you do anything from the heart you are blessed , I always push and encourage my clients to keep going and to never give up . In this industry I do not allow myself to focus on what other trainers are doing , I believe we are all out here doing Phenomenal work .
I am proud of starting my business at the age of thirty four and believing in myself . Every day I am blown away by the positive feed back I receive from people . When people reach out to me and tell me that I inspire them , and motivate them that puts a smile on my heart. I do all of this from the muscle and I will continue to keep shining my light on the world .
COVID is how I got to where I am today , without COVID, B PHENOMENAL would not exist , it’s sad to say but it’s true. COVID took me out of my comfort zone and made me get up and make a difference in my life as well as others . I wouldn’t say it was easy or hard I would say God really guided me through my journey , I never questioned anything , every move I made I always made sure God was first .
I have learned to never get caught up on family / friends who do not support me. Once I got over that life continued to work in my favor . We must learn to stop worrying about who does not support us and focus on the people that do .
I want the world to know that I am a hustler at heart and when I started
B PHENOMENAL I had no money , but I had passion and discipline. I knew that it was time to step out and finally be a leader.
I was over working the 9-5 shift , tired of people telling me what to do, and when I wanted to see a change , I made that change . I wanted better for myself so I had to do better. Things did not happen overnight, they took time and a lot of discipline. Once you have discipline in your life, watch how your life will manifest into greatness.
I am a black woman living in a world that doesn’t always fight for me , but I wake up everyday believing I can still accomplish anything I put my mind to.
To B PHENOMENAL is the greatest gift that God has blessed me with and for that I am forever grateful.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
First stop in Philly we are definitely going to check out VEGANISH it’s a black owned vegan restaurant.
Next stop would be a day party , we can have endless mimosas and also some good food.
Whenever any of my friends come
To Philly they want to go to the Rocky Steps , South Street, and Kelly Drive.
If it’s the summer we are going to a live concert at the Dell Music Center , or to ODUNDE, The Roots Picnic or Made in America .
If you are ever in Philly and you want a good cheesesteak you have to check out Max’s Steaks and Ishkabibble’s you will not be disappointed.
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?
I would like to dedicate my shoutout to my grandmother, without her I would not be the strong woman I am today . She is my rock and I owe my life to her .
I would also like thank Noel Davis for being a big supporter and always pushing me to go harder and to never give up .
Last but not least to all of my clients in Philly without them, I am nothing . They have all been supportive, encouraging and some of the most beautiful people that I have ever met.
Instagram: IAM_ BPHENOMENAL
Image Credits
Photos by : OMI JAENEEN IG NAME: @photosbyjaeneen