We had the good fortune of connecting with Clara Frances Dawkins and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Clara Frances, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
In 2020, I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, a nervous system disorder that heightens pain sensitivity in the body. For several years, I battled with intense fear, pain and feelings of loneliness; however, with the help of any amazing community, I ultimately found confidence again through a yoga practice and weight training. It all stems here. My mentors, friends and teachers who came alongside me are my inspiration and why I want so much to do the same for others. My goal is to empower my students and clients, to allow them to go beyond what they ever thought possible for themselves, to show them that they are strong and capable. This is why I became a yoga instructor and personal trainer. This is my mission. To help as many people as I possibly can to live their best lives and be their best selves.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
As both a yoga instructor and personal trainer, it took many years of learning, education, movement in my own body, discovering and growing. I would say my journey here began in 2019 and has not stopped since! I took my first private yoga class in September of that year after months of battling with my body. We literally started with breathing on my back for a whole hour… and I was hooked. From here, I dove more into the practice and eventually had a desire to supplement yoga with weight lifting. About a year after moving to Atlanta, I started in my bedroom with a 10lb kettlebell! In 2021 I became 200 hour yoga certified. In 2022, I received my personal training certification from the National Academy of Sports Medicine. Most recently, in September or 2024, I received my 500 hour yoga therapeutic specialist certification. My journey has not been easy, but with the help of an amazing community and unbelievable teachers, I am where I am today. And in part, I think this is what sets me apart- my journey and my experience. I also believe that being both a yoga instructor and trainer allows me to have a unique perspective on movement and what speaks to each person and their individual needs. You CAN overcome, but you don’t have to do it alone. I am so excited for the future and being able to help more and more people- that’s the mission!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Well first I’d take them to a hot yoga class to get a good sweat! That is one of my favorite ways to start a weekend. Then we’d go to Folk Art or Murphy’s in Virginia Highlands for brunch. Afterwards, we’d take a walk on the Beltline (if the weather was nice) or head to a brewery in West Midtown, preferably Scofflaw! For dinner, I’d take them to A Mano or, if we were getting really fancy, Kevin Rathbun’s. Once the weekdays rolled around, I’d take them to train at one (or both!) of the gyms where I work- Training Collective in Inman Park or Kolofit in West Midtown! We’d then head to The Daily for a casual pick up brunch and delicious cold brew. For a fun, more casual happy hour, I’d take them to Bantam Pub, one of my favorites- and then of course, we’d get some to-go food from them too! On a separate day, I’d take them on a fat walk all the way from Piedmont to Muchacho in Reynold’s Town. If it was around Christmas time, we would of course go to the Botanical Gardens to look at the lights!

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?
So many people!! First, I want to specifically thank my first yoga instructor, Leah Wrobel. I would not be where I am today if she had not believed in me and encouraged me to take those first few scary steps. She introduced me to yoga which in turn led to a deep love of the practice. Next, Sarah Ganka, my amazing friend, mentor and role model, I met upon moving to Atlanta. She showed me that I could do MORE… something I never dreamed possible. Next, Katie Weztel, my first trainer in Atlanta. She taught me that I could be strong- again, something that seemed out of reach. Katelyn Raymond (and everyone at Stat Wellness in ATL) was another friend and AMAZING Physical therapist who helped me navigate so many changes as my body learned to adapt and grow. My wonderful husband Cole, who has always been there for me, encouraged and comforted me. He is my sounding board and helped me to step outside my comfort zone even more. Finally, my parents, Kristen Hatley, Krystal Fanninn and Evan and Rachael Chelini were all also very pivotal in my journey and mean so much to me!

Website: traningcollective.com and kolofit.com

Instagram: @_franniiii and @flowin_w_franniiii

Image Credits
@spakeyourmind- Stephen Spake
@atlcatlady- Hayden O’Hara

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.