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

Hi Jessica, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I tell people that my acrobatics studio Catapult Movement wasn’t my choice for a career. When I pictured the course of my life, this wasn’t what I envisioned- but it was a plan and desire that the Lord placed in my heart years ago. Growing up, I wanted to be a dancer and gymnast, but the opportunity never presented itself. When I was 16 and confident enough to ask my parents for lessons, I found that there wasn’t a studio in the area that taught teenagers who were beginners. Greatly disappointed, I had the idea of a movement school where I could learn everything that I’d wished I’d been able to learn as a child- including dance, gymnastics, calisthenics, and other forms of performing arts. I wrote down my idea, and even made a mock daily studio schedule for myself. But I didn’t think much about it after that. Since I couldn’t find a teacher locally, I started teaching myself dance and tumbling through DVDs, books, and YouTube. I used every opportunity that I could find to learn more. After years of pursuing my interests, a friend hinted that I should start my own studio. I prayed and asked the Lord that if this was His desire, that He’d give me the name for the business. Immediately, I heard the word “Catapult”. But I was full of doubt. I didn’t believe that I had the knowledge and experience to teach others and run a business. A few days later, a future client reached out to me, asking if I did private lessons and taught in people’s homes. I took this as a second confirmation that this was what the Lord was calling me to. Over the following months, I pursued teaching acrobatics in people’s house and set the framework for my mobile acrobatics studio.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Being called into entrepreneurship definitely stretched me in every way. I wanted to rely on the safe and the predictable. But Catapult wouldn’t be where it is without the risks. I learned that every idea that doesn’t go as planned is a lesson- not a failure. I can say that I’m proud of myself for continuing when I wanted to hide and making it through every rough season. After the Lord gave me the name for my business in 2019, I started teaching acrobatics to students in their homes and in several public locations in our city. I didn’t think there was a desire for in-home lessons, but after COVID-19, my schedule filled up with their students around Middle Georgia. In 2020, in the middle of the pandemic, the Lord pushed me to leave my full-time teaching job to work on my business solely. After a few years of satellite teaching, we grew to the place where our student body needed a homebase. In January 2024, Catapult Movement moved into a brick-and-mortar space. Today, our studio teaches acrobatic dance, tumbling, parkour, ninja, aerial arts, and more. We strive to create an environment that’s accommodating for all- girls and boys, children and adults, and those with special needs. I continue to perform alongside my students to show that it’s never too late to start a new skill. I want to inspire them- and anyone watching- of what’s possible when you don’t give up. I’m excited to see all of the students that we can reach and help achieve their goals.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m a big foodie, and I personally love Asian cuisine. Thai is my favorite, but I also love sushi. My favorite restaurant is Sushi Thai in Warner Robins. It’s worth the drive! I love their curries, beef pad prik king, sushi burritos, and sushi tacos. A new favorite that I’ve tried out recently is Thai Pepper, also in Warner Robins. They have many dishes that I’ve never tried before, so I enjoy something new whenever I go there. For Vietnamese, my go-to spot is Pho Saigon, which is conveniently close to our studio. I love stopping in for a Thai Tea boba tea smoothie a few times a month. For Japanese fusion, I love the Chicken Donburri at Ten Mii. I also enjoy Chico & Chang- which fuses Korean and Mexican food. For All-You-Can-Eat sushi, I go to Sumo Steak & Sushi. To spend time in nature, I enjoy walking the trails at Amerson River Park. It’s a beautiful, family-friendly park with peaceful views.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I wouldn’t be who I am or where I am in life without my parents. They raised me in the Word and demonstrated what it looks like to live a life for Him. They constantly support me with their prayers and selflessly love me with more than just their words. Being raised under loving and godly authority has taught me how to love, lead, and lean into Adonai for every need and desire. Having a business has deepened my relationship with the Lord because it’s all been based on trust and stepping out into the unknown. And I won’t have this foundation in Him without my parents.

Website: https://www.catapultmovementllc.com

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/catapultmovement

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@catapultmovement

Image Credits
Re.Sol Photography. Julie Pyles.

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