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

Hi Naomi, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Honestly, I never wanted to work in an office. I remember thinking about different careers as a child, and none of them included being in a cubicle. I considered different occupations that would get me outside, and I decided on psychology and forensics, with my sights set on getting into the FBI. However, after 3 years of clinicals, the stress of trying to balance a full time job and full time grad school, and the bankruptcy of the entity that owned the program I was in, I discontinued my pursuit of my Doctorate.

At that time, I continued with my current employment, which had nothing to do with my degree, and I started thinking about how I could create a life for myself and future family that I would be proud of.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I first started taking aerial lessons because of a nearly expired Groupon. I grew to love it, because it combined athleticism with artistic expression, I attended different classes based on the recommendations of different instructors until I met the instructors of PYT Fitness based in Las Vegas, Nevada. After completing a workshop with them, I started the journey of becoming an instructor. It was extremely difficult to me to tap more into my artistic side, but I reminded myself of how many opportunities it could open up for me in the long run. I continued to practice, to learn, to watch other professionals, and to ask questions.

As of today, I’ve been in over 15 music videos as a professional aerialist, taught in over 10 cities, performed onstage at concerts, as hired entertainment for the night at celebrity events, and have competed against many reputable athletes. I’m able to set my own rates for my appearances and classes, and I get to meet amazing people. In my case, I’ve learned it’s who you know, but what you know does help out a lot. Diversifying my aerial abilities (pole, Lyra, lollipop, low flow, etc) has allowed me to do so much more than being a one trick pony. Adding performance to my repertoire has allowed me to become a true entertainer, and that required me to continue to learn, practice, and hone my skills to keep growing.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
To be honest, I’m new to the area myself – at least I’m new in the going out scene. However, I have a bookmarked list of cool places to eat and visit, so I’d have to visit that. One thing is for sure though: we’re going to an escape room! I love those things.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Cammie and Aaron Szabo pushed me to think about side the limited mindset of getting a good education to get a good job to have a long career. They challenged me, while in grad school, to think in terms of what legacy I want to leave behind and how much time I want to be able to spend with the loved ones I missed so much time with already. They supported me through very tough times, provided me mentorship in the transition from an employee mindset to a business owner mindset, and they encourages me to keep pushing boundaries despite how lonely or tiring it may get. I also have to mention the following: Ja’Net Moore, the CEO of PYT Fitness, Spinnin Shae, an amazing and well rounded performer, and Miles Woods (Yung Pole Master), one of my first instructors. These were all people who saw my potential with pole and performing. Each. One of gem played a role in me growing as a person and as an artist, and I want to make sure I thank them here for their parts in my journey.

Website: Www.PYTFitnessLLC.com

Instagram: www.Instagram.com/pytfitnessllc

Image Credits
PYT Fitness, LLC

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