Meet Noel Davis: Archaeologist/ Gym Owner

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

Hi Noel, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I never saw myself owning a business because I always dreamed of being an archaeologist and I was already living my dream by age of 21. In 2016, I was in a car accident that changed my life as I had to rehabilitate my back after having multiple bulging discs. After my recovery from working out and making it a passion for what it did for me, I got certified to help others with their fitness journey. I was nervous at first starting a business because I just moved to Philadelphia and I did not know how to reach the market here in the city but throughout the years I was finally able to make a name for myself.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Starting after college I was well on my way to achieving my lifelong dream of being an archaeologist.

I studied Anthropology and Geological Science at Rutgers University of New Brunswick and Archaeology at Manchester University in England. I even had the opportunity to also excavate a Roman Villa in Vacone, Italy during my undergraduate experience.

Exactly two months after graduating in 2014, I received a call for my first government project on I-95. After a long year of working as an archaeologist here in Philadelphia, I ended up in a traumatic car accident that changed my life.

I had to go to physical therapy and numerous doctor appointments for over a year because lost strength in my lower back, and now I have a permanent bulging disc that causes pain down my legs from time to time. Never forgetting my first love of Archaeology, I persistently kept asking doctors what to do to be able to excavate again. By mid-2016, a doctor gave me the advice of rebuilding my core as a way to strengthen my back. My love for health and fitness then grew. As a result, I decided to get certified and birth my very own business, “Paris Fit,” on Sept. 1, 2017.

Once I realized what fitness did for me, I wanted to share it with everyone I knew. I got certified in 2016, but I sat on my certification for seven months as I recently moved to Philadelphia from New Jersey (Willingboro). Being new in the city I felt a little discouraged to start a new business since I did not know anyone, but I had a new friend here named Sarah who encouraged me to get business cards and start promoting myself!

Once I started training, the word got out, my Instagram support was great, and friends and family made sure to support me. They all encouraged me to keep going. I have only been training for three and a half years and I have been able to train all ages, all around PA and NJ, at elementary schools, universities, and now I own my own fitness studio here in Old City, Philadelphia. Fitness became a part of my life, and I cannot see my life without it now!

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?
My favorite places in Philly consist of Dalessandros my favorite cheesesteak place because we love our cheesesteaks. Other top favorite restaurants include Fat Tuna, Steak48 and La Fontana Della Citta ( after living in Italy I had to find the best Italian restaurant. The best places to hang out would include Day-n-Nite lounge, Grafitti Pier, Penns Landing, and my gym Paris Fit Studios. When we have restaurant week the city is filled with different food choices and menu ideas which is perfect for a foodie like me​. Before we leave the city we have to go to the Art Museum to see the famous Rocky Steps! 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 this shoutout to my family, my friends, my staff, my clients and supporters. Through it all the highs and lows you have all been there for me in your own special way. For that reason, I will continue to work hard to make you all proud!

Website: www.getparisfit.com

Instagram: parisfitphilly

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/noel-davis-9732bb190/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/parisfitstudios

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/paris-fit-philadelphia

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCu__lzsDVgv2xlSeuVEOFpw

Other: https://philadelphiaweekly.com/changing-lives/

Image Credits
Portrait Junkie Nateira M.