Today we’d like to introduce you to April Wilson.
Hi April, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Fit Faith started with a mustard seed-sized vision to unite women via healthy living and fitness training. I vividly recall listening to my pastor, Dr. Bartholomew Orr, but hearing God speak to me through a series entitled “Faith over Fear.” During the sermon, Dr. Orr referenced I Timothy 1: 7-8, which reminds us that God does not give us a spirit of fear rather He gives us a spirit of power, love, and self-discipline. At that moment, I felt like God was directing my steps toward my God-given path, but I was reluctant to follow. I was perplexed, to say the least. Knowing that I could not be the only Christian experiencing this inward conflict, I began to question the congregation to gauge if anyone felt as out of place as I did, but at that moment everyone seemed to have it all together. I realized that I was asking the wrong people; I needed to tap into the Power Source.
Thus, I began my journey of fasting and praying. Months passed and I was still uncertain of God’s plan for my life which was seemingly spinning out of control! I was struggling to hold my marriage together, caring for my ill parents, pleading for peace at work, and experiencing financial hardship, while attempting to raise my sons and deal with what appeared to be insurmountable insecurities. But my GOD intervened! He cleared my path and enlightened me to the desires and passions of my heart: my FAITH and FITNESS. I woke up one morning with the confidence to promote and implement a 30-day Bootcamp challenge. I had no money, no equipment, and no clue of a potential venue to host the fitness sessions. Literally, all I had was my FAITH and a desire to be FIT. By the grace of God, I hosted the first FIT FAITH 30-day Bootcamp in September of 2019 which birthed FIT FAITH.
My life transformed following the initial 30-day Bootcamp. Since then, I have hosted numerous Bootcamps around the city of Memphis and Southaven, provided fitness services for people in the community, and revived my spiritual fitness. In conjunction with fitness classes, the Fit Faith apparel line has become increasingly popular. Prominent leaders of the community, celebrities, and all members of the Fit Faith family can be seen donning Fit Faith apparel!
Additionally, God has blessed me with opportunities to travel to conduct fitness classes as well as share my testimony on various platforms such as radio and television. This opportunity has also allowed me time to educate myself on the business side of things as well as develop strong partnerships with prominent franchises.
Being a fitness trainer has helped to mold me into the person I am today. Training has been very rewarding! I get to see people at their weakest and most vulnerable moments and as their coach, I get to aid in the process of making them stronger. God definitely has a sense of humor! Surprisingly, everyone I am connected with within the Fit Faith family serves a purpose.
Whether that purpose is for me to help them or them there to help push me, everyone I am connected to is reasonably there for a reason. I remember, one of my past colleagues would always say, “ My goal here, or my task here, is to help as many people as I can while I can.” Then I did not know the severity of what she meant but now I can truly say that that is also my ultimate goal in life.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Has the road been smooth sailing? Absolutely not! There have been a few obstacles along the way. In every business, you have your down periods. I can recall a time when most of my clients were facing financial struggles and decided to suspend their service until further notice.
At that moment I was faced with tough decisions. But, as determined as I was to keep Fit Faith from closing its doors, I was very creative in finding new ways to provide services. I can truly say that life lessons really opened my mind to not be so tunneled but to be open to change and think outside the box. In thinking outside the box I was able to work alongside doctors helping to motivate their clients to choose a healthier lifestyle, partnered with companies to push their health initiatives, hosted seminars for the youth, and created new virtual experiences.
Also being a single mother has its challenges. Juggling working full time and spearheading my own business really limits my availability. But, my family is a priority. I try hard to attend all school activities and make family time a memorable moment. It is my goal to show my boys that you can be whatever you want to be without sacrificing what is important.
Lastly, as a black woman in a man-led industry, you do have to work 10 times as hard. I am so happy now that we, as women, have started to take fitness by storm. So many of us are stepping out there on faith, opening gyms, and becoming very vocal on social media about health and fitness. I can remember a time when I was overlooked from training a football team, not because of my experiences or my history of developing strong players but because I was overlooked simply because I was a woman.
But, I did not let that discourage me. I continued to visit teams and coaches and now I provide strengthening and conditioning with many teams in the midsouth area.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a mother of two handsome little CEOs who continue to motivate and push me daily. I am a proud graduate of Lane College where I received my Bachelor of Science in Biology. While at Lane College I joined one of the most dynamic sororities, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Later I earned my Master of Science degree in Clinical Laboratory Science from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. I am a Medical Laboratory Scientist and I have been practicing for 13 years.
With my experiences in the field of science, I have conducted research, published in medical journals, started up new labs, and implemented new testing designs for laboratories. I have recently taken my expertise into the Information Technology industry where I am now a Clinical Analyst who supports clinical laboratory innovations. Along with the many hats I wear, I volunteer as a Deputy Sheriff for the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office where I am assigned to uniform patrol.
Others always ask, “How do you do all that you do?” But, honestly, what I have learned through the years of juggling my different roles is that God has always connected me with people that support my vision and motivates me.
Who else deserves credit for your story?
God deserves all the praise and honor for gifting me with this talent and for all the many blessings he continues to do for me and Fit Faith. My two sons are my rock! They are always pushing me to be a better mom and trainer. My children’s father has also played a role in my victory. We co-parent very well and his support throughout has given me the open range to be able to train and promote Fit Faith.
I am also gracious and thankful to have a supportive pastor, Dr. Bartholomew Orr. Dr. Orr along with my loving church family, Brown Baptist Missionary Baptist Church, generosity and support have played a very integral role in helping to develop the brand of Fit Faith. But, my success continues to grow with all the members of the Fit Faith family! I have truly been blessed to have crossed paths with those who have joined the community.
Without them, I would not be where I am today! I would like to thank my mother for teaching me how to be a strong black woman who never lets her past dictate her future. She overcomes all obstacles and has instilled in me the power to not be defeated. My father, who is ill at the moment, has driven me to help others in my community to fight diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure. I would like to thank my brother for stepping up in my father’s place to give me wise counsel, motivate me when I am down, be a listening ear and to be present at events with roses, fulfilling the duties of my father. I also would like to thank my friends and family who have been my loudest cheerleaders. At times when I wanted to quit and throw in the towel, I have always had people in my corner that never let me quit and pushed me beyond my limit. I truly thank you.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.fitfaithbelievers.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fitfaithfitness/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fitfaithfitness
Image Credits
Demarcus Bowser and Quinton Yates
