Today we’d like to introduce you to LaTisa Giles.
LaTisa, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
When I think about my story, I think about how far I have come. After facing many hardships during childhood… I’ve learned that when you don’t forgive and you hold onto resentment it only hurts you. I’ve had to go through a lot of trial and error to understand that those painful experiences were there for me to gain wisdom to help transform my life and the lives of others. My goal now is to become the best version of myself and be of service to this world.
I moved to Dallas, March 1, 2017 from my hometown Atlanta, GA where I was born to a mother on drugs and an alcoholic father. Now I know that my parents were doing the best they could and trying to cope with their own trauma, but as a child and a teenager, I felt abandoned. I was always in survival mode fighting to convince people of my worth and value. This caused me to attract some unhealthy relationships and situations into my life. Once I realized that what I was dealing with wasn’t normal and that as God’s child I deserve better, I accepted my wrongs and forgave the wrongs of others. That’s when I began the healing process for myself.
Part of that healing process included changing my environment. So, Winter of 2017, I decided I was moving to Dallas. When my moving date arrived I knew it would be life-changing. I moved here for a fresh start and to give myself a fair chance to live outside of the survival mode I was so accustomed to.
I simply wanted to provide a healthy, stable living environment for my two young girls to thrive in. When moving I kept reminding myself to understand that God has a great plan for my life that does not compare to my past. I knew I had to let go of some baggage before I started this new journey. So, I began doing the things I loved to overcome my fears and I stopped suppressing my need to be creative. By doing that I realized that creative expressions like dance and the arts have always helped me in my darkest times. Honestly, it was what made me feel the most alive.
By the time I moved to Dallas, I was no longer a victim but an activist for healing. My desire to create a family-friendly business that encourages one’s soul to evolve and still enjoy life in this physical realm. Space is created for individuals to use movement to expand and/or dispose of their energy to maintain a fit lifestyle. My intention is to create a space for one to trust that they can use their words to express themselves and know that they are supported. Mental, emotional, spiritual and physical health are all important components to living a healthy lifestyle and my company Lotus Fit values them all.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I am still in the beginning stages of my entrepreneurial journey and I am learning to enjoy it. I accept that if I am going to make mistakes, now is the time! At first, the hardest part was starting and now the hardest part is deciding not to quit. I remember feeling like a failure a year ago when I stopped teaching classes, but I learned that slow and steady wins the race and the groundwork has to be done in order to build a solid foundation.
I want to create something that leaves a legacy and outlives me. My vision is so big, but I know that in order to thrive, I need to live a balanced life. So, I have to constantly remind myself to take it step by step and first master what is in front of me first and then trust that everything else will align in due time.
Other than the temptation to quit, one of the biggest challenges I’ve faced is staying true to my vision and not allowing anyone to defer me. I’ve been learning to trust my intuition and that has been key. I now take feedback from others, but above all things, I listen to my heart.
Please tell us more about your work. What do you do? What do you specialize in? What sets you apart from competition?
My business Lotus Fit is a Wellness Program. I am a dance fitness instructor and accountability partner for those seeking to improve their lives through movement and creative expression. I specialize in empowering women to be comfortable and confident in their skin by combining dance and fitness. My students know me as a free spirit that helps them to get out of their comfort zone.
Each person has a story and on certain days I open the floor to ask thought-provoking questions to help open my student’s hearts. Some of those questions include, what are you thankful for? Why are you here? What do you want? Sometimes the floor is open for one to vent about their current struggles while having nonjudgmental ears and hearts listen. Each person is welcomed with a hug and seen from start to finish. As I am teaching, I watch my students as if I am a student. Doing this allows me to manage all skill levels fairly while building each person’s confidence from the inside out. I want my clients to know that every single one of them matters to me.
Above all things, I believe my heart is what sets me aside! As an instructor, I sit back and watch the positive energy that radiates from my clients throughout the classes. Seeing this makes me proud to do what I do and all of a sudden my past struggles seem to make sense. I appreciate the diversity I see in my students which inspires me to connect even more with other businesses, churches, schools, camps to host dance fitness events. Also, once a year my company puts on small a production and gives the proceeds to a non-profit organization that caters to domestic violence, substance abuse, sex trafficking, homelessness, etc.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
One of my favorite childhood memories is going to the movies with my aunt and cousins on a school night to see Kingdom Come. It seems so simple but the fact that we broke our daily routine was so cool and the movie was hilarious!
Pricing:
- $10 DROP IN
- $45 Monthly
Contact Info:
- Address: 3810 Timberglen
Carrollton, TX - Phone: 678-851-0407
- Email: Latisa@latisagiles.com
- Instagram: latisa_g
- Facebook: Latisa O. Giles
Image Credit:
Professional Picture Credits:
Photographer: Jordan Abraham
Hair: Elle Von Studio
Makeup: Hdproglobal
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