Today we’d like to introduce you to Dana Nicole Anderson.
Dana Nicole, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I worked for one of Chicago’s most frequented athletic clubs for many years. All different capacities, so I was very familiar with the different aspects of the membership-based fitness club experience. The company was privately owned though, so A LOT of things that wouldn’t fly in a structured, corporate environment were acceptable… and that created an environment that became a stressful, hostile workplace. One full of practices and habits that ironically, were not very healthy.
When that long-time relationship came to an end, I was inspired to take a hard look at who I’d been as a part of that company’s culture. I realized that BEING and FEELING well were way more important to me than LOOKING good. I found it sad that a fitness facility ultimately didn’t contribute to the total wellness of the whole individual. So I started writing and made sharing wellness my mission.
I launched yourfitnessdna.com in the Fall of 2017, focusing on total wellness, social fitness experiences and private training/coaching. This has allowed me to move full steam ahead with my acting career as well as managing my daughter’s acting opportunities–something I was encouraged to put on the back burner during my tenure in fitness management. I wrote and performed in a solo show and am currently in a groundbreaking play at Collaboraction Theater Company. All the while, I appear in a national commercial that runs every day. My daughter is in a show at Chicago Shakespeare Theater. Life is good.
I have never felt more alive. When you’re in the midst of a dead-end relationship or a difficult transition, that chaos can either break you or be a catalyst for you to become who you were always meant to be. That is what the last 18 months have been for me and I am grateful for every moment. Universe said, “Stand up, Dana. Use your voice in the right places. YOU GOT THIS.”
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
This definitely has not been a smooth road. For one, I had to go back to being a freelancer. As a single mom, not getting paid the same amount of money every two weeks can be scary. I have had to adopt better money habits and dig into my beliefs and relationship with money.
I also had to go through that discomfort of separating from a company that had been a part of my life for over 15 years. Unhealthy environment or not, that felt like home all that time. It was what I imagine a divorce might feel like. All of the contributions I made to that company’s fitness programming and member relations became irrelevant.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Your Fitness DNA story. Tell us more about the business.
Outside of the YFDNA wellness blog itself, I offer fitness experiences and coaching. As a performer and corporate speaker, I demonstrate, coach and inspire at the highest level. My goal is to share the gift of wellness and empower each individual to live a whole, aligned life.
IN-HOME COACHING & PRIVATE LESSONS:
-Dance Lessons
-Personal Training
-Personal Coaching
-Wedding Dance Preparation
PARTNERSHIPS:
-Corporate Classes and Workshops
-Fit Parties: Bachelorette, Sorority, Faith-based and Birthday Celebrations
-Fitness Event Planning and Execution
-Speaking Engagements/Panel Discussions
-Team Building Workouts
GROUP FITNESS CLASSES:
Studio classes will be back soon!
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I do not believe in luck. In fact, I do my best not to use the word. I do believe in karma, hard work and God. All blessings flow from a higher power. We tap into that power and use it to do good in this world.
We stumble and make mistakes along the way, but God knows your heart. Your desires and dreams. If you honor the Source, make positive contributions and work hard toward your goals… anything and everything that is meant for you is possible.
Pricing:
- Personal Training starts at $65
- Personal Wellness Coaching starts at $125
Contact Info:
- Website: yourfitnessdna.com
- Email: fitflygirl@yourfitnessdna.com
- Instagram: @yourfitnessdna
- Facebook: facebook.com/yourfitnessdna
- Twitter: @yourfitnessdna
Image Credit:
Michaeh Johnson, Bradley Murray
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
