Written By: Samantha Cee

This month we sat down with the entrepreneur Genesys Fitness. She is a community of women who recognize the need to reclaim their lives and are emotionally ready to do the work. Through coaching, the foundation and a road-map is created to reclaim your identity through customized coaching, fitness training, and strategies to build sustainable changes. Take a look at the exclusive cover story with the rising brand.

Instagram: imbeverlyjohnson & Facebook: Coach Beverly K. Johnson

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beverlykjohnson/ & Website: www.beverlykjohnson.com

FGM: Its an honor to sit down with you all. Tell us a little about your brand and how you've come to this vastly successful peek in your career.

Answer: It’s an honor to join you today, thank you for the opportunity! Genesys Fitness (affectionately nicknamed GenFit) is a business that I created in April 2015. I began my fitness career as a Zumba Fitness instructor. After class, students would ask for help with their fitness goals. That motivated me to become a personal trainer and expand the services that I provide to my clients.

How did it get to this point in my career? I must give full credit to my faith and the passion that I believed I created a solid program that produces results. Along the way, I’ve had my share of setbacks. Those moments helped me redefine my voice and figure out what worked for me.

FGM: Who are the clients/what are the projects that you most enjoy working on?

Answer:

My goal is always to create a long-term relationship with my clients. I want them to know that GenFit is a trusted resource that can be relied upon. The clients that enjoy working with most are hungry and ready for change. They come into the process nervous, excited, and willing to break the habits that landed them into unfavorable situations.

I recognize that it’s not easy to push yourself out of your comfort zone. I’m asking you to confront your bad habits, change and grow. That can be an intimidating feeling. The clients I most enjoy working with ask questions, provide honest feedback about what they’re experiencing and have a sense of humor.

FGM: How do you feel you make a difference in the world?

Answer: I started my business with a single goal- to help women achieve their wellness goals. It never fully sinks in that I’ve contributed to improving someone’s wellbeing.

It’s still surreal when a client shares with me the progress they’ve made. From dropping dress sizes to being told certain medications are no longer needed, I’m humbled knowing that my services make an impact.

FGM: Tell us about a time when you showed determination to continue as an entrepreneur

Answer: At the beginning of COVID, I lost most of my clients and agreements to work at different facilities. Here I was with no clients or places to teach. I had to think hard about whether I wanted to continue my business. I made the decision to offer a virtual platform and offered classes. GenFit was able to provide a safe option for everyone who wanted to maintain their healthy lifestyles. The virtual option has been a great addition and remains an option for many of my clients.

FGM: Give me the three best qualities of your brand

Answer: My three best qualities would be authenticity, empathy, and passion.

FGM: Give me an example of when you worked irregular hours?

Answer: Irregular hours are pretty much my normal. During the day, I work for NASA as a budget analyst. During the day, my focus is on managing budgets and resources. After work, I pivot and become an entrepreneur. Yes, my schedule is crazy, however, I’m enjoying every moment.

FGM: Being an entrepreneur is a 24/7 job, how did you get ready for that?

Answer: As an entrepreneur, it can feel like there’s always something to do. It’s easy to become overwhelmed with the entire process. After college, I served as an officer in the Army. The military trains you to look at what’s required, plan and execute. Those skills, along with the day job, have made things manageable.

FGM: How did you acquire the ability to work under pressure to beat meet deadlines as an entrepreneur?

Answer: I’ve always been an organized person so that has helped to minimize disruptions. The foundation was definitely set while serving in the military and the day job has refined the process. I had to create a system that works for me and allows me to manage my schedule.

FGM: What is your favorite inspirational point, place, to develop new brand developments?

Answer: My absolute favorite place to be is the beach! There’s something about the waves, sand, and sun that brings me peace. When I’m relaxed, that’s when I can tap into my creative side and the ideas begin to flow.

FGM: Which current public figure, are you inspired by or appreciate the most?

Answer: I’ve discovered that I lean toward those that are courageous and use their authentic voice. By far, one of the people that I admire the most is Viola Davis. In the last decade, we’ve seen Ms. Davis change the trajectory of her career and create a lane that allows her talents to shine. That type of courage resonates greatly with me.

How do you handle stress?

Answer: I’ve learned to give myself the grace and space to process what I’m experiencing. When my stress levels are high, I’m not productive and make the most mistakes. When that happens, I take a break and meditate. I calm my mind and work through what I’m experiencing. When I’ve worked through it, I usually see things from a new perspective and create better products.

FGM: What are the three qualities you feel an entrepreneur must have?

Answer: I would say:

Patience- Not every idea will work, be willing to find what works for you;
Curiosity- Be willing to try new ideas and learn new things; and
Clarity- To minimize distractions, identify what you want to accomplish and align your actions with the goals. Without clarity, we will use time and resources on things that don’t fulfill our goals.

FGM: Where do you see your business in 10 years? How do you plan to get there?

Answer: This has been a question that I’ve been working to answer lately. I want to create health and wellness conferences, write books, and grow my business. I’m in the process of rebranding my business and shifting Genesys Fitness into a coaching program. Shifting into a coaching program will allow me to expand my offerings and better address the needs of my clients. I’m working with a coach now to help me bring this vision to reality.

FGM: It was a pleasure speaking with you thank you for joining us

Answer: It’s been my pleasure to sit down with you today! Thank you for the opportunity to share my passion with everyone.