Born and raised in Chicago, entrepreneur Cynthia Jemison has always deeply loved and appreciated family, friends, and community. As she grew older, business and entrepreneurship began to interest her as well, and she’s been putting forth her efforts and time into ventures that encompass all of the above.
Cynthia’s most recent project is Fit Life Social Club, a health and fitness community that focuses on balancing fun social activities along with the normal workouts to make the #FitLife a more all-around pleasurable experience.
N’DIGO recently sat down with Jemison to discuss her path to being an entrepreneur and starting Fit Life Social Club.
N’DIGO: In your own words, who is Cynthia Jemison?
Cynthia Jemison: Cynthia Jemison is a straightforward, logical, witty entrepreneur who’s constantly finding ways to innovate and grow. She’s a grammar snob, nature appreciator, art lover, and foodie. Cynthia is someone who has tunnel vision. She will see it through if she’s committed to something, no matter how long it takes. She loves hard and protects what she cares about even harder. She also hates writing in the third person because it feels pretentious. (LOL)
As a child, what did you dream you’d do for a living?
I thought I’d be a veterinarian or an attorney. I loved animals and knew I liked protecting and defending the truth. I still adore animals with so much of my heart and soul. They’re such pure creatures. I DEFINITELY still love to argue with logic and defend my stance with facts and receipts. Professionally, I get to apply my unique skill set across my consultant work and fitness company members. It’s all full circle.
How did you discover your taste for entrepreneurship?
The last person I worked for is an entrepreneur. I was with him a short time (3.5 years), but I learned SO MUCH and I was exposed to a world without traditional limits. I knew from that point on that I wanted to run my own company and create spaces that everyone would feel good in.
What’s your favorite and least favorite part of being an entrepreneur?
I love the freedom. I adore being able to create my own schedule and move about as freely as I’d like. Every day is different. At the same time, it’s very easy to operate in your own world. An entrepreneur has to work ten times as hard to achieve the financial stability that comes from a 9-5. It’s a constant grind.
Please tell us about Fit Life Social Club and its genesis.
Fit Life Social Club (FLSC) was born out of my health and fitness journey. I was very active in gym group fitness (spin classes, kickboxing, etc.) and developed friendships with many of my classmates. We’d go out as a large group almost monthly and post about our experiences on social media. At one point, I asked myself why we weren’t being paid for this?
I put the idea on the back burner for a year, then picked it up again when I met my future co-founder on a morning run. We discussed creating a space for people who loved fitness and fun. We recognized the value in being around like-minded people, and we knew that above everything, being consistent and enjoying life in moderation is the key to success in personal wellness. We wanted to create a space for those people to thrive.
It’s OK to have a glass of wine or a bourbon old-fashioned. If you REALLY want that slice of cheesecake or cheesesteak, it’s OK. Learn what your health & fitness goals are, and be sure to work towards them without guilt consistently.
On Facebook, FLSC has a group with 1000+ people who share their workouts, jokes, drink choices, activities, travels, etc. It’s not specific to any city, fitness activity, or culture. There are pro bodybuilders, golfers, triathletes, runners, walkers, bowlers, general fitness enthusiasts, certified trainers, nutrition coaches; you name it. It’s a community and a resource for anyone who wants to lead a balanced and healthy lifestyle.
On Instagram and TikTok, we post food & recipes, workouts, jokes, tips and tricks, and events. It’s a resource for members and non-members alike.
Having to juggle your work and various projects and real life and everything else, how do you maintain your mental health and/or self-care?
I go to therapy bi-weekly because my anxiety is REAL. I also frequent the gym and lift weights. I take pride in working on myself in all ways. My next phase will be to have more spa days. I miss the consistent facials, massages, and mani-pedi appointments!
What are three of your personal business mottos that you always try to abide by?
1. Work to help more than to profit. The profit will come back to you in time.
2. Efficient communication will get you EVERYWHERE. People appreciate their time being considered and their concerns being acknowledged.
3. Above all, be yourself. Putting on airs based on who you’re dealing with will never be productive. It doesn’t matter if you’re talking with a billionaire or the cashier at the gas station. Always be genuine.
What’s some of the best advice you’ve ever been given?
What stuck out to me YEARS ago was being told to “use my head” at a time when I thought I was doing exactly that. Every time a problem was presented to me to solve, it was my job to not only find a clear solution but also ask questions surrounding other possible outcomes if different steps were taken to get to the same desired solution. I usually did one without the other, and one day, I was YELLED at for being inadequate. I didn’t like that. I took it as a challenge because I refused to be in the same space as mediocrity. For EVERY problem that was presented, I had at least four solutions. I had to think through each of them and ask myself “why” and “what if” before even CONSIDERING the possibility of viability.
It turns out when you apply that mode of thinking to EVERYTHING, you’re able to anticipate and plan for more while saving valuable time. My ego won’t let me give my old boss credit for that, but the turning point in my brain power usage was really that moment I’ll never forget.
What’s something people would be surprised to know about you?
I’m classically trained. I sing opera, and play violin and viola. I’ve done both since the 3rd grade.
Best advice for aspiring entrepreneurs?
Know your strengths & weaknesses and stay in your lane. If you know you’re an idea person, partner with someone who executes. You can’t excel on your own while actively trying to conquer a weakness. Be smart. Figure out your goal and work backwards towards it. You can’t make the right moves if you don’t know where you’re going and how you want to get there. As experience is gained, methods will change along the way, but never lose sight of the goal. Also, if you can’t afford to live without a paycheck for at least 6 months, wait until you’ve saved enough to do so. Struggle is only glamorous on TV.
Favorite quote or affirmation?
“Entrepreneurship is doing what others won’t, to live like others can’t.”
I have to remind myself of my goals daily. What I want is usually beyond the scope of what people normally aspire to. I know and accept that. It also means I HAVE to operate in a way that isn’t considered “normal” in order to get to where I want to go.
What’s next for Cynthia Jemison and Fit Life Social Club?
FLSC is going to move to the brick-and-mortar space. We’re revamping our structure and strategy to ultimately create a 360 health and wellness experience. I can’t disclose exactly what we’re doing. Just know that we’re creating a new space and experience while using very familiar tools to get there.
For more information on Fit Life Social Club, please connect on @FitLifeSocialClub.
