TADDAS

 It's only fitting that I highlight the woman who has made such a major impact in my life these past six weeks. A go-getter by nature, Latasha "Tadda" Lewis is a force to be reckoned with.  Owner and Certified Fitness Trainer of Taddas Fitness Center, Latasha has set the bar and taking fitness to a whole new level. An entrepreneur doesn’t seem to be a big enough word to describe the business she has built. Taddas passion to win and to help others has ignited her to activate her purpose through programs designed to change people lives forever.  She is the WHO, the WHY, and the WHAT, leading a movement to a healthier lifestyle.

THE WHO: Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, Latasha graduated from Tuskegee University with a Bachelor Degree in Nursing. She was always physically active, running both track and cross country from the age of seven.  She always had a passion for helping others, and came across a need while working as a nurse earlier in her career. THE WHY: "I was running a code in the hospital and saw everyone that arrived was out of breath and some needed assistance, she explains."  A movement starts when people dare to articulate change, and that's exactly what she did. She wrote a proposal to the hospital explaining the conditions of the patients who she helped daily.  THE WHAT: Wanting to make a difference, she started Taddas Fitness Center, also known as TFC. An organized fitness center designed to shape individuals through full body work outs, and providing the education needed to sustain weight loss and pursue a life well spent.

One of Tasha biggest influences was her mother who was a real estate agent and started her own Real Estate Company.  When asked what piece of advice she would give other woman looking to becoming an entrepreneur, she broke it down simply as, "Need+Passion= A Business."  It’s important that I convey the interview we had as accurate as possible because I want my readers to feel what we feel at TFC each and every day.  Her passion is indescribable, always putting her clients first.  I have been a part of her six week boot camp, where she keeps workouts alive with taglines such as, "No Mess" and "Can I Get It."  I often look at her in disarray, wondering where all of her energy and drive come from.  I then look around and look at myself and her other clients who dragged in her center at 5am, literally depending on her to galvanize us and take our lives to the next level; mentally and physically.  Huge responsibility, huh?  Her level of commitment is remarkable, as she works nine hour days, six days a week. "I never stop working. I dream TFC," she adds.  I can personally vouch that she is always there, which motivates me to show up. Latasha is testament that when your company is your DNA, it collectively grows, making a meaningful change.

While Latasha describes her life as "Amazing," she recalls some of her candor moments along the way.  "My biggest failures have been not having contracts in place, even with long time associates."  From that she learned how to expand her reach through partnerships and she is now very contract driven.  Everything about her is business. On Monday I went straight to boot camp after driving six hours from out of town.  I ran 3.5 miles and boy was I exhausted.  We got back to her Jeep where we would usually go to collect our keys and belongings.  I saw she had a case of water in the back of her truck so my drained and tired body asked her for a bottle.  With a straight face she says, "Oh, that will be a $1."  I looked at her stunned, and thought to myself, "Really." After a few seconds I chuckled and search my car for a dollar.  One because I was thirsty as hell and two because I had no other choice but to respect her hustle.  She has a brand that she has cultivated that can literally save a life; wouldn't you pay $1 for it.

Lastasha lives with no fears, just faith.  Her energy will steer you past life obstacles and force you to keep going.  No matter where you are in life, she will equip you with the essentials.  Each and every day at camp she gives motivational quotes that we can apply to our daily life.  Some of her most satisfying moments have been clients’ testimonies of them coming off different types of medication. Being healthy is what makes her happy, and watching others achieve their goals keeps her motivated.  Differentiator of growth, Latasha plans to change the world. When asked what we could expect from Taddas, she says she is looking to go global with books and videos.  I hope each and every one of my readers has the opportunity to experience what I have with TFC.  She is navigating through life with a purpose and a vision.  Her megaphone approach has sparked a movement that has changed the lives of many men and women.  NOMESS