We had the good fortune of connecting with D’Andrea Collins and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi D’Andrea, have you ever found yourself in a spot where you had to decide whether to give up or keep going? How did you make the choice?
Yes I have definitely been in a space where I wanted to give up but I always come to the conclusion that giving up isn’t an option. One of the most beautiful parts about life to me is discovering what is next. I believe everyone’s life is a novel that is being written and everyday there is a blank page that needs to be written. When I think about growth and continuing the journey I always stay in tune with the feeling and flow. I truly believe in feeling and understanding every step as one presses froward. The feeling of every step is important because it’s a true indication of going in the right direction. I know it might sound cliché but the truth is many of us know what we have in mind for our life, but the key is understanding that it is a daily effort to get there. If we give up on ourselves then we will never experience what is waiting. My journey in becoming an XtremeHipHop Instructor has been so rewarding and I would have never started if I wouldn’t have kept going. Getting to the other side and experiencing what is next is the reason to keep going. Everyone is simply 1 step away of creating the best version of their life but if we don’t continue the journey, we will never know how the story will end.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a Program Supervisor for the Department of Public Safety by day and a XtremeHipHop fitness instructor by night. In both my professional and personal life I focus on being a leader. Leadership is very important to me because leadership is about positively inspiring others through connection and understanding. I truly believe I have been able to excel in many areas because of my authentic and genuine drive to learn as much information as I can and execute in many different areas. Along my journey I have learned that we are all figuring it out everyday but that the mission is in continuing to press forward in growth. I believe opportunity is endless and there are no limits to what one can attain. My passion is all things surrounding wellness. I love teaching XtremeHipHop and helping fitness be fun. I teach 5 days a week. I am currently teaching at 4 different locations and my goal is to continue to push for this great platform that Phillip Weeden has created to be in as many locations as possible. I am excited about my growth in my fitness journey. It keeps me motivated to help others enjoy their fitness journey. Lastly being faithful to the mission and truly believe in your passion should never be taken lightly.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I love live music and dancing so I would probably say Lava Cantina for Soulful Sunday vibes. I also enjoy being outside on a nice warm day so any fun activity outside is a vibe! I think everyone should so visit Go Ape, it is an outdoor ziplining trail through different obstacles and super fun. Then lastly FOOD is a must. I am a FOODIE! So trying a new restaurant is a must.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I absolutely love this question because so many people deserve recognition, I would like to shout out of course God, my mom Charlene Collins , my son Jayden , Phillip Weeden the creator of XtremeHipHop and my closest friends. Finding the platform XtremeHipHop has been such a blessing. Ever since I first started teaching classes my Mom has always been right by my side supporting. Phillip Weeden is a true visionary and fitness pioneer who continues to inspire me and raise the bar. Being exposed to his platform and being an instructor has been a true blessing because I get to help his mission of saving lives through fitness. My fraaaaaans are simply the best and the most encouraging people I have ever met. Just to name a few Kelly, Syretta, Shellee, Tiffany, and Ms. Dewana we all have gained such a beautiful bond since I have been teaching and when I say they always have a beautiful word in their spirit that is so encouraging, and they always show so much love. Many of them have been with me since the beginning of my XtremeHipHop journey. My son Jayden is absolutely the best because keeps me motivated and reminds me everyday to always do my best and never give up. My Xtreme family of fellow instructors are very important to me as well and each one of them deserve a shout out because we are in this together.

Instagram: xtremesteppa_dandrea

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/d-andrea-s-3724aa199

Image Credits
One of the photo is myself and Creator of XtremeHipHop Phillip Weeden at the Make Step Great Again tour.

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutDFW is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.