Meet Jorenda Hardaway | ISSA personal trainer & Business owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jorenda Hardaway and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jorenda, what habits do you feel play an important role in your life?
Self discipline is one habit that I feel have help me and remains helping me with making decisions in my life.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am originally from Saginaw, Michigan with a bachelors in social work where I worked with Foster teens in a residential facility. When I moved to Texas I worked with a gang prevention program and a homeless shelter for youth. But I wanted a change, still in the helping field I became a Financial Coach where I help young adults who have been recently incarcerated receive a skill trade and bring awareness to them about their Finances. In my line of work working with different organizations I struggled with being their robot. I wanted a career where I can be myself all day everyday. But at that moment of time I had to work so that I can save money to invest in myself. So being micro manage was not a easy thing to do but I kept my eye on my prize (my future business). After gong through podcasting, starting a YouTube, modeling and not being consistent with it I thought to myself hmmm I like doing those things but is it my career. It was not easy to fail at something you thought was it for you so struggling with my mindset of failure and thinking will I every have a business of my own. With not giving up I did a little digging into my life, I like helping others, I like working out, I like telling people about why I workout, After a long time of searching I decided to create my own workout apparel because of my lifestyle and maybe while sharing my healthy lifestyle in style maybe people will gravitate towards my brand. I have learned that I am my own motivation and that it starts with ME and to never give up no matter what. I would like the world to know that my brand is not just a brand its a lifestyle. My brand slogan is Breathe, Believe, Become fit meaning Breathe life into what you want, Believe that you can do it and Become Fit and all aspects of your life.

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.
So many places we will do a little brunching so maybe the common table at the star then walk around enjoy the scene. Definitely one day hang out in bishop arts do some shopping and catch a vibe. Deep ellum at the stirr or Harlowe r bitter end for a day party. Dinner would be at Kai in plano. I haven’t been yet but go to the sweet tooth hotel, or catch a comedy show at the improve depends on what eventbrite has going on I like trying different adventurous things.

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?
Special shoutout to my bestfriends Dominique and China for always supporting me and helping me brainstorm on many ideas I had before I chose one. Shout out to my cousin Nita for the support and encouragement. Saving the best for last a huge shout out to my Creative Director at the time who turn into a friend Sharon Brown for holding me accountable and actually pushing me to move forward in creating Gym Code Athletics and Apparel LLC.

Website: www.gymcodeapparel.com

Instagram: gym_code_apparel

Facebook: Gym Code Athletics & Apparel LLC

Youtube: Just Jaye