Meet Mariah: an Olympic Level Athlete and Personal Trainer

Here's to the first Black Woman Owned Business (BWOB) of 2023! Also, at the end of this newsletter, Mariah is sharing a freebie with all HTA readers (ayyyyy)

TLDR:

• Quick housekeeping about why it’s better to put your comments in newsletter than for you to email/text me directly

• Meet Mariah, a 2024 Olympic hopeful for Long Jump for the island of Dominica, a personal fitness trainer, and overall precious human being

• Freebie for HTA readers

• Networking and Job Opportunities: the place where WOC are looking to hire and/or network with other WOC

• Spoilers for paid subscribers

Quick Housekeeping

Hey everyone! First off, I’m so happy that so many people enjoyed my newsletter last week about my mom’s early retirement! She definitely felt a little famous and loved the positive attention which always makes me happy to see my Princess happy. Also, I got a lot of emails, messages, and comments on social platforms about my newsletter (which I deeply appreciate) AND it would be great if you guys could leave your comments on the newsletter, too! While I don’t want you guys crying at the office again (I’m looking at you, Anjali), I do want you to know that this is a safe space for big feelings and nuanced conversations for all of my readers. Also, your likes and comments on the newsletter will definitely help me be able to talk to you and not at you (and it makes it easier for you to network with the other readers/business owners within the community). For those who don’t know, this newsletter is currently being run by a party of one so the more you comment under my newsletter and like the newsletter, the sooner I can start hiring some people!

Please introduce yourself in the comments! Include your name and leave me some word vomit. Tell me anything, it’s cool, I just want to get you (and I’m sure the rest of the community wants to, too). If it helps, I’ll go first:

Meet Mariah - MT FITNESS 💪

In 2 sentences or less, can you describe your business?

Personal training/accountability and fitness coach; I help women & men build confidence & strength in themselves by creating healthy habits through mindful eating and workout plans.

When did you start your business? What was going on in your life before you launched?

I started in 2018. I was working at a gym and decided that I wanted to create my own virtual business to help spread my knowledge to others, be less scared of the gym and working out, and learn how to build healthier habits.

What's the mission of your small business? What do you want people to walk away with when they engage with your business?

My mission is to help people to lose their fear/anxiety about working out, the gym, and healthy habits. I want people to feel confident in themselves, to feel like they are motivated to make healthier habits whether that’s in the gym or at home. When my clients have less of a fear of bettering themselves and want to workout, I know I’ve done my job.

If you could personify your business, who would they have been in a high school?

My business would be the class president in high school, the leader of the pack wanting to help out everyone and fix issues that students face. Volunteering in the community while also learning how to better their leadership.

Shayna’s sidebar: As someone who actively avoided any form of responsibly in high school, this is nothing short of admirable

What service do you want to highlight?

I have online personal training services. I also have monthly virtual workout plans that anyone can subscribe to, and I reside in Georgia so, if anyone is interested in in-person training, I do that as well!

Shayna’s sidebar: I know that there’s a number of you in Atlanta so if you want to get it right/get it right/get it tight for 2023…I’m just saying 👀

Here's your time to brag about yourself and/or your business. Any awards? Accomplishments you're really proud of? Big events coming up? Etc. We want to know!

I am an elite level Olympic hopeful! I am currently training for Olympics 2024 for the island of Dominica in the event: Long Jump. Also, I am an all-American Division 1 athlete. My business has been running consistently for 3 years, and I am excited for what’s new to come. I don’t have any business awards yet but looking forward to earning some in the future.

OK, now let’s get PERSONAL

Your choice: What's the story of your first date OR your worst date?

My first date was actually at Asbury Park beach it was such a beautiful summer night with my date and I walking along the sand and just talking, learning about each other and just enjoying the warm breeze. We also bought a funnel cake and shared that as we learned more about each other, then we took off our sandals and walked in the water and it was very fun, relaxed and romantic

Tell us about your best friend!

My best friend is awesome! I really have 3 of them, but I’ll just talk about their traits together. On the outside many people think I’m extroverted and nice, and yes I am, but I also am shy, irritable and damaged. The one thing about my best friends is that they get that about me, and still love me anyway. Not only do we have a great time when we are together, but I know that if I need some real advice they will give it to me, without hesitation and even if it’s something I don’t want to hear. They tell me like it is and I never have to worry about them sugar-coating anything when it comes to me but, as much as they give tough love, they also always show that I mean the world to them and I love them for that.

What's a piece of art (a song, book, painting, movie, etc.) that got you through a difficult time?

Two of my favorite songs that always get me out of a funk are “Can’t Tell Me Nothing” by Kanye West and “Unstoppable” by Sia.

What's something that you wish people knew/understood about you?

I wish people knew that sometimes it may seem like I have it all together, or that I’m always happy/cheerful and excited, but that’s not always the case. I’ve learned that it’s ok for me to not feel ok, and I would appreciate more people checking in with me instead of always assuming I’m alright.

Where can we find you? What's your socials? Website?

My Instagram is @mariah2saint, my fitness page is @m_t_fitness_. I am working on a new website for MT Fitness so keep a look out!

🎉 FREEBIE TIME 🎉

Mariah is offering a free 10 minute consultation for anyone who DMs her on Instagram and uses the code “hearttoarts”. If you have any fitness questions, nutrition questions, how-do-I-become-my-thickest-self-in-2023 questions, use that code, schedule a free consultation, ask away, and ask Mariah about her services!

Networking and Job Opportunities

@socialbutterfly101 from my TikTok community is looking for an editor! She runs an etiquette school for her clients so if you have any experience, definitely reach out to her. I think this is a remote gig.

@serendipityluxurypicnics, another member of my TikTok community, is looking to collaborate with local businesses in Atlanta, GA. Her IG or email isn’t connected to her TikTok but if you comment on one of her videos and say “shaynarc0 sent me” she’ll know.

@pursesandproverbs is also looking to collab with people in New Jersey! She make handcrafted accessories and hosts events in South Plainfield area. She also found me on TikTok :)

Jazmine A. Ortiz is looking for freelance beauty writers on LinkedIn and would love to showcase diverse faces, hair textures, and hair colors in upcoming pieces for Hair.com! If you’re a freelance writer who’s interested, HIT HER UP ASAP! And, yes, this is a paid gig.

**If you are, or know, someone who is actively looking to hire WOC (for a full-time, part-time, or freelance position) OR who wants to build a professional network with WOC in their industry, please either comment below or email me so I can help you find the talent you need :)

Spoilers for Paid Subscribers!

I’m getting my first tattoo this Wednesday and it’s going to be a brown tattoo. As a melanated person, it can be very tricky to find a good tattoo artist that knows how to do strong color tattoos on our skin. I’ll be sharing more details on the tattoo parlor I found (they have a LOT of artists who specialize in this), how much it was, and sharing my plan on a potential sleeve 🤫

More to come tomorrow!