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

Hi Nikki, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Honestly, I never thought I would be a business owner/ entrepreneur. With the way I grew up, people just didn’t do that. So when I decided to change my career from a graphic designer to a fitness professional in 2019, I had no intention on starting my own business. I just knew that I wanted to help people get out of their physical ruts and to a healthier and happier life because I had experienced that myself and it was so fulfilling. When the pandemic hit in 2020, I was furloughed from a small fitness studio I was working at. That right there created a space for me where I knew I needed to make some changes and think outside of my normal safe box. My son was about to start Kindergarten online, I didnt want to go backward on my new career path, and I had NO idea how I was going to make anything work.
I decided the only way to make it all work was to attempt to start my own business. So I to take out an IRA I had built up from my previous career and build a gym in my garage, got all of my legal documents in order, and started taking on a small number of clients for one-on-one sessions. That way I could still see clients in a safe environment and remain home while my son did distance learning from home.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a Fitness and Mindset Coach. I help people understand and work on rearranging their mindset to a growth mindset while also working them through their relationships with food and physical activity. The goal for this is to not only help them in their areas of health when it comes to movement and nutrition, but also to help them in their areas of health when it comes to mental health that can be controlled through our decision making, routines, and the ability to set boundaries.

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’m no good at itinerary layouts but some things I definitely take my friends and family to when they come to visit are Goldfield Ghost Town to walk around and visit my favorite place to get my skin care products at Siphon Draw Apothecary. Going to a super fun banked track roller derby bout at the Hall of Dames put on by my roller derby league, the Arizona Derby Dames. If we arent having a bout we may check out some flat track roller derby with Arizona Skate Club (also a league I skate with), Arizona Roller Girls, Desert Dolls Roller Derby, Arizona Roller Derby, or even shoot down to Casa Grande to see Casa Grand Roller Derby! Did I mention I really like roller derby? We also always have to stop at my FAVORITE coffee shop Copper Star Coffee to get a delicious chi latte and homemade bagel with cream cheese. So good! Taking people to shows around town to support our friend’s bands is also a great time. Check out the AZ punk scene! They have some killer music and rad people!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Colleen Sinclair at Syphon Draw Apothecary. – For always believing in my ability to help others and pushing me to hold true to the self I have worked so hard to build. The Arizona Derby Dames – My roller derby league that inspired change within myself to build what I have today.
My Family – For always believing in me and encouraging my ever growing mind and curiosity about life.

Website: badazztraining.com

Instagram: @nikki_badazz_coaching

Linkedin: Nikki Jones

Facebook: Nikki BadAzz – BadAzz Training

Yelp: BadAzz Training

Other: TikTok: Nikki_BadAzz_Training

Image Credits
Derby With Recess OhBrad Jamit

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