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

Hi Stacy, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
When my oldest son was about 2, I looked at his feet. I thought wow, his feet look just like my dad’s… and I froze. If the outside looked like my dad, surely the inside did! My dad had his first heart attack before I was born. Heart disease was weaved into my life from go! I never met my paternal grandfather and my uncle died young…heart disease…

I started volunteering with the American Heart Association (AHA) in 2008 to get educated on how to live heart healthy and prevent heart disease in my family! I learned that 80% of the risk factors are mitigated by lifestyle changes and choices. As my volunteerism continued I became a spoke person and time and time again after my talk/speech people would say “ok, I heard what you are saying, but how do I make these heart healthy choices?”.

In 2012 I launched Red Inspired Fitness, inspired from the Go Red for Women Movement in my AHA volunteerism, to provide consultancy to help make heart health a part of the daily routine. If we are to make a difference in the world of health and wellness, we need tools to help people access solutions for disease prevention – among other things.

My message is clear: take proactive steps and prioritize your heart health.

What should our readers know about your business?
My business is driven by a profound passion for heart health. I am deeply committed to changing the statistic that 1 in 3 men and 1 in 3 women are affected by heart disease within my lifetime. We have the tools and knowledge to make a difference; we just need to put them into practice.

What sets my business apart is our unwavering focus on getting people to try. I understand that losing weight, exercising, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle isn’t easy. However, being unwell isn’t easy either. It’s all about choosing your hard. Through my journey, I’ve learned that with the right team and accountability group, you can overcome any challenge and achieve your goals.

I am most proud of the incredible support system we’ve built for our clients. Our community is dedicated, supportive, and inspirational. My business’s success is rooted in the collective effort of this amazing team, pushing each other to new heights.

The journey hasn’t been easy. There have been numerous challenges along the way, but each obstacle has taught me invaluable lessons. Persistence, resilience, and the power of community are key.

What I want the world to know is this: With the right support and determination, anything is possible. Join us, and let’s work together to improve heart health and transform lives.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend were visiting the area, I’d make sure they had the best time ever with a mix of local favorites and outdoor adventures. Here’s our week-long itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival and Relaxation
Settle in and unwind at home with a delicious homemade dinner.

Day 2: Exploring Gilbert
Start the day with a leisurely walk around the water tower area.
Spend the afternoon checking out the cute shops and attractions in the town.
Enjoy a glass of wine at Postino’s on the charming patio in Downtown Gilbert.

Day 3: Desert Belle Boat Ride
Head out for an afternoon tour on the Desert Belle boat, enjoying the beautiful lake scenery and learning about the local wildlife.

Day 4: Hiking Adventure
Take a hike on the Wind Cave Trail at Usery Mountain for some stunning views and a good workout.
Pack a picnic to enjoy along the way.

Day 5: Home Cooking and Relaxation
Spend the day cooking together and enjoying home-cooked meals.
Have a relaxed evening with a movie or board games.

Day 6: Gilbert Farmers Market
Visit the Gilbert Farmers Market to pick up fresh produce and local goodies.
Spend the rest of the day exploring more of the local sights or relaxing at home.

Day 7: Farewell and Last-Minute Fun
Enjoy a final walk around the neighborhood or a visit to any spots we might have missed.
Wrap up the visit with another lovely homemade meal and some reminiscing about the week.

I love the balance of home-cooked meals, outdoor activities, and a few delightful local spots to eat and drink.

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’d like to dedicate my shoutout to my amazing husband, Rich, for his unwavering love and support, and to my three sons, Daniel, Cooper, and Travis. They inspire me every day to do more, not just for our family, but for the planet. Thank you for being my motivation and my rock. ❤️

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/redinspiredfitnesscommunity

Image Credits
Photo credit: Jason Wise, https://www.jasonwisephotography.com/

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