Meet Jamey Kahl | Fitness Instructor & Co-Owner of Neat Freaks Residential

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

Hi Jamey, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
When I first started a business in 2014, I was single with no children. I was working part-time and other free time was spent making jewelry, marketing for local events, and opening my store at the Yellow Green Farmers Market. When I first started on the path of a small business owner and local maker, I dove into my creative pursuit head first. Over the last 7 years, life has changed a lot! Including having a child and shifting my business model. Now, work life balance includes running two businesses, quality time with the family, and a lot of self-care. I have found that I am my best as a business owner, teacher and creative when my downtime is spent recharging and taking care of myself. A lot of my work requires giving to others through teaching fitness and yoga classes, as well as being a mom. Work life balance means making myself a priority so I can continue to give to others. Sometimes, maintaining balance is challenging, but by setting intentions and creating priorities, it can be achieved and maximizes opportunities for success.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I recently discovered that it is possible to be multi-passionate and successful in various fields. When I first started my journey as an entrepreneur, I had a vision in my mind that it needed to look a certain way. Since, I have come to the understanding that we are only limited by our on beliefs and ideas. My primary passion in life is to help others through movement, mindfulness and creativity. This includes yoga, fitness classes, art workshops and local wellness events. Success has not always been easy. For a period of time after my son was born, I had to put my passion projects on hold and focus entirely on raising and supporting my son as a single mom. During this time my primary focus was on making money bartending and working in the service industry. For a few years, I lost my creative flow and was discouraged. I knew I needed to heal and rise above the challenges before I could hold space for others. During this time, I learned a lot of lessons, picked myself up and started making daily changes which aligned with my goals.

Sine then, my role as an educator has shifted and I have also started a local cleaning company. By having two streams of income, I am able to enjoy the arts and wellness while making a living building a small business. Opportunities are endless and sometimes we have to let go of an idea of what things should look like and create space for new ideas.

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?
Fort Lauderdale has so much to offer when it comes to food, art, and culture. If a friend was visiting, we would start our day with a fitness class at SPENGA. It’s a total body workout in a one-hour class which includes 20 minutes of Spinning, 20 minutes of strength training, and 20 minutes of yoga.

Then Henry’s Sandwich Station for a delicious lunch. My favorite is a grilled cheese and tomato soup!

We would stop my Mama’s Munchies on Las Olas for some infused dessert, and then head to the beach for a dip in the ocean.

For an evening out, Sistrunk Marketplace is the spot to be at night with live music, a variety of pop-up restaurants, brewery, and boutique.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to dedicate my shoutout to my son, River. Becoming a mom has taught me lesson of patience, unconditional love, presence, forgiveness, and strength.

Instagram: @kahl_wellness @neatfreaks_residential

Image Credits
Ebby Agu