We had the good fortune of connecting with Jannea Wolff and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Jannea, what do you want people to remember about you?
As I grow in business and as a person I have actually been thinking about this a lot. This very question helps me to remember why I created Exersteem and gives me the push I need to continue to show up. I think of legacy in many ways; When I first heard that word I would think of just financial assets and how I could change the trajectory of my lineage in a financial way, and while that is still the plan it is not the only goal.
I want to leave a legacy of love. As I continue to build in business it is important not just for me to inspire women and moms around I connect with, but to also make sure I am taking care of those around me. Being able to show my girls that life is about CREATING, but also about BEING in the moment and appreciating the small things. I want my legacy to be one of commitment, perseverance, resiliency, and love.
I want people to remember how I made them feel, that in their darkest moments they are still beautiful. Remembering, that I was too an imperfect person who went for it and that they can do the same. I want every woman to know they are powerful beyond measure and they are not boxed in. You can be both an amazing mother and a powerful/beautiful woman. Each day I show up with all of these things in mind, it is much bigger than me.
Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Exersteem started in March of 2016 as a simple Instagram Page to show my journey back into a fitness routine for accountability. The name was created by combining Exercise and Self Esteem together. I wanted to create a page where people could be motivated to move their bodies and shift their mindsets. Little did I know, it would transform into so much more.
In November 2016, I gave birth to my first daughter and what was a very normal pregnancy turned into a very scary birth. I was in labor for 39 hours, had to have an emergency cesarean section. Zola was born perfect and 12 hours later I found out I was bleeding internally for 12 hours, having to have emergency surgery to save my life. That traumatic event led me into what I later realized was post partum anxiety and made for a very difficult recovery both physically and mentally. I had to redefine what fitness meant as a mother, what it meant to take care of my mental health, be more intentional with self care and make my health a priority. Through this process many mothers connected with my story and shared the ways their birth was traumatic and/of feeling lost in motherhood and not properly taking care of themselves.
Today, I have a group coaching program helping women reconnect with their bodies and prioritize their health so they can show up as the healthiest version of themselves both mentally and physically. I focus on Mindfulness, Nutrition, and Movement.
This journey has not been easy to get here and there is so much more I have in store. There is a part of entrepreneurship and building a business that many people don’t talk about, and that is the process that you, the CEO, has to go through in order to become the person you need to be to run a successful business. I am still learning, still growing, and allowing myself to be led. Leaning in more to the voice of God and my intuition, while showing up and doing the work. There have been times I was having struggles in my personal life, financial troubles, and at times wondering if I am doing what I should be doing. I realize now that every struggle is an opportunity for growth, we can either choose to give in to it or rise above. I choose to learn from it and keep going. What keeps me focused is the calling to reach the women who are assigned to me, as well as show my girl’s what it looks like to build the life you want based off passion and purpose.
I have learned and am still learning to trust myself. We have all the answers inside and it just comes down to trusting yourself and just going for it. I also learned to enjoy the process. It is good to have a goal, but all the focus can’t be there because then there are so many things missed along the journey. I want to remember every step of the way and be present for it.
I want people to know that this brand is really here for women, for moms who feel like they have lost themselves. I am here to remind moms how amazing they are and the ways you can turn your pain into power to fuel you. I am a woman who had a near death experience, struggled in the early parts of motherhood and has found her way. I want this brand to be an example and a light for that mother.
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.
Well, I am originally from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and have been in Miami for almost a year. So, while I haven’t been everywhere, I do have some favorites.
I absolutely love the vibe of Wynnwood. It’s very artsy with so amazing places to eat, cool murals and all around good fun!
Dunkanoo Jamaican Kitchen meets my belly needs haha. The food there is really good and they also have music and a DJ some evenings which makes for an overall great experience.
With the kids, I would say to check out the Miami Zoo, be prepared to do a lot of walking, but they have so many different animals and exhibits that the kids will love.
For all my Vegan folks, you MUST check out Planta. It’s an all vegan restaurant that has very flavorful foods that you feel good eating.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First, I have to thank God. I have been through so many seasons of my life and God has been the constant thing keeping me afloat and constantly reminding me of my purpose and seeing me through the great moments as well as the challenges. He has also sent some amazing people on my path that I HAVE to thank.
I also want to thank my husband for supporting and pushing me. He has done a lot behind the scenes that makes it possible for me to chase my dreams and for that I am forever grateful.
Next, I have to shout out my very first track coach Kenneth Abney. He had a very unique style of coaching; some felt he was a little too tough, and some days it was hard, however I learned so much from him. He taught me that nothing in this life will be given to you and to go after the things you want. He would not accept anything less than your best in practice AND at track meets. I learned that often success are the things you are doing when no one is watching, this is what matters most.
As far as books, I am an avid audible listener haha. But, one of the books that comes to mind that really helped me in business is The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks. In this book, he talks about staying in your zone of genius and helps you find it. I will say this very thing helped me identify what electrifies me and helped me zone in so I could be the most effective in my impact. It also eliminated some things that I will say yes to, which is hard when you’re first starting. You want to be involved in everything and help everyone. These days, I am committed to staying within that zone of Genius.
Website: www.exersteem.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jwolff_fit/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/janneawolff