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

Hi Emily, what do you think makes you most happy? Why?
The thing that makes me most happy in this world is seeing others discover empowerment and confidence in themselves. This is true inside and outside of my work. I love when I can help be the cause of this change, but even to see others find this on their own or through other means makes my day. The world is full of people who don’t feel good enough. I love being able to show or see others realize that their life on Earth matters and has purpose. When someone discovers their purpose in this life, their entire viewpoint is changed and they realize how many ways they also can impact others. It’s a beautiful cycle to see up close and from afar.

What should our readers know about your business?
My business wasn’t an overnight development. It started as a dream; a “someday I’d like to” type of dream. For the first three years it felt miles away and I continued along a path of expectation. I graduated college with a business degree and felt that the next step was to land a corporate job and let my life unfold in the cookie cutter way that society typically lays out. I spent a couple years working in the corporate world feeling unsatisfied and as though my purpose was elsewhere. I’d already been in my own fitness journey and new it was something I had passion for and that the ultimate goal was to be “coach”. Fast forward to last fall, I completed my certification and became a Certified Personal Trainer. This felt like the finish line in many ways although I can see now it was only my starting block. Since then, I’ve had a slow but steady start to creating my own business. It’s not always been easy to stick to this dream as some days the corporate world of steady pay, benefits, and the ability to “leave work at the office” is a little tempting. But here’s why I don’t fall into that – I know that my philosophy of health and fitness actually works. I know that what I teach changes my clients lives. They don’t feel burdened by the idea of weight-loss. They don’t fear food. They know that there is more to their health and fitness goal than just nutrition and exercise. They feel comfortable when attending birthday parties, holiday events, and simply going out to eat without fear of losing progress. They know how much bigger the picture really is. And what I teach isn’t a fast acting plan to get them to their goal and leave them high and dry once they’ve reached it. I teach actual education that they can apply to life even after we’ve worked together. As a coach, my job isn’t done when a client reaches their goal weight. My job is done when they feel they can confidently manage their health on their own. The end goal isn’t to keep a client forever, it’s to set them up for success for the rest of their lives with or without me. I don’t just provide results – I teach and I educate. Knowing I can provide this empowerment and confidence in my clients keeps me from brushing aside my dreams for a steady paycheck that a corporate role might provide.

Any great local spots you’d like to shoutout?
First of all, I’m a bit of a nerd for space. So my number 1 recommendation is in fact the space center. Whenever someone asks what 3 wishes I would make, going to space is one of them. I also have a huge love for animals and think that the Houston Zoo is one of the best zoo’s I’ve personally been too. I love how close it is to the park and the scenery outside of the animals is incredible. If you’re into an adult beverage or two, Saint Arnold Brewery is one of my favorites. The beer (and the food!) is great but the environment takes the gold. I love a good spot that you can play a few yard games while enjoying some good beverages and yummy bites. My family loves sports so if the Rockets are playing I definitely suggest catching the game. Can’t beat stadium concession stand food, am I right? Speaking of good food, I think the best bbq in town is found at The Pit Room. This is authentic as it gets. You see your bbq come from the smoker, straight to the cutting board right where you order. You’ve got to check this place out.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are many people in my life who have ushered and supported me to fulfill my dream – becoming a health and fitness coach. A few that deserve mention: my parents who always encouraged me to follow my heart and chase my dreams, Ciara Kelsey of Indiana who was my gym partner that let me lead and educate her along the way (this is where I first felt the calling to coach), and my loving boyfriend who continuously supports me in my dreams and often picks me up when I feel weighed down by the realities of chasing them. Thank you to you all, I wouldn’t be here without you.

Instagram: @oh__emgfit

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