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

Hi Jiavani, how do you think about risk?
I believe risks are essential for a happy life. I know so many people, including myself at one point, who are afraid to take the risks that will make them happy. For example, I was a salary manager at a restaurant for going on 3 years. 5 days a week 10-hour shifts that usually ended up being 12 or 13-hour shifts. I had no time for my business. In fact, at one point I lost sight of anything outside of work. Towards my last few months working there I decided to make a plan. Save money to sustain myself for 4 months, then leave said job in order to get my business up and running. Then if I needed it, I would get a part-time job after my 4 months to help further sustain my life.

Many thought it was crazy, as did I. But I knew it was necessary for my business’s success. It was a very scary time in my life, to say I was quitting a comfortable job to start my own; but just the thought of it made me beyond happy. If I had not quit that job, I would still be miserable and without a business. I would have missed out on so many of the opportunities that have been offered to me.

Risks are scary but that’s why they say happiness is often times on the other side of fear. I always encourage people to make the move they have been debating. Don’t be afraid to be uncomfortable. Don’t settle, take the risk and make life what you want.
What should our readers know about your business?
Fitness Tenacity is a new brand that strives to help people create a realistic and sustainably healthy lifestyle. This brand is not the one that is going to tell you to starve yourself in order to lose 15 pounds in 3 days. We are the brand that will help you learn when to eat clean and when to indulge in your favorite foods and drinks.

Creating this brand has not been easy, and it’s still very new and on the rise. I’ve had to watch a lot of videos, talk to lots of people, spend a lot of time and money, and making some hard decisions. I’ve learned that I can’t do it all by myself. You have to use your resources and just ask for help sometimes. You’d be surprised who is willing to help you with little to no pay. They just love your idea and want to help.

Other challenges I’ve ran into is the social media impact. On one end its easy to just do what everyone else does, and on the other hand, it’s a great place to learn from others, make great connections, and create a community with your customers who want to see the real you! Being able to balance business and social media has been tough, but with tenacity and help from a good friend, I’ve pushed through.

Remember to not be afraid of the challenges or decisions in front of you. Attack them head on, show your tenacity, and be prepared for the outcome. Just like in fitness, it’s not always a linear journey. You will have your ups and downs, but always refer back to why you started and keep pushing!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

My friends and I absolutely love trying new places that have good food, drinks, and vibes. So I would take them to all the staple restaurants in Houston, some that I’ve been to and some that I’ve always wanted to try.
We’d go to places like The Turkey Leg Hut, Just Mac, and Five Central for dinner.For brunch we’d hit some lounges like Domain on a Sunday, Lost & Found, & Taste Bar. Some nights we would go out. Like on Tuesday or Friday we’d go to Fenix Lounge. Any other day we would probably go to Prospect Park in Willowbrook, Uptown lounge, or Belle station.

Outside of food and lounges, we’d go explore the rest that Houston has to offer such as Discovery Green, TopGolf, Cidercade, The Color Factory, The Black Woman Museum and more. We’d also try to hit all the pop up shops The Social Connect or Black Wall Street has to offer in order to find great black owned products and services.


Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would first like to dedicate this to my mother for her unwavering support, love, and presence in my life and career. Being hands-on every chance she gets, she gives me the opportunity to take risks, and I am forever grateful. Your support keeps me going.

I also want to thank my lifelong friends that are my forever family. They support all my ideas and my free spirit. They encourage me to do what makes me happy but also help keep me grounded and realistic. They are there to help out in any and every aspect of my business and I appreciate them deeply.

I can’t say thank you enough for you all always supporting and encouraging me to follow my dreams.

Thank You !

Instagram: @_fitnesstenacity

Other: Tiktok: @Fittenacity

Image Credits
Flo Lane Ray Berry Photography

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