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

Hi LaDonte, maybe we can start at the very start – the idea – how did you come up with the idea for your business?
In the fall of 2014, I, LaDonte enrolled at Southern University (Baton Rouge, LA) and joined various organizations including the Men’s Federation, the Student Government Association, and the Southern University Human Jukebox Marching Band. As a trumpet player for the Jukebox,I was a part of the team responsible for the choreography of the bands’ halftime field show and routines. I quickly noticed that the local dance style “jiggin” wasn’t just a dance but a fun way to burn calories and workout. Shortly thereafter, I organized an hour-long weekly fitness/dance class in Southern University’s recreational facility. The program began to receive a lot of attention and requests from people outside of the Baton Rouge area, and that’s when I realized the business potential of making cardio a fun and enjoyable experience for people of all ages, shapes, and sizes. In 2015, I conceptualized JiggAerobics and officially incorporated it in 2017. In the same year, The Wall Street Journal spotlighted me and JiggAerobics in an amazing article and in May 2020, ‘Shark Tank,’ the ABC entrepreneurial investment bidding war, featured my brand as well.

What should our readers know about your business?
The thing that sets me apart from others is an aspect that I call “the cheese,” which means joy, happiness and positive thinking. I have sanctioned myself and my business as negativity-free zones and it has become infectious. Our consumers, employees and other businesses are sometimes captivated more by me and my company’s energetic attitudes and dispositions than they are by our actual products and services. I’ve learned through my entrepreneurial journey that my attitude truly controls my altitude. Yes, I have had struggles and obstacles as a man and business owner, but my ability to smile, be grateful, be empathetic and drama free is the secret sauce to my success. Keep Yo Cheese Up, Love Everybody and Stay Focused on Remaining Positive, even in Turmoil.

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?
My favorite spot to relax and hang out is Buffalo Bayou Park in Downtown, Houston. Great atmosphere, scenery and area,

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I have an extremely small circle of friends, family and business partners who have supported and continue to support my dreams and aspirations even when they may not fully see or understand my vision. More specifically, I have dedicated my every effort to my late mother, Ms. LaTonya Meaux, who passed away in December 2021 from heart failure. She always supported, instructed and encouraged me to dream big and I’m determined to do just that in her honor. On My Mama!

Website: https://www.jiggaerobicsfitness.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jiggaerobics/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ladonte-lotts-12796b121

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jiggaerobicsFitness

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkh6ANPo6p1axPOU1VJdgPA

Image Credits
1 Ken Maurice Photography Image & 2 ABC Shark Tank Images. All others are owned by JiggAerobics

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