Meet Nakita Zano: Strength and Conditioning Coach, Personal Trainer, Multi-preneur

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

Hi Nakita, is there a quote or affirmation that’s meaningful to you?
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”. This scripture, Philippians 4:13 has been a mantra of mine since I was an athlete in high school. Whenever I was nervous or anxious, I would repeat this scripture over and over to myself. Many of those that are close to me, would call me bold and courageous – but really I am constantly reminding me of my ability through Christ. This scripture tells me that I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me; I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency. There have been many times in my life that I will account the strength of my faith to have gotten me through its adversities, even as a business owner now. There is no need to fear or worry when God is my source of strength.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My passion in sports performance came from being in a competitive, athletic environment as a student-athlete in high school. As a senior, I decided to attend the University of Texas at Austin and pursue a Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training. I have over four years of experience in manual therapy, injury prevention and athletic, sports performance programming. I am also a certified strength and conditioning specialist, CSCS. My expertise lies in the area of athletic development and one-on-one coaching. My philosophy as a coach has emerged from these strengths. My goal as a strength and conditioning coach is to provide valuable information that will develop healthier long-term patterns and habits that facilitate a balanced foundation for personal wellness and human performance. My business, NthePIT LLC, is almost a year old and it has not been easy working independently as a business owner. I have had to create a balance between work and life and sacrifice many things to build my business. I believe what sets me apart from others is that I am a female in a male-dominated field. I am most proud of the connections and rapport I have build through my clientele (shoutout to my girls!!). As a woman, we often compare ourselves to our peers and want what they have. I have learned that staying in my own lane and giving my best to where I am at, in that moment, will pay off in the long run. My business is just beginning and I have many plans to expand and create opportunities to connect with other female trainers and athletes in Houston.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Ah, this is a really hard question! I definitely am going to drop some names and contacts of some small business owners in the area. I am going to start off with the look; If you need your hair done I’ll suggest : Kathy @hairsurgeonkat for the slay, @braidsbyjennyy for braids or Danielle for the natural-hair vibes @itsdaniellefortune. Lashes by no other than Erin @thelashjunky.xo, and to shop for an outfit to visit BawseBae @shopbawsebae, @lekthelook and @boricuadenium for something to wear, that is stylish and affordable with great customer service. For some great food either of my girls at @sadezys_wingz_sauces, @tae.kitchen, @spoiledrottencatering will get you right. There are so many places to be out and about at in Houston but since COVID-19, I personally have taken a step back from going out and sub for a small gathering at my place with friends and family. I would suggest all hookah related things to shop at @smokesumnhookah and if you’re like me and have a huge sweet tooth, I’d get some of the best homemade cookies from @KJKookieKo or order a small dessert from Miss Nisha @missnishastreatsandeats. There is also a small owned coffee shop in Downtown, I’ve been wanting to go to since its opening @day6coffee that also sells some of my friend’s new handmade, scented candles @thezenflames. Like I said, there’s so many places and small owned businesses that I probably did not mention to visit and enjoy in the Houston area, that hopefully get a chance to in the future.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to shoutout all the women in my life who have given their time, resources and wisdom to me along my journey. I would not be the woman I am today with out them. My mother and sister, who have instilled in me the tenacity to go after my dreams not matter how big or how small. My friends, who I call sisters, that have supported me emotionally and mentally through my hardest trials. Also, the teachers and coaches whom I looked to as an influence to pursue an athletic coaching career and to ultimately build a legacy to impact other young adults in my community, just as they did with me.

Website: www.nthepit.com

Instagram: @nthepit

Image Credits
Cory Dixon