Today we’d like to introduce you to Sunkiss Fitness.
Hello Sunkiss Fitness, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Carla Parson, and I was a 365lb young woman with pre-diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, chest/joint pains, gynecological issues, and extreme anxiety from past traumatic encounters. From heartbreaks, molestation, armed robberies, battered with guns, ducktapped until unmovable, yanked across the floor by my hair, coping with food and liquor, etc. I was broken, and instead of giving up on myself, I decided to fight, I rose from my bed of depression and chose life…
In February 2014, I decided to take control of my health with the help of Gastric Sleeve, changing my eating habits, and documentating my journey on Instagram. In 2016, I began kickboxing, weight training, and step aerobics. Currently, I’m down over 100lbs and still pushing. In 2017, I became an Influencer and Brand Ambassador. My passion for fitness is equivalent to the passion displayed on Love and Basketball. Honeyyyyyy, fitness is my love language. It’s a blessing, it’s exhilarating, it’s therapeutic, and it’s simply a part of my DNA. In 2018, I knew that I wanted to be a Fitness Coach to help others incorporate movement into their daily lives, but unfortunately, it wasn’t my time. In 2020, I began my business during Covid, and I’ve been thriving every since.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
This journey has had its up and downs, but with God, all things is possible. There has been many obstacles and challenges to get where I am, however, the biggest ones was:
(1) Trusting someone that I assumed was mentor with my ideas, plans, and goals, but in return, she used them as her own. I felt bewildered and betrayed, but because I’ve forgiven her, God is opening many doors and avenues for me. This is simply the beginning.
(2) As much as I love exercising and helping others implement movement into their lives, I find that the business side of things can be frustrating and overwhelming. Building websites, pricing systems, promoting, flyers, etc. With time and patience, it has definitely gotten much better. Thank God.
(3) Being a “plus-sized” Fitness Coach isn’t an obstacle for me perse, but seemingly, it’s an issue for others. I’m not perfectly sculpted with tons of muscle, but I’m strong, curvy, and healthy. Truth be told, everyone’s goal isn’t to be skinny, but to be fit, comfortable in our own skin, and toned; to burn fat, lean out, increase strength and performance. I wasn’t made to fit in, but to stand out. I use my struggles with weight loss, healing and self- esteem to connect with others. During and after class, I want you to feel empowered and loved; I want to provide authentic and safe experiences.
Everything else has been manageable. I’m truly thankful for the assistance that I receive from those that want to genuinely see me prosper.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Sunkiss Fitness, LLC?
“L.I.F.T.” is a “Low-Impact Fitness Training” program for those with limited mobility, injuries, and disabilities; for seniors, fitness beginners, and bariatric patients to incorporate movement into their routine. It’s functional strength and aerobic movements that’s done using a chair to either sit or use for balance. L.I.F.T. is designed to be a challenging workout to increase your heart rate and burn calories while improving strength, balance, coordination, and endurance.
I am utterly proud to say that I have been featured with Torrid, D’iyanu, Align Probiotics, Nordic Naturals, Zumba Strong, Bariatric Symposiums, and a host of other brands, including clothing, vitamin and food companies, women’s health campaigns, etc. What sets me apart is that I personally know the struggle. The bullying & laughing, the lack of motivation & junk food relapses; high cholesterol & morbid obesity; the joint pains & anxiety; hypertension & pre-diabetes. We’ve all had issues that was barriers in our lane, but there comes a day when you gotta’ stand up to those demons & scream NO MORE PAIN. I have experience both personally and professionally. I’m a Certified Group Fitness Instructor with ACE Fitness, SilverSneakers Instructor, and I’m currently working on my Senior Fitness Specialist Certification, and a few others. It’s only UP from here.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
Truthfully, I can’t end this interview without acknowledging and giving credit where credit is due. This portion can be pretty lengthy because Sunkiss Fitness LLC has an impeccable support system. First and foremost, I give honor to God, which is the head of my life. Without Him, none of my success would even be possible. Shoutout to my phenomenal husband, which is my biggest cheerleader. When I wanted to throw in the towel, he perpetually encouraged, prayed for me, and pushed me towards greatness. Shoutout my Mommy, Daddy, immediate family, and close friends for being my very first clients, for believing in me, and pushing me beyond my limits. Shoutout to my Uncle Billy for identifying the “Beastmode Johnson” in me, and pulling her out over the years. Thanks for showing me what consistency, hard work, and resiliency looks like. Shoutout to Matt and DeYante(9Round Trainers) for taking me under their wings, and showing me the ropes. The both of you are exactly what I needed in this season, and I wouldn’t be where I am without you. Shoutout to ALL MY CLIENTS, both past and present, for giving me a chance and trusting me as your Coach. I’m thankful for the beautiful individuals that God has brought into my life at specific times and helped with providing a space to teach classes. Shoutout to Pastor Pelt, Pastor McDonald, Pastor White, and Tane. You are absolutely appreciated. In closing, shoutout to my FACEBOOK AND INSTAGRAM family for the dynamic love bestowed over the years.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.sunkissfitness.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/sunkiss.my.fitness
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/sunkissmyfitness
