Today we’d like to introduce you to Hunter Jones.
Hi Hunter, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I come from a small town in Oklahoma. My mom owns a dance studio there and lit my passion for dance. After high school, I attended Wichita State University as a dance major. Under the instruction of the incredible faculty there I was given the opportunity and resources to travel and study under some of the most notable dance choreographers in the industry. My dream was to get into a dance company after college. I worked hard. I was hungry for knowledge, growth, and experience. During the summers while most took time off, I was living on and off airplanes traveling from one dance convention to the next. My own choreography was also presented at the American College Dance Association. After college, I was asked to join two dance companies in Kansas City: City in Motion and Cerca Trova. While in these two companies I performed around Kansas City from stages to art galleries. While at City in Motion I had the opportunity to teach and choreograph for the children’s dance theater and my work was showcased at Dance in The Park. During this time I also worked on a yoga certification. As most know, you can’t rely on just dance to pay the bills. I was not only in two dance companies, but I was also working at a gym as a yoga teacher and front desk employee.
My story is long so we are going to fast forward to when Covid shut things down. Like most, I was left jobless. Over the course of my Yoga teaching, I had created a fitness Instagram. I decided to take it a step further and worked towards a nutrition coach certification so that I could start my own business, and continue to help people on their fitness journey. Namastealth Fitness was born! I helped quite a few clients lose weight over the course of Covid. This was the turning point for me in realizing that I just wanted to help people.
When things started opening back up, I kept my job at the front desk and teaching yoga. My dance companies didn’t start back so I started teaching at four different dance studios around Kansas City, on top of working on a personal training certification. While most settled, I persevered. My goals and dreams shifted to helping people in fitness especially dancers. Then… Life happened. I was in Lawrence at the time and relocated to the Kansas City area.
So, where am I at now? I have started personal training at Genesis North Overland Park. I love nothing more than helping my clients reach their goals in a fun and challenging ways. It is their progress that drives me each day. I have also started teaching at a dance fitness studio in Leawood called AKT. Here I get to share my passion for both dance and fitness. I teach dance at a studio in Bonner Springs. I also found out City in Motion will be performing again! I get to motivate and cheer people on every single day. I get to watch them grow and ignite a hunger in them that has driven me my whole life. Staying hungry for growth, knowledge, and the ability to help others is how I have gotten to where I am today. Most importantly, I have an incredible support system. I come from divorced parents and with my mom working to support me it took a village to help raise me from grandparents to family friends. In college, the faculty pushed me and supported me daily. I wouldn’t have made it into a dance company without their guidance.
When it comes to how I got to where I am today, my summed-up answer is hunger, motivation, perseverance, and my tribe.
Namastealth fitness is no more. I am now Hunter Lea fitness (give me a follow on Instagram)!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Like we say in fitness, growth is not linear and neither is a success. I have by no means made it but I’m working on it daily. I have faced many challenges from family struggles, to financial struggles, to mental struggles… everyone does. We all have something. Every single person you look at day to day is facing their own struggle. However, it is how you overcome that matters most. Are you going to let life run you or are you going to run your life? it’s your choice.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I specialize in dance, nutrition, and fitness. I am known for teaching and choreographing contemporary dances. I am also known for educating others on fitness and nutrition. I don’t have one business, I have many. On Instagram, Hunter Lea Fitness is how I promote AKT and any health/fitness tips and Hunter Jones Official is how I promote my dance career.
I am most proud of my overall achievements in life. I have overcome so much to get to where I am and I take pride in that.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
The most important lesson that I have learned is consistency. Consistency is key! It is the drive to show up day in and day out. It is doing whatever you do over and over with intention and passion.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: instagram.com/hunterleafitness
Image Credits:
Be You Photography
