We recently connected with Courtlyn Jones and have shared our conversation below.
Courtlyn, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?
Being the only one in the room is something I’ve grown used to—especially as a Black woman navigating the creative industry, the wellness space, and now, the fitness world. It’s never easy, but over time I’ve learned that my difference is not a disadvantage—it’s a depth. It’s a lens, a lived experience, and a strength that brings something to the table no one else can.
Early in my career, I tried to blend in. I softened my voice, I overachieved, I shrunk myself to fit into spaces that were never built for me. But chronic illness taught me that I don’t have the energy to pretend anymore. And leadership taught me that I don’t need to.
Now, I walk into those rooms knowing that my presence alone is powerful. I prepare deeply. I lead with clarity. I speak with care—but I speak. And when I feel small, I remind myself that someone else might feel seen because I chose to show up.
You can’t control the room, but you can control how you carry your truth inside of it. That’s where your power is.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I’m the creator and host of The CRTLYN Edit—a podcast and newsletter where I share personal reflections and intimate interviews with women athletes and changemakers who are rewriting their stories. It’s where I talk openly about healing, identity, chronic illness, performance, and the often messy in-between.
What makes my work special is that it’s deeply personal and rooted in lived experience. I’m not speaking from the mountaintop—I’m in the middle of it. After living with rheumatoid arthritis for over 14 years, going through thyroid cancer, multiple injuries, and a marathon training cycle that ended with a torn hamstring, I decided to take my healing into my own hands. I got certified in personal training and corrective exercise, and I designed a program to help rebalance and restore my own body. That process transformed me—not just physically, but creatively. And The CRTLYN Edit was born out of that transformation.
What excites me most right now is expanding the platform and connecting with more women who are in the midst of their own pivots—whether in health, career, or identity. I want people to know: you’re allowed to start over. You’re allowed to lead differently. And your story—exactly as it is—is enough to build something powerful.
Coming up, I’m working on new episodes of the podcast, more content collaborations as a wellness and fitness ambassador, and deeper storytelling around embodiment, resilience, and redefinition. This chapter feels like a return to joy, alignment, and purpose—and I’m excited to bring others along for the journey.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
1. Resilience
Living with a chronic illness like rheumatoid arthritis has taught me how to keep going, even when the path feels uncertain or unfair. That kind of quiet, daily resilience is what’s carried me through both entrepreneurship and injury. My advice would be: Learn how to rest, not quit. Resilience isn’t about constant motion—it’s about being able to pause, reassess, and come back stronger. Honor your limits, but don’t abandon your goals.
2. Clarity of Purpose
I’ve worn many hats—designer, founder, wellness advocate, content creator—but what keeps me grounded is knowing why I’m doing what I do. Whether I’m creating for The CRTLYN Edit or collaborating with wellness brands, it all comes back to helping people feel seen and supported. If you’re just starting out, take the time to reflect: What moves you? Who are you really trying to serve? Let that clarity shape your decisions.
3. Willingness to Pivot
The most powerful moments in my journey have come from letting go of what I thought my life or career should look like. Pivoting from the creative industry into fitness wasn’t part of the original plan, but it led me to alignment, healing, and impact I never imagined. My advice? Don’t be afraid to change your mind. Growth often requires redirection. Listen to your body. Trust your gut. You’re allowed to evolve.
As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?
One of the most important books in my journey has been The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. I read it years ago, but it’s one I continue to return to—especially during seasons of uncertainty or transition.
What impacted me most was the idea that your “Personal Legend”—your true calling—is something your soul already knows, even if the world hasn’t caught up yet. That resonated deeply with me. There were so many moments in my life where I pivoted—leaving behind stability, identity, or even success—because something inside me was pulling me somewhere else. The Alchemist reminded me that this isn’t failure. It’s faith. It’s listening.
Another powerful takeaway was the concept that the universe will rise to meet you when you commit to your path. That helped me trust the risks I’ve taken. This book taught me that alignment is more important than approval. That when you follow what’s real for you, it will eventually open doors.
To me, that book acts as a mirror for my inner voice.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.courtlynjones.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/courtlynjones
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtlynjones
- Other: https://courtlynjones.substack.com/
Image Credits
Stefania Curto
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
