We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Yeranoui ‘Noui’ Dzhigneyan a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Yeranoui ‘Noui’, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?
The thing to remember is to not compare yourself to others. I think comparison is part of human nature and we’re all guilty for it, but it’s important to take steps to get away from that because too much comparison can lead to negative thoughts. This is an area I struggled with and had to actively take steps in order to become successful in the fitness industry. I focused on counting my blessings and strengths. As time went on my focus shifted on growing from within and working hard. I always try to remember that every good thing take time and everyone has a different path that leads to a different journey that is unique to you.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I’m a kinesiologist/gym owner to Body & Soul- a private personal training facility. Movement always was and will continue to be a large part of my life. I spent my childhood years alternating between gymnastics, swimming, and dance classes. In college, I decided to major in Kinesiology with an emphasis on Exercise Science and I can honestly say it’s been the best decision I have made. Using the knowledge that I had gained and continue to gain, I started working with clients one on one. I fell in love with seeing how something so simple like exercise can have such a big impact on someone’s life. If I train my mind, my body will follow- thats the motto I use with my clients.
The training approach at Body & Soul is about having my clients be more intuitive and in touch with their bodies. I keep the workouts challenging but never to the point of exhaustion. I value the importance of quality sleep, a balanced nutrition, and having a healthy relationship with exercise. I believe health and fitness is much more than working out and meal prepping. I truly want my clients and others to feel confident and comfortable with their bodies from inside out. I offer one-on-one, partner, and small group training at Body & Soul as well as a space for independent trainers who have similar fitness values to bring their clients to. I love that by sharing my space and experiences and continuing to strengthen my mind and body, I can help others begin their own journey to strength.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
The ability to adapt to a changing environment, being confident, and willing to take risks contributed and impacted my journey greatly. The one piece of advice I would give to others who are starting their our business/journey is to stay true to who you are and take risks. Overall I think we might find it much easier to settle with the status quo rather than make a change, take a chance, or speak up, but I think it’s important to remember that risk-taking can be a good thing. Often times there is a negative connotation associated with risk and it can inherently hold you back from reaching your goals. We might not know the outcome of the situation, but I believe it’s important to take that courageous step in order to grow.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
I owe so much to my parents. They made the biggest sacrifice and immigrated from Armenia in the early 90’s leaving their family, leaving their country, leaving everything they ever knew, all to give me and my sisters the life they never had. I am grateful for growing up with our language, food, and culture, despite fighting “being different” for years of my childhood. I wouldn’t be who I am today without it. My family taught me to hustle hard; they showed me the value of working hard for what you want in order to accomplish your dreams. It takes guts and it takes perseverance. I see the choices and sacrifices my parents have made and am extremely grateful for the lessons learned that have helped me to become who I am today.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.bodyandsoul.studio
- Instagram: @bodyandsoul.studio
- Yelp: https://yelp.to/Q7WMaF4zHP
