We had the good fortune of connecting with Jordan Farrell and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Jordan, what was your thought process behind starting your own business? So, I feel like I’ve always had this desire to want more, to do more, without someone always questioning who I am. I’ve always had many talents but my passions have always been with involved with movement. I started taking dance classes and running track at a young age, and have blessed to continue dancing and running in my adult life. My love for movement and the human body influenced my decision to study Exercise Physiology in college and get me to where I am today. I’ve worked in a variety of fitness environments as a fitness professional and I’ve always felt that I was not fully using all of my gifts. In creating my business MOVE WITH J, LLC. I knew I could bring all things within my movement experience, creativity and knowledge to others. I wanted to create safe and inviting spaces and experiences where everybody and every body feels welcome in their efforts to being their healthiest selves.
I realize a lot of people do not stay consistent on their fitness journey because they believe it has to look or feel a certain way for it to count. I train clients online and in person and I believe that having a body is the first step for starting your fitness journey. I do my best daily to meet people where they are. I want to continue to encourage and inspire people to change their perspective, and know that moving their bodies is a way to experience more of what life has to offer. I also hope to continue building and showing my community that taking care of our mental and physical health is a vital part of our daily lives. Growing up, I did not have someone who looked like me advocating for the many health disparities in my community, so I am hoping to tap more into that as well.
Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?I have always been afraid to use my voice when it comes to my career out of fear I won’t be received, but about 10 years later here we are. I would say what sets me apart from others is my passion in creating positive movement experiences that people feel they can return to. I feel as though some fitness spaces exclude people and I believe it is something we should all have access to and feel welcome in. Taking care of ourselves, each other, shouldn’t matter based upon gender, race, ethnicity…there should be a space for everyone to feel care.
I am most proud of the way I use my creative brain to bring people together through movement and just make it something that we do vs something we have to do. And no it was not easy for me to get to where I am today. I have been in numerous professional spaces that always made me feel like the outsider because of me being who I am. But I realize now that that is part of my superpower. I’ve overcome the challenges by taking time to step back from certain professional roles, as they weren’t always what they seemed on the outside looking in. I now offer services online and in person and I love both because they allow me to connect with more people. Biggest advice I can give, if it is something you whole heartedly believe in, and are passionate about, trust your gut and trust God.
I want the world to know that my brand holds wellness at the center through building your relationship with movement. Our movement journeys make way for us to thrive in all areas of our lives. And I just hope to continue to tell my story and help others navigate life through movement.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?Hmmm it really depends on what the energy of the visit would be. But definitely a stop at the Durham Performing Arts Center for a Broadway show or concert. If the weather permits, time outdoors hiking some of the trails in the area, I love being near the water when visiting Umstead Park. I don’t eat out too often anymore but I’m sure we would grocery shop and I would cook all week long. I realized last year just how much I love cooking for fun (outside of meal prepping) and plating for aesthetics. We would take at least one night to hang out downtown visiting some of the different bars, especially those with live music. There’s a band or two I follow on social media that I would love to hear again. I also would love to check out some other fun activities like axe throwing, take a cooking class, or a candle making class. Something different outside of my day to day routine. I always tell myself since I’ve already been sky diving, I’m open to pretty much trying anything at least once.
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?
First, I would like to thank my parents. Because of my photographer/videographer dad, his creative brain and love for all things documenting our history, and my mom her health journey and her love for dance, I am who I am. They both exposed me to so much through the arts and running, and I am just so grateful even though I may not have appreciated it as much as a child.
I am grateful now to have friends/colleagues in the fitness industry who are also like minded and creatives. We are able to connect and lean on each other as we process our thoughts and work through things in real time. And of course my MOVE WITH J fitness community. They challenge and inspire me more than they’ll ever know.
Books that have shaped me in the last few years? The Power of I am by Joel Osteen, Lighter by yung pueblo, The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz, The Body is Not an Apology by Sonya Renee Taylor, All About Love by Bell Hooks, You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero and The Long Game by Dorie Clark.
