Traumatic events have a way of showing us who we really are. Many allow it to defeat them and others use it as motivation to live a more meaningful life. Having survived the World Trade Center attacks and the death of her beloved husband, Charlice Noble-Jones is one who has found her true calling through tragedy:Â helping others transform their lives as the owner of Snap Fitness.
After entering a contest for a chance to own the gym franchise, Noble-Jones felt a growing desire that signaled more than a career change. It was a chance to be a part of something bigger than her and positively impact the world.
With the gym being a huge success less than a year of opening, there are plans to expand and to continue finding healthy ways to reach her community.
BlackEnterprise.com spoke with Noble-Jones about her motivations, success and appreciation for life.
How is the business going so far?
It’s going extremely well. We broke corporate records after acquiring 300 memberships in first 20 days and it usually takes about 90 days. At one point I was actually worried about supply and demand and customer service now that we have over 600 memberships. We are still signing up about 2-3 people a day.
How did you make that happen?
In part, by building relationships. We are in a brand new town
opening a business and I wanted to be in a community that needed a gym. Hawkinsville GA, is the kind of town where people thank you for your business. Early on I had a moment where I sat in the parking lot and thought “It’s not yours, Charlice; it’s the community’s.â€Â So I make a point to know my audience and cater to that. Customers personally thank me for having a gym in the community which allows me to have touching moments with people. It’s not about money but what we are bringing to people’s lives.How have you helped the community?
We help people reach their health goals. We’ve seen blood pressure drop and a decreased use of medication. I like seeing people getting the color back in their skin and moving faster. The community has also helped me. People were helping with the mopping, sweeping and plumbing. They are invested in my success
What made you pursue the fitness industry as an entrepreneur?
My husband wanted a gym as possible business opportunity. Two weeks before 9/11 my (then) boyfriend was dying of cancer but he still wanted to exercise. And the working out gave him an opportunity to spend time with our son. Entrepreneurship was important to him and felt strongly about building wealth for the family.
I became a widow at 32 and buried my husband 2 days before 5th
wedding anniversary. I ate through depression and as an emotional eater, I ballooned up to 200 pounds. After saying to myself in 2011 “I don’t like what I see,†I started exercising and lost weight. I knew I needed to share my story.Also, there are not many black people who actually own gyms – especially female. There was a sense of pride in that.  I did some research, came across Snap and found that I loved their tools and business models.
What did you have to do to win?
I had to write a 250 word essay and submit a video discussing why I wanted to opportunity to own a gym. I don’t look like the people who usually own gyms but I had the desire and heart. I wanted it like I want to breathe. [During the second round] I did an interview over the phone and I cried after because I thought they didn’t like me. It turns out they made the decision on the spot that same day.
What motivated you to enter this contest?
Leaving a legacy for my son was the biggest reason and owning a gym was also a dream that Dell (my husband) and I shared.
Going through something like standing at the base of the World Trade Center when plane flying over your head and being
the widow in the room that no one knows what to say to, made me feel like I’ve been dead for ten years. I’m living again! I had a birthday party for the first time in years because I had a reason to start celebrating.This wasn’t just about winning a franchise. Â I get to be in a business that heals and transforms lives.
How is it working for yourself?
It’s empowering. You can’t be tired or get mad that no one else is going to do it. It’s the most challenging position I’ve ever had. Yes, it feels like the weight of the world is on my shoulders. There is no one else to take [problems] to, which makes me more accountable. I can’t leave it up to fate and there is no one else to blame.
Tell us about your 9/11 experience. Â How did it affect you and your career path?
I saw the plane hit the building and people jumping out of windows. In getting out of the building, I was trampled on. I remember reciting the 23rd Psalm, said goodbye to my family and tried to get where my mom would be able to find my body. I just knew I was going to die.
I was in this in-between world when it occurred to me what happened and that I was going to do something
different. I asked myself “Is what I am doing [for a living] worth dying for? No.” With the gym, I know I have fulfilled my purpose on this earth. I made a promise to myself that my work has to matter.What advice would you give to other aspiring business owners?
Everyone has a dream but something stops most people. It could be money or [fear of] failure. I believe “I can’t fail.â€Â We have to win and that is what pushes us everyday. You’ve got to want to succeed like life depends on it.
It’s also important to stay ahead of trends and know that locations are key.
Don’t forget to have start-up capital. You will need it for payroll, supplies, tools, etc. We were able to pay the bills in the first 30 days with it. Your business also has to stand alone. Don’t use business money to pay bills – at least initially.
What’s next for you?
I can’t wait to open another Snap gym. We’ll need to find a community that needs a gym and will embrace us. I will continue teaching 4th grade social studies until next year. I would love to be a new Denise Austin and continue to share how I lost the weight. And I want to get married again and have more children.