Kemi Asani is currently leading the movement of the Diaspora known as Afrobeat Fit. Afrobeat Fit has been in operation since 2016 and is a high-intensity cardio workout where music and movement derive from the late and great artist and influencers of Africa. Afrobeat Fit “Sweat Sessions” are always inclusive to all and rooted in love!
Since 2016, Afrobeat Fit has hosted over 500 small and large scale experiences centered around dance, cultural access and holistic wellness in various metro cities in the United States and Panama! With their most notable clients being the United States Coast Guard Academy, P&G Gillette Headquarters, Boston Chamber of Commerce, Harvard University, Black Health Matters Conference, and Qualcomm, to name a few.
Please tell us a little bit about your company – what is Afrobeat Fit all about?
Afrobeat Fit is a cultural dance fitness company that hosts experiences where music and movement derive from Africa. These experiences consist of high intensity cardio workouts that give you a good sweat!
Tell us a little bit about your background and how you started your company?
Kemi Asani is of the West African Diaspora, born in the United States, with parents hailing from Nigeria and Liberia. Her personal story began after receiving corrective hearing surgery and when she started dance/training at the age of 2. She also spent years navigating the terrain of standard schooling and acquired a Master’s in Public Administration, while working within the realm of Higher Education.
For years she balanced working in the area of academic support services and most notably as the Director of Diversity & Inclusion while also dancing professionally in Providence, Boston and Atlanta. Kemi’s first encounter with entrepreneurship was in the first grade. Her older sister forced her to sell stickers with a substantial profit margin. She later explored the road of entrepreneurship on a more serious level through various business ventures during her Undergraduate years of college. The interconnections of her life eventually led to the corner of: Afrobeat Fit.
What are your plans, how do you plan to grow this company?
I am working toward Afrobeat Fit bring taught in all corners of the globe, connecting people to their roots while giving them access to inclusive wellness.
What is one thing that you do daily to grow as an entrepreneur?
I have a “rise routine” where I pour into my self first before serving others around me. That has helped me to grow and maintain boundaries as an entrepreneur. Self-care is very important, especially because we are generally steering the ship. If we are not at 100%, then nothing else is.
What are three books or courses you recommend for new entrepreneurs?
I would recommend the book The Alchemist by Paulo Choelo, and courses by Audria Richmond and Abu Fofana.
What is the one thing you wish you knew before starting your business?
I wish I knew just how hard entrepreneurship would be. I am not sure if I would have continued down the path or if I would have entered more prepared.
What has been your most effective marketing strategy to grow your business?
Using every and any opportunity to connect and network with folxs. Building solid relationships that are reciprocal is key!
If you only had $1000 dollars to start a new business, knowing everything you know now, how would you spend it?
I would not spend it just yet. I would see what I could do to launch the business generating the least amount of expenses and use a small portion of funds to go toward carrying out a solid marketing plan.
What’s your best piece of advice for aspiring and new entrepreneurs?
The journey of entrepreneurship is not an easy one. Remember that no one owes you anything, you may need to “pay your dues” but your purpose will be the thing that grounds you. Keep Going!
What is your favorite quote?
My favorite quote is when that I made up which is: “Create positive change within the lives of others whether incremental of monumental.”
How can we get in touch with you?
You can connect with me through any social platform related to Afrobeat Fit or that of my own personal brand – Kemi Asani. Email or DM is preferred.
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