Today we’d like to introduce you to Jahaira Gomez
Hi Jahaira, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My name is Jahaira Gómez and this is my story on how I overcame suicide, obesity, sexual abuse, and an abusive marriage through faith and fitness.
I had been struggling with obesity and depression for many years and finally diagnosed with PCOS in 2016. During the pandemic in 2020, I lost a loved one and that was a very painful experience, which I’m sure many can relate to. Through that pain, I reflected and made a decision to turn my life around and pursued my health journey. After many failed attempts to lose weight and struggling with PCOS, I got gastric sleeve surgery on December 17, 2020. That surgery gave me the kickstart that I needed and I ran with it. 6 months after the surgery, I joined the gym and started training myself.
From the beginning, I prayed and asked God for guidance, clarity, and discipline, which He certainly granted me. That led me to leaving my marriage and starting over from nothing in my 30’s. I relocated back to New York City (my hometown) unplanned and I worked in the fitness industry in marketing, learned boxing, went to acting school and dance school and then returned to Florida with all that knowledge, wisdom, and experience. Now, 4 years after I started my journey, I am a certified fitness and dance instructor that teaches boxing, HIIT, bachata, and merengue. I am so grateful and blessed because I now get to pour into others through my story of how faith and fitness saved my life! My hope is that people recognize that their life and stories matter and that they too can overcome anything as long as they put their faith in God and believe that they can! I’m a walking and dancing testimony!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. As someone who once was 300 lbs and went through drastic weight loss, I ended up having loose skin. At first I felt discouraged about it, but then it turned into “wait a minute, this is a badge of honor!”
On a more personal note, I didn’t want to date due to the loose skin but ended up dating someone that was in athletics and fitness. By then I was secure and confident in my skin. Having dated that person, I quickly learned that nobody really cares about your loose skin and what they really notice is your confidence. Which is attractive!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a Traditional Bachata dance instructor! I’m known for dancing and for my faith. Honestly, I’m mostly known for my energy and I’m not trying to sound cocky. I just know my energy is top tier. You know what it is? I love creating a safe space for people to be themselves so I come in with that energy by being myself and pouring love and encouragement into others through dance and movement. I celebrate letting your inner child come out! Being humble is knowing you’re not better than anyone else. Being humble isn’t putting yourself down for others. I encourage confidence! If you’re awesome, you’re awesome and I will tell you!!
When I teach Traditional Bachata, I teach the history of my Dominican culture, I speak on our black roots and address musicality. It’s not just dancing, there’s history, there’s dialogue, and a full experience and that’s what sets me apart. I do it to preserve my cultures history and celebrate our black voice which is often silenced and ignored.
I’m proud of myself for this as the daughter of a black Dominican woman. I do it to honor my roots and my family whom I love!
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
A book that helps me do my best in life is The Bible. The Old Testament gives you warnings of what NOT to do and the New Testament teaches you how to move through life via Jesus’ teachings. His one command is to love one another and forgive each other to maintain our peace. That way we can operate through life in a more joyful and harmonious way and not let the world pressure us to be someone we’re not.
People think the Bible is boring, but it’s entertaining and a true guide for life.
Pricing:
- $525 for a 90 minute class (bachata and merengue) for up to 40 people.
- $425 for a 60 minute class (bachata and merengue) for up to 40 people.
- $425 for 2-3 minute performance
- Packages available.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamjahairagomez
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@iamjahairagomez
- Other: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1zlLIqy-HjCs2Emy2Xm10KSGcKPj8t-UD
