ALINA BRANDA

FOUNDER: JNA FITNESS

JNA Fitness is a privately owned training facility in Bergen County, NJ ran by my husband Joe and myself, Alina. We strive to provide cutting edge fitness programs to achieve real results in the gym and through our on-line program. Striving to reach your fitness goals is not our only priority at JNA. We reach out to our clients to improve their lifestyle and daily activities. We want to make your day “Better & Stronger” on the outside, but most importantly on the inside as well!

I don’t leave my house without… My Burt’s Bee’s Rose Tinted Lip Balm or any other BRIGHT Colored lipstick!

People would say that I am… motivational, inspirational, and a great TRAINER!

The most important aspect of any business is… how you treat your customers and make sure to give them what they need. Put yourself in their shoes.

My favorite business book of all time is… not really a business book, but its about finding what’s important to you personally and making your business life and family life your personal ministry. “Famous in Heaven and at Home” by Michelle Meyers. My business and my family are my two most important things and I want to be able to give to both equally.

Who/What inspires you?

My clients! Watching some of JNA’s girls lift heavy weights inspires me to go bigger myself. Pushing them and seeing them break PR’s is so inspiring, how could you not put yourself through a great lifting session after that and want to continue pushing them. Also my husband Joe. Without him, our gym JNA Fitness wouldn’t be a reality. He has helped me reach my goals and continues to do that everyday. I want to be strong and better for what we have and myself.

Do you believe that there is one specific formula for success? What does it mean to be a successful business owner?

I don’t believe there is a specific formula for success. I think its about passion and drive and letting go. You have to make big moves in this world to make your dreams come true. Sometimes that means making sacrifices financially, mentally, and physically. You have to BELIEVE that your business is what you want it to be already, not what its going to be. Your clients will show you that what you do everyday was meant to be. Every “great workout” or “JNA is our favorite gym” means we are doing something right! Hearing my clients say that makes it all worth it!

What does it mean to have competition/competitors? Do you compete/collaborate or just observe? What is the best practice to approach your competition?

I don’t believe in competition. When I see other gyms, or other online fitness programs booming, I am thankful. I love that there is so much passion is this industry to help people become strong and the best version of themselves. I can’t say I even observe because every gym/training facility has their own technique. The only thing I can focus on is what we do at JNA and that’s what makes us the best in my heart!

Do you have hobbies? What are they? Is it important to take “time off” and focus on other things such as friends, family, hobbies etc.?

My favorite thing to do when I am not in the gym is hangout with my 2-year-old son, Joseph. Spending time with him and being able to be with him everyday is magical. Yes, being an entrepreneur is challenging and exciting, but the best part is being able to create your own schedule so you can be home as well. We are expecting our 2nd child this October so life will get busy but even more exciting. Luckily my passions are FAMILY and FITNESS, and manicures and pedicures with a Starbucks in hand! ☺

What is failure?

Failure to me is opportunity. If you think you have done everything you could possibly do, and you fail or think you failed, in walks OPPORTUNITY. When one door closes another one will always open, so to me there is no failure. You live, you learn, you grow, you move on. There is no failing and stopping… there is only opportunity for more growth!  

What are some pros and cons of having (or not having) entrepreneurial parents?

My father and my husbands father were both entrepreneurs. We are very lucky to say that we can always go to them for advice. My father created and ran his own business and worked endless hours to make it what it is today. He still always had time for us and continued to be a great father and leader. I look to him for a lot of advice and he understands what we are trying to do with owning our own business. The support helps you keep going.