Well, hello there! I have been working in the wellness niche for 22 years now and am so passionate about helping people with their health and happiness. It is definitely what I would be doing even if I wasn’t getting paid to do it!
When I am not working, I am typically active. I love long power walks, skiing in the winter, swimming and paddleboarding in the summer. When I finally sit down, you will find me devouring books!
In 2021, amid the pandemic, I married my soulmate, whom I have known since we were 10 years old. This is the relationship that I had been manifesting during my 15 years as a single mom. Together, we have seven amazing children, and we just adopted an adorable rescue dog named Tally.
Fun fact: I found a disco ball in the trash room of my apartment building a few years ago, and it is now one of my prized possessions.
Colleen Walsh Jednak, Strong Mamas, LLC
What is the mission of Strong Mamas? How did it start?
The tagline for Strong Mamas has always been Health, Hope, and Happiness. This is our mission and what I strive to bring to all the moms and families that we work with. The idea for the business itself came to me when my youngest son was a toddler. He had terrible separation anxiety, and every time I tried to go to the gym, unlike his older two brothers, he would dissolve into tears in the playroom. I would have to stop my exercise and go home, feeling frustrated for me and sad for him that he was so stressed. I thought that I could not be the only mom that experienced this so I designed Strong Mamas as a place where mamas and their children could be together with other moms and kids. It was meant to be a synergy of fitness, socializing, laughter, and happiness. No stress allowed!
What does Strong Mamas offer that is unique?
Strong Mamas offers in person and virtual group strength classes, personal training, and life coaching. Children are always welcome in the sessions, and even the youngest kids understand that while the class is for mom, they are more than welcome there. We discuss everything while we exercise…nutrition, parenting sleep, fashion, relationships, finances, organizing closets, work-life balance. In life coaching, we cover many of the same topics, but we do it sitting down rather than exercising. All of our classes, sessions, and videos meet moms just where they are and help them to reach their goals of a truly balanced life.
What does the future of Strong Mamas look like?
I am so excited about the future of Strong Mamas! In addition to continuing to offer our signature life coaching, happiness coaching, and fitness classes, I am working on some books!! And…drum roll…I am also working getting a Strong Mamas certification approved so even more mamas can take in-person classes and more fitness professionals can experience the joy of sharing that with their clients!
Were there pivotal moments that drove you to create your happiness coaching program?
I love sharing my happiness, my inner glitter, with my friends and family and clients. I am exuberant most of the time. I am often asked if I am always happy – do I wake up that way? The true answer is that I really do just vibrate with joy most of the time. I am also human. I have been knocked down on my butt a few times – when I got divorced and when my youngest brother passed away. I will share those instances in articles here as well as in my first book. The methodology I used to get back up is what I rely on with my life coaching clients. It is amazingly simple and can work for anyone who follows it. Truly.
How does someone begin to engage with the Strong Mamas community?
For anyone looking to engage in our Strong Mamas community, visiting strongmamas.com for information or contacting us is always a good place to start. You will certainly be welcomed! From the website, you will have access to free videos, information, and the social media platforms which are always filled with motivation, positive vives, other friendly mamas and up to date information about in person and live-virtual classes and events. You will find everyone cheering each other on here!
Can you share any success stories?
Over the past 22 years, we have had mamas who have transitioned from overweight to yoga instructors, grandmamas who have recovered from surgery to get back into their college jeans, and so many who have worked their way from despair to joy in life coaching. Many have regained their energy, been more immune to the effects of stress, and all have gone forward smiling!
Here are some that we have been honored to know:
"When I had my son, I weighed 208 lbs. With Strong Mamas, I lost 80 lbs. and at 45, I am in the best shape of my life so far. This is a lifestyle change for me. Strong Mamas really works!"
"I own my own business. My days are long and they start early. I love that at the end of the day, I can log on to Zoom and the time flies while I have a great workout. My son joins me, and it is a perfect way to transition into the evening."
"I enjoy working out with my children…and on the days that they are at school too! I love setting a good example for them! My family now understands how important (and fun!) it is to stay healthy!"
"I am the mother of four kids, ages 2-10. I love what Strong Mamas has done for me. I got my body back after those 4 pregnancies and have so much more energy."
"I am a working mom with three kids. When I first had children. I could not find time to exercise. Then I discovered Strong Mamas, and I do the exercise session with my children. We have fun, and it sets a good example for them of how to stay healthy. My husband loves that I am a Strong Mama!
I have my energy back! Better results than going to the gym by myself!"
"Colleen Walsh Jednak appeared in my life and I am thankful every day that she showed up when she did. Colleen’s positive, empowering and practical approach lifted me out of the darkness and showed me that I have the power to make my life exactly as I want it to be. She is incredibly kind and understanding and at the same time can help her clients face truths and make the changes needed. I collaborated with Colleen on a weekly basis for one year and have continued to rely on her both to set and review my annual goals and when I am overwhelmed or need advice on making a decision."
