Sheana Witt and Justin Endres are bringing their passion for fitness to Senatobia, Mississippi, through their personal training gym, Tasty Gainz, operating under the trademark “Mind Over Body.” This gym is more than just a business venture. It’s a symbol of their dedication to building confidence and fostering wellness in their community.

Located in Tate County, Senatobia, the only city in the county and its retail hub, offers a prime opportunity for Sheana and Justin to grow their business. Just 45 miles south of Memphis, the town is home to new businesses, and Tasty Gainz is set to play a key role in that growth.

The journey to establishing their gym began in 2021 when Sheana and Justin started working as personal trainers, initially as a side project.

Both continued their training careers while working with EDGE Fitness in Hernando, Mississippi, where they were the sole providers of personal training. However, when the gym owner began offering competing services, they decided it was time to venture out on their own.

They found a location in Senatobia, just 15 minutes south of Hernando, to open their own gym. Their space, located in downtown Senatobia, is part of the city’s ongoing revitalization, with new businesses moving in and a community eager to support local entrepreneurs.

“It was incredible,” Sheana says about their grand opening on July 1, 2024. “We’ve never done anything like this before and having the support of our team and community was amazing. It was a huge moment for us.”

Opening a gym required significant funding to cover startup costs, and that’s where the Lending Team at Communities Unlimited (CU) came in. After discovering CU on the Small Business Administration (SBA) website, Sheana and Justin connected with CU Economic Development Loan Officer Chris Tillman. Chris worked closely with them to secure the funding they needed to open their doors.

“Chris was helpful,” Sheana said. “He broke everything down for us, especially the legal terms and processes we weren’t familiar with. He was patient and open-minded, always willing to answer our questions.”

This support allowed Sheana and Justin to focus on what they love most — helping others transform their lives through fitness. For Sheana, the most rewarding part of the business is building confidence in her clients.

“I see so many who are disconnected and broken, and being able to help them rebuild that confidence is fulfilling,” she explains. Although Sheana initially pursued a healthcare career, earning an associate degree from Baptist Memorial School, she found her passion in personal training.

“Working on the preventive side, like fitness, is just as fulfilling,” she said.

At Tasty Gainz, Sheana and Justin offer a range of personal training services, including individual sports training, private sessions, and functional training, with a strong focus on group classes.

“We help people move better and gain confidence in their bodies, especially those who struggle with aches and pains,” Sheana said. The gym’s focus on personal training sets it apart from other fitness centers in the area. Sheana emphasizes that their goal is not just to offer a gym membership but to provide a supportive, empowering community atmosphere where clients can thrive.

Their dedication to making fitness accessible doesn’t stop at traditional training. They also plan to introduce Mind Over Body branded apparel, workout drinks, and potentially meal prep options and supplements to enhance their clients’ wellness journeys. Additionally, Sheana is implementing an online training program to reach even more people.

“This business gives us the ability to positively impact our local community and spread the awareness of nutrition and fitness in how it impacts us in our daily lives,” Justin said. “I’m excited to see what the business will grow into.”

Their journey hasn’t been without challenges. In 2022, Sheana survived a near-fatal car accident, which set their plans back temporarily. But with determination and resilience, they pushed through.