Graduate Spotlight: Wellness Coach Expands Business through Personal Trainer Certification

Jacynta Harb is on a mission: to build a community of people who want to get healthy, gain confidence, and truly live their best lives. 

As the owner of Sparkle Wellness, Harb is a certified personal trainer who offers virtual and in-person training sessions for individuals and groups, as well as wellness coaching. Through the Personal Trainer Certificate at the College of Graduate and Professional Education (CGPE), she has been able to significantly expand her business. 

“I created an entire business from this course,” said Harb. “While the wellness part of my business existed before the course, passing the certification exam allowed me to offer fitness training to my clients. This has made my services more attractive because I can now offer the full package: nutrition, fitness, and wellness coaching.” 

Harb first heard about the course from the instructor, who encouraged her to pursue the program. The course being offered in-person at CGPE was the primary factor in her decision to enroll. 

“I wanted to be in a classroom setting and not online,” said Harb. “I had not been in school for many years. I knew the classroom would help me retain more and the interaction with teachers and classmates was so important. I don’t think learning this online would be nearly as effective for me.” 

The Personal Trainer Certificate includes a combination of classroom time and hands-on instruction in the onsite gym at the KSU Center. 

“It was learning in action,” said Harb. “The teachers were all very knowledgeable and each one lended something different to the course.” 

The ultimate goal for Harb was to take the American Council on Exercise Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) exam. 

“My proudest moment was finding the courage to take the certification exam after the course,” said Harb. “It’s a hard exam. Honestly, I didn’t pass the first time, and I picked up the phone and called my instructor immediately. She encouraged me to sign up for the test again. I decided not to give up, and found the courage to take it again, and was successful. I was so excited upon passing that I rushed into the dean’s office at CGPE to share my results. I’m grateful for my failure, because I’m successful today because of it.” 

A big believer in positive thinking and having an action plan, Harb has encouraging advice for anyone considering the Personal Trainer Certificate at CGPE. 

“Be fully present and committed to the course,”said Harb. “Don’t miss a single class. It can be a game-changer in your life. I’ve seen too many people get scared to take the exam, and then lose the knowledge. I knew I wanted to take that exam, and had that as a goal during the entire course. Begin with the end in mind and finish what you start. It can be a gateway to things you don’t even realize. When you earn the certification, have a plan and use it!” 

Harb’s next step is to continue earning certifications to increase her knowledge and wellness offerings. She was recently nominated for Best In-Home Virtual Workout Program and was named Best Personal Training Facility by Best of Atlanta.