South Florida women are redefining what it means to be social and prioritize your health. Jessyka Castillo, founder of Fitness and Financial Gains, is an Afro-Latinx woman on a mission.
Her goal is to help women embrace their bodies, cultivate their mental health, and find joy in movement. She opened up about the personal struggles that led her to launch this successful community-focused initiative.
“In 2022, my mental health was deteriorating,” Jessica told NBC6 News. “I’ve always known that physical activity is the first step to breaking out of a mental prison.”
Her journey from engineer to fitness and wellness advocate was not a simple one.
“By all the standards of what we consider success in today’s world, I felt like I had achieved those things, but I wasn’t happy,” Jessica said.
At this time, she realized she needed a change and found it through fitness. What started as casual texts and small group workouts quickly evolved into a thriving community of people looking to sweat, grow, and connect.
But Jessica’s vision went beyond fitness.
Recognizing the need to combine both financial and physical health, she held workshops and even launched a sportswear collection that paid homage to her Dominican heritage.
“Being Afro-Latinx, my family comes in all shapes and sizes,” she said.
Her sportswear line celebrates curves and diversity and is designed to help women feel confident in their own skin, no matter their body type.
Jessica is determined to challenge conventional wisdom and inspire others to join her on her journey to physical and financial health.
“Once you start, you’ll find like-minded people, communicate what you want, and be intentional about your life,” Jessica explained.
Check out our Fitness and Economic Benefits Instagram page for more information on upcoming events and community activities.
