First Generation Haitian American Celebrity Trainer Jerry Joseph Shares His Story: Heritage Entrepreneurship and Fatherhood!

Jerry Joseph is well acquainted with hard work and dedication. Starting from humble beginnings and with a strong sense of determination, he has established himself as a rising star in the field of celebrity training for entertainment and lifestyle. People and studios seek him out because of his exceptional work ethic and proven ability to help others achieve their goals. As a young boy, his mother instilled in him the spirit of his ancestors, which he now navigates life with. He is passing on the same spirit to his daughter while he navigates through fatherhood. 

Cox: Jerry It’s such a pleasure to have you here today. I’m excited to learn more about your journey as a celebrity trainer. But before we begin, I want to know from your words who Jerry Joseph is. 
Joseph: First and foremost, Jerry Joseph is a humble human being. He takes things as they come and is very patient. He is understanding and moral. He has a story and a journey about overcoming tough times and defying the odds. But being in the moment and listening to God’s words has gotten him this far. God has written this story for him, and there is a reason why he is here today doing what he does. 

Cox: I love that! I know you are a first-generation Haitian American. Tell me a little bit about how that impacts you as an entrepreneur. 
Joseph: Most of my family members are doctors and lawyers. That’s usually the route for most first-generation Haitian Americans. So, me being an entrepreneur is foreign to them. When I told them what I was doing, they were like, “This guy must be crazy. But it’s the risk factor I had to take. I get it because our parents come here and work hard to provide for us. So, they want the best, and that usually means going the more traditional route for success. 

But see Michael. It was my Haitian and French upbringing that inspired me to pursue it. I grew up in this household and culture and was exposed to things that gave me the space to think about creating innovative things early on. It was all in my head, but it gave me the motivation to see that if I can create this in my head, then the sky’s the limit of what I can do in real life. 

This is why I do things without hesitation because I see them in my mind first. 

Cox: I’ve had the pleasure to interview several individuals of Haitian descent, and there seems to be this unmatched work ethic that parents instill in their children. 
Joseph: I guess it’s just in our blood, because I can remember my mom working every day. It didn’t matter if it was snowing or a rainstorm; she was out there working. I can recall times when I would even have to beg for a day off. This was embedded in me so much that it continues to be a driver inside of me that keeps me pushing and going. 

This goes back to me being an entrepreneur because Haitians in America have at least two or three jobs. And I’m always seeking new ways to create other channels of income for myself. 

I got this from my mom, and I have to give her flowers to put that spirit in me. 

Cox: This spirit of determination has led you to the highest celebrity trainer status. Getting into that, what does it look like for Joseph when he is working with his clients? 
Joseph: I have such a diverse and wide range of clients getting ready for movie roles, red carpet events, and just overall weight goals. The most important thing I stress with them is following the specific regiments I create. At the end of the day, for me, it’s about understanding the goal and the task at hand, red carpet events, and just overall weight goals. The most important thing I stress with them is following the specific regiments I create. At the end of the day, for me, it’s about understanding the goal and the task at hand. It’s important because my name is on the line when they show up for that movie or appear on that red carpet. 

For example, I have a client, Kiana Madeira, who is starring in Perfect Addiction on Amazon Prime. I had six weeks to get her ready to look like an MMA fighter because, in this role, she is basically playing a personal trainer. Now here is where I had to be detailed because there still had to be something feminine about her physique. It couldn’t be too masculine. And that was really challenging because of the short timeframe allotted. But it was fun throughout the process and at the end because I genuinely love what I do. 

Cox: As a celebrity trainer, what are the expectations? 
Joseph: They expect quality work and results—nothing less. I would advise anyone that if they can’t deliver, don’t step into this role. Your work is on display for the world to see, and it’s not just about you. I have to make sure my clients look and feel their best and give the studios what they ask for. 

Cox: Tell me what your first start in the celebrity trainer world was. 
Joseph: It’s funny because I got a phone call from an old friend one day who was the bodyguard for Jaden Smith. He saw me doing my training online and said this would be a good opportunity for me because they were looking for a trainer to get Jaden ready for The Get Down. 

This was one of the most memorable moments in my career because, outside of the training, we grew into a brotherhood. We trained five days a week and hung out just like brothers. It was like big brother and little brother because he’s following everything I’m saying and doing. 

And honestly, after that, it really just became a domino effect on my growth as a celebrity trainer. 

Cox: As a trainer in general, what are the principles or values you live by? 
Joseph: Be patient, punctual, understanding, listener, and motivator. These are things any trainer should have in this field because you have to remember you are working with individuals who really don’t understand what they want, might get discouraged, and might not enjoy this process at first. It’s up to me to help them realize their potential and keep them motivated. 

Cox: Do you have one of those moments that will forever live in your heart and head? 

Joseph: There was this time, and it was my first time having a crowd of nearly a thousand people in one place for a session with me. I learned that day that I was basically there to get them energized and ready for the workout, even though I was the trainer. That moment sticks out to me because it’s when I learned that I could captivate an entire crowd. It helped give me that push of feeling accepted in this space and just ready to go and take on more. 

Cox: That’s beautiful, Jerry. Take me back to the time you knew, before all of this, that transforming the lives of others was your purpose. 
Joseph: It was my first client ever. She was a guidance counselor at a local high school. Because of some of her injuries, I couldn’t do the normal training that I did on myself, so I used a Swiss ball and yoga mat. I was doing this at a local gym, and the gym manager told me that I should really look into training people professionally because I’m really good at what I’m doing. 

This moment was pivotal because I really took the time to reflect during that period because this woman, whom I trained with just a Swiss ball and yoga mat, was sixty-five years old. She told me I gave her the best work of her life. She really helped me understand that I can train anyone of any age without hesitation. 

Cox: Now I want to touch on the business aspect of things. What does it look like for Jerry to run his own business? 
Joseph: I’m always planning ten years into the future. I’m surrounding myself with the right people and learning from them. I’m always taking notes. Like when I did my first job with Jaden, I instantly started thinking and planning on how I could take this experience and continue to elevate. This is something I do in life in general because I don’t ever want to plateau. 

You know, even though I’m always focused on advancing, I have to say that sometimes you must go back to the plan and goals you had before. Sometimes you must stick to those things and understand that God is going to continue to do his work. You have to have that faith and keep it. 

Cox: What is it that keeps you motivated and going as an entrepreneur? 
Joseph: It’s a sensitive topic for me, but to be honest, it’s after losing my child’s mom. That moment is embedded in me forever. I can never give up on my family because I’m all they have. This fire inside of me is to make sure my baby girl gets what she wants in life and that I set the example for her. If I ever give up, then I’m giving up on her, and that’s something that will never happen. 

I’m never going to give up! 

Cox: That’s so beautiful. Before we go, I want to know what black fatherhood means to Jerry and how raising a daughter as a single 
Joseph.: Listen I had to really figure out how I could move forward as a black man and single father. Raising my daughter is my top priority. It’s not easy raising any kid, especially in this day and age, so I’m focused on making sure she is prepared for the world. I do this by making sure I’m the best version of myself for her, listening to her, and preserving her mother’s memories. I never want her to ever lose those. I always make sure she remembers what a good person her mom was. 

You know now that she is sixteen and getting older. I remember there was this point where I was trying to learn how to do her hair, even the most basic of ponytails. I wasn’t good at it. But they looked a little decent at times. Those were the times when she was younger, and I had to learn to be patient with her even when I had to do things that I didn’t know how to do or weren’t good at. 

Because she is getting older, I’m setting the example of what a man in her life should be. I’m making sure I pamper her, treat her right, and do other things like open doors for her. I want her to know that there are things in life that she can accept from a future man and things that she shouldn’t. 

Cox: Before we end, what advice would you give to other fathers, single or not, when raising young girls? 
Joseph: Being patient is key. Remember, they have this peer pressure that’s already out there in the world, and you don’t want to add to it. And take the time to learn more about your kids. I just recently learned she likes to play basketball. I recently went to one of her games. That’s why it’s so important to learn more about your kids. Don’t just learn about their likes; also learn about their opinions and views of the world. They have their own perspective that needs to be acknowledged. 

Photography Credit
Andrew Millan Photography