Meet Aimee | Africana Dance & Fitness, Llc

Meet the Founder

I was born and grew up in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Moving to the United States from the Congo was not an easy transition. However, I found a welcoming community through group exercise classes. The classes were engaging, joyful, and fun. So, I decided to earn certifications in several exercise formats and also to become a Certified Personal Trainer. Now I help my clients meet their goals through movement and exercise.

I discovered my passion for entrepreneurship at Mount Holyoke College. Our professor taught my class to develop a business plan for starting a company. That's when Africana Dance & Fitness, LLC really began to flourish!

For the first few years, my business focused on fitness programs. In January 2022, I added The Africana Store as my vision expanded to include a broader focus on African culture.

We are rebranding our business. We are thrilled to bring our new business name into the world. Let me introduce you to our company: Positively Africana!!!! We can't wait to see where this adventure will take us. More info to come.

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2019-2023

Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley, MA.

Expected Graduation May 2023

I am a student at Mount Holyoke College majoring in Psychology and Education with a minor in Entrepreneurship, Organizations & Society. My educational goal is to pursue my MBA and grow Positively Africana.

2016-Current

Certifications and other credentials

Certified Zumba Instructor
Certified Strong Nation HIIT Instructor
Certified Zumba Gold Instructor
Certified Zumbini Instructor
Certified Group Exercise Instructor
Certified Personal Trainer
Certified Specialist in Sports Nutrition
First Aid and CPR Certified

2017-Current

My vision for Africana Dance & Fitness, LLC and The Africana Store

I strongly believe that exercise is beneficial to our physical and mental well-being. I am committed to building a diverse and supportive community based on our fitness programs together with African cultural offerings.

Education and Certifications

Learn More About Aimee

Fun Facts About Aimee

Proud Frances Perkins Scholar at Mount Holyoke College

Frances Perkins Scholarship is the best thing that has ever happened to me in my lifetime!

It's allowed me to access high-quality education despite my background as a mom and an immigrant.

Being accepted to this vibrant college proved to me that I can be and do anything I put my mind to. I am humbled and empowered by how my life has changed during my Mount Holyoke years.

Travel Sales Representative and Pop Up Store Manager at The Africana Store

Travel and sales are the new passion I discovered when I started the Africana Store.

I enjoy selling my products to different places in New England and connecting with prospective customers.

This is my way of educating multiple communities and audiences about Africa and raising cultural awareness. And close sales!

Former Member of the Board of Directors/ Advocate/ Keynote Speaker at The International Language Institute of Massachusetts

I served on the ILI Board as a Member of the Board of Directors and Governance Committee for six years. I had the privilege to work with a diverse team I call friends.

In the Spring of 2019, I was a keynote speaker at a big fundraising event advocating for a free English program for immigrants and refugees.

Mother. Wife. Dog Lover

I am a mother of a bright biracial son. We also have a dog. He is a husky and German shepherd mix. I live in Northampton with my little family.

Collegiate Summer Venture Graduate

University of Massachusetts Amherst's Berthiaume Center for Entrepreneurship and Valley Venture Mentors are partnering to bring the Collegiate Summer Venture Program (CSVP). This intensive 10-week summer program is designed to support and accelerate student entrepreneurs at various stages in venture development. Ventures will work with dedicated mentors, industry experts, and seasoned entrepreneurs over the course of the summer to accelerate their companies. With this summer program we:

• Pitch business idea weekly to potential investors within the program
• Conduct market research on the sustainable leather industry to learn more about market opportunities
• Conduct 100 customer interviews to understand and fulfill the needs of our potential clients
• Network with successful entrepreneurs and industry professionals to learn more about their ventures and the respective industries that they find themselves in.

I had a wonderful experience working with amazing entrepreneurs and networking with local business owners!

Hiker. Traveler. Explorer. Adventurous.

I love hiking with my family, traveling in different states on holidays, and exploring different places.

Member of BNI Mill River Chapter

BNI is the world’s leading business referral organization, with over 292,920 Members in over 10,805 BNI Chapters worldwide. Email me if you are interested in visiting our chapter.