Conversations with Irene Jean Santos

Today we’d like to introduce you to Irene Jean Santos.

Hi Irene, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I remember getting out of my six-year relationship thinking. Is this it, is this what my life is about? All my life I was in and out of relationships and jobs in search of my definition of happiness and purpose in life. I recall the day that would change the course of my life, it was a cold winter morning in Roseland NJ. I had lost everything and only had a suitcase full of clothes to my name. I prayed to God to help me find my way to my destiny and went for a run. I found myself standing in front of a restaurant called Muscle Maker Grill. It had a now hiring sign on the window and I knew that although the pay would be lower than what I was used to being at the age of 26 I had to be a part of this health restaurant chain. So I applied and got the position, and from there so many doors opened up. From being on the food network on Giving you the business I ended up winning my very own chains of Muscle Maker Grills all over Connecticut alongside my two business partners Craig and Rob.

That same year I decided to enter my first bodybuilding competition where I placed 3rd place in and lit my fire towards my love for fitness. With the ups and downs of the restaurant business, I was able to learn skills such as patience, and organization, and sharpened my skills of determination. I ended up leaving the restaurant business and pursuing my career in fitness. Worked for a well-known gym in CT, learned the ins and out of the gym world, and eventually ventured off to start my own business I.S. Fit competed in my second bodybuilding competition for a bigger organization Fitness Atlantic WBFF. Made a lot of mistakes during this competition. mistakes I am thankful for. I promised myself that the next time I step on stage I’m take home first place and my pro card. And that’s exactly what I did. From there I have been blessed to have so many doors open up for me. Which has led me to be the entrepreneur I am today.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It was far from a smooth road for me but I wouldn’t change a thing. I went from being on top of the world, successfully opening up 3 Muscle Maker Grills all within 2 years. To see our restaurants go under. I went through financial struggles as well as emotional ones. I ended up getting married and divorced from an emotionally taxing relationship that would force me to start over for the 3rd time.

It took me 4 years to get myself mentally ready to step back on stage and finally get my pro card. Along the way of my journey, I had to deal with naysayers and the most challenging part of it all is having to lift myself up when everything seemed like it had to be hope.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I help people get fit financially, physically, and mentally. I am an entertainer and a motivator.

I work full-time for a financial firm to help people manage their present and future finances. I am a full-time co-owner of Royal Performance Training alongside my Business partner Karina Melo and together we are co-owners of the Power Core Strength supplement line. I’m a micro-influencer as well as a motivator on my social media platforms as @irenejeansantos I help promote healthy living both physically and mentally. I am an aspiring actress and print model.

I am most proud of my ability to balance my business and my life. As well as take pride in knowing that I am helping make a difference in someone’s life in one form or another.

Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Dare to be different and stand out! Embrace your failures and never dwell on them, instead ask the right questions and go towards the solution!

I wish I knew throughout my journey that, the more I learned to enjoy the day and work on the present. Then more I will accomplish and the more the journey becomes enjoyable.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.royalperformancetraining.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/irenejeansantos/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theirenejeansantos/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ISantosfit06