Welcome to Chocolate Diva of the Month – celebrating inspirational women who continue to strive for the best within themselves as well as their communities.

LIFE IN THE A.J. ZONE

by Jamie Flemming (Along with being a guest blogger for NUBIA, Jamie is also a freelance writer and produces a blogzine, “for colored gurls”. Find out more info about Jamie on her website, mochawriter.com)

Best known for her role as Juanita, Tyrese’s mama in Baby Boy, A.J. Johnson has also appeared in numerous TV and Film classics such as House Party (remember Sharane – the girl everybody wanted to get with), Sister Act, School Daze, Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, The Jaime Foxx Show and Assassins with Sylvester Stallone. When she’s not sharing the screen, A.J. is a renowned lifestyle coach and fitness advocate working to build her company — THE AJ ZONE(www.theajzone.com).

What is The AJ Zone?

It is a total health and wellness company. We address fitness, health and lifestyle issues and do what it takes to help people adjust their lifestyles into better health and nutrition. The same program used for celebrities are used for the average Jane.

Why did you create The AJ Zone?

I really didn’t create THE AJ ZONE. God, my dad and the Hollywood crowd I worked with created it! I graduated college with degrees [in] psychology and chemistry. My father told me on his death bed to help others. I began to research, and apply everything I could to live my life the best mentally, spiritually, nutritionally and physically, and my friends and peers in Hollywood noticed. They would all say, “What are you drinking? What are you eating? What are those supplements you’re taking? Can I run with you? I want to live in your zone!” I soon realized I was being called to share my healthy living experience, passions and studies to help others.

What sparked your interest in health and wellness?

To be honest, part of my interest is vanity. I’ve always wanted to emulate whatever healthy looked like–hair, skin, body, and attitude. After losing my mother to thyroid cancer just as I arrived at college, I began focusing more of my attention on studying and researching medicine and healthy living. I was afraid for my own health since my mom died at a time when [it wasn’t known if] this type of cancer was hereditary, and that fear deepened my interest.

What are the most rewarding aspects of your career and helping others?

Most rewarding for me is meeting so many different people, in various facets of life. I love to see and experience the world, all while knowing I’m making some type of a difference. I love when someone says that my movie changed them or my commitment to a healthy lifestyle has been an example for them. Those comments keep me going, keep me reaching for more!

What motivates you to do what you do?

I believe God has given me responsibilities and continues to give me amazing platforms to carry them out. I want my nephews and niece to know how to dream and live their dreams, to live without self-criticism and boundaries. I also want to make my parents proud, even in their physical absence.

What advice would you give someone looking for their purpose in life?

I’d say look for what makes your spirit sing! I don’t believe a life purpose is something that’s a struggle. It’s the thing that you have a tireless, ascending energy and passion for, the thing that delights others and that you get delight in providing. It’s a blessing if you get to make a living within your purpose, but that doesn’t have to be what identifies or defines a life purpose. It can be a simple yet unique and divine gift you’ve been put here to give.

A.J. has coached celebrities such as Beyonce, Gabrielle Union and Terrelle Owens and is currently on the newly developed Multicultural Council Advisory Board for GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) pharmaceuticals. She has been the only non physician on a promotional tour for GSK’s weight loss pill, ALLI.