RICHMOND, Va. – Over three years ago, Dawn Estelle Archer knew she was ready for a major life change.
She was size 16 when she decided to get in shape, without the help of pills, surgeries, shakes, or slim quick methods.
Fitness became her life, and she has taken tens of thousands along for the journey.
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Dawn started a SWEAT class in a Manchester parking lot, in March 2013. She also posted about her daily grind on social media.
So many people were inspired by her story that Dawn sold her car, put her belongings into storage and began a tour to teach SWEAT in all 50 states.
Two years later, she has accomplished that goal and now teaches classes out of a local studio.
She tells folks that when she started, she was looking for mental stability, not weight loss – though it was a bonus.
She produced a DVD and ebooks to help those also seeking change and provides tips and advice through her website.
Dawn will host #CBS6TakeoverTuesday, so make sure to welcome her and follow along on Tuesday.
Takeover Tuesday was launched by CBS 6 as a way to introduce you to different faces of the Richmond community.
We are doing this all summer long, and at the end, you vote for who had the best takeover and we donate to the winner’s chosen nonprofit. Dawn’s nonprofit of choice is the YWCA of Richmond, for the work they do with domestic violence shelters to protect women and children.
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M O R N I N G A L L! #cbs6takeovertuesday My name is Dawn Estelle Archer + I am TAKING OVER @cbs6 's page today! I wanted to start where we started… in the parking lot. I was depressed + suicidal in March of 2013, I took a risk that saved my life. I started exercising, eating better + I quit my job as a graphic designer to start teaching a fitness class. Follow me today as I show you how I have evolved as a business owner + how SWEAT™ has become so much more than your average workout💛
A post shared by WTVR CBS 6 (@cbs6) on Aug 30, 2016 at 4:26am PDT
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#cbs6takeovertuesday I start my days around six am with 10-20 minutes of meditation before I grab my phone. I like to think about positive things in my life instead of focusing on roadblocks. I set expectations for my day + give thanks. Then I typically head over to a wifi enabled cafe for breakfast + to answer emails. I love #bakerscrust in #carytown The staff is friendly + I they never kick me out when I sit working… sometimes up to 4 hours.
A post shared by WTVR CBS 6 (@cbs6) on Aug 30, 2016 at 4:48am PDT
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TAP TO LISTEN! #cbs6takeovertuesday I started making my own shirts to wear as an instructor shortly after I started teaching. My members started asking for SWEAT™ shirts to wear to class + around town so I invested in my future. I also cut the middle man to keep things affordable. I taught myself. I spend a good amount of time each day #screenprinting , packing + shipping my merch. My classes are only $5 + all of my merchandise is under $22. When I started my business I was on a budget + most of my members appreciate the INCREDIBLE quality of the merch + affordability of the classes. Comment below if you own a piece of SWEAT™ Merch💛
A post shared by WTVR CBS 6 (@cbs6) on Aug 30, 2016 at 7:26am PDT
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#cbs6takeovertuesday I come to @wfmshortpump 3-4 times a week. When I was 220 lbs almost three years ago I was pre-diabetic + I had high blood pressure. When I changed my lifestyle that included improving my nutrition. I no longer eat meat + this store as well as @dailykitchenbar (featured last tuesday) are perfect options for me. I host grocery shopping trips once a month with groups interested in learning how to shop affordably while choosing healthier options. I walk through + explain everything from how to read the labels, to understanding common food additives to cooking for children. #EATWELL -estelle
A post shared by WTVR CBS 6 (@cbs6) on Aug 30, 2016 at 8:53am PDT
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@estellearcher #cb6takeovertuesday I encourage mental transformations as well as physical. I myself haven't weighed myself in over three years. I measure my success by how many people I help in one day. SWEAT™ is a place where everyone feels welcome. Every fitness level, every nationality + every age. I exercise for therapy, Why do you workout?
A post shared by WTVR CBS 6 (@cbs6) on Aug 30, 2016 at 10:31am PDT
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#cb6takeovertuesday M E E T Cavalli! This is my son. He is a lover + hes almost eight years old. I have had him since he was 8 weeks. He is also a healer + a my nephews best friend. #pitbulllove Walking him between my private training clients💛
A post shared by WTVR CBS 6 (@cbs6) on Aug 30, 2016 at 12:35pm PDT
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#cbs6takeovertuesday I just popped into the @ipowerrichmond studio to see my favorite DJ @djlonnieb ! Whenever SWEAT™ wants to turn up, he is available! Spinning for my finale after I toured to all fifty states in a year + when I opened my first studio. It's an amazing feeling to be surrounded by humble + honest souls in this city.
A post shared by WTVR CBS 6 (@cbs6) on Aug 30, 2016 at 2:26pm PDT
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#cb6takeovertuesday HERE IS OUR NEW FALL SCHEDULE!! I teach at an amazing studio in #ScottsAddition called @turnrva ! We had our own warehouse space but decided to merge with TURN two months ago to join their fitness community. Now I can travel more since that is also a passion of mine. ALL CLASSES are $5/day. Men + women are welcome. ALL fitness levels are also welcome. No sign up or contract. Feel free to text 262-29SWEAT to learn more or if you have questions!
A post shared by WTVR CBS 6 (@cbs6) on Aug 30, 2016 at 3:26pm PDT
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T H A N K Y O U @cbs6 for letting me share my day for #cbs6takeovertuesday ! I hope to see some of you in class soon! Reach me by email if you want to start living again❤️ Email : fitness@dawn-archer.com Phone : 262-29SWEAT Web : www.dawn-archer.com
A post shared by WTVR CBS 6 (@cbs6) on Aug 30, 2016 at 5:55pm PDT
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Three years ago Dawn Estelle Archer knew she was ready for a major life change. Without pills, surgeries, shakes, or slim quick methods she set a goal to get healthy and has dropped from a size 16 to a size six. Fitness became her life, and she has taken tens of thousands along for the journey. Dawn started a SWEAT class in a Manchester parking lot, in March 2013. She also posted about her daily grind on social media. So many people were inspired by her story that Dawn sold her car, put her belongings into storage and began a tour to teach SWEAT in all 50 states. Two years later, she has accomplished that goal and now teaches classes out of a local studio. She tells folks that when she started, she was looking for mental stability, not just weight loss – though that was a bonus. She produced a DVD and ebooks to help those also seeking change, and provides tips and advice through her website. @estellearcher will host #CBS6TakeoverTuesday, so make sure to welcome her and follow along on Tuesday. Takeover Tuesday was launched by CBS 6 as a way to introduce you to different faces of the Richmond community. We are doing this all summer long, and at the end, you vote for who had the best takeover and we donate to the winner’s chosen nonprofit. 💯🏆✔️👍🏻🎯👏🏻🙌🏻
A post shared by WTVR CBS 6 (@cbs6) on Aug 29, 2016 at 2:29pm PDT