Ramoni Overton, founder of Glow with R.O. Fitness, reflects on her journey from selling candy bars in high school to leading hip-hop yoga classes in South L.A., overcoming self-doubt, and empowering Black women to take action.
One day, Ramoni had the idea to teach yoga abroad and emailed resorts around the world. Some didn’t respond, others said “not right now,” but a few took her up on the offer. Since spring, she’s been booked and busy, having sold most of her possessions and booked a flight to Costa Rica for her first international job.
And that is Ramoni Overton in a nutshell—a woman who’s going to make it happen, one way or another.
An Entrepreneurial Spirit
Ramoni got her first taste of entrepreneurship in high school. She sold candy bars during Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move!” initiative, which aimed to remove junk food from public schools.
“Michelle Obama wanted junk food out of schools, but I saw it as an opportunity. My mom bought me a box of king-sized candy bars, and I started selling them during class. The administration eventually caught on, and I had to shut it down, but that was my first taste of entrepreneurship.”
And while the school shut her hustle down, the fire it lit only grew stronger. Young Ramoni learned that when faced with obstacles, she could pivot rather than give up.
Health, Beauty, and Business: Finding Her Path
Ramoni’s entrepreneurial ventures evolved over time, blending health, beauty, and hair into a unique mix that helped other Black women feel their best. After gaining the “freshman 35” in college, she took control of her health and created Glow with R.O. Fitness to inspire others to do the same.
“People kept asking how I lost weight, so I started posting workouts and offering personal training sessions. I even created an online weight loss program that anyone could do from anywhere.”
In addition to fitness, Ramoni also made her mark in the beauty industry. Tired of poor hairstyling experiences, she taught herself how to do her own natural hair and soon launched Hair by Ramoni. Her business grew quickly through Instagram, where she leveraged hashtags like #detroithairstylist to reach new clients.
Overcoming Doubts and Doing the Research
Despite her success, Ramoni wasn’t immune to the doubts that often come with entrepreneurship. When she first started her yoga business, she struggled with securing a space to host her classes. “I had no idea how to secure a studio, and I was worried about the cost. But instead of psyching myself out, I did the research.”
Sometimes the hardest part is laying down the groundwork. Ramoni had to find the right space, determine her price point, and advertise the classes. Eventually, she found a space that fit her budget, and it worked out perfectly. Her advice to others:
Always negotiate the price. Don’t say no to yourself before you’ve exhausted all your options.
Dropping the “Aspiring” and Taking Action
A recurring theme in Ramoni’s story is her refusal to be boxed in by the label of “aspiring.” She encourages others, particularly Black women, to lose the “aspiring” and make it happen.
Don’t be the woman who aspires to do something, be the woman who actually does it. I’ve seen people far less qualified do the things you’re scared to start because they had the audacity to try. Starting something new can be scary, but you have to do it scared.
Her message is clear: stop aspiring and start doing. Whether it’s launching a business, leading a yoga class, or selling everything and booking a one-way flight, she believes in taking that bold first step.
I see it all the time. Black women hesitating to own their expertise. I used to call myself an ‘aspiring’ writer, as if those hours spent writing didn’t count. But the truth is, I was already doing it!
Hip-Hop and R&B Yoga in LA and Beyond
Now, after years of building her fitness and beauty businesses, Ramoni has found her passion in yoga. She taught Hip-Hop & R&B Yoga classes in South LA for nearly a year, where she garnered a dedicated customer base. Her classes became so sought-after that she had to create a second Saturday class.
Her yoga sessions become a safe space for women, especially Black women, to heal through movement and music. As a devoted attendee, I loved her themed classes where she featured everything from Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter to Jhene Aiko’s catalog.
While yoga has deep roots in Indian culture, many classes in Los Angeles still lack diversity. Ramoni’s sessions, however, offer a refreshingly inclusive space—predominantly Black, size-inclusive, and welcoming to all skill levels. Her playlists range from D’Angelo to Keyshia Cole, and a session isn’t complete without lit incense.
In October, Ramoni made her return to L.A., to relaunch her yoga classes after teaching abroad.
I’ve been traveling and teaching yoga, so coming back to LA after 6 months is exciting. I’m looking forward to reconnecting with my community and welcoming everyone back to class.
Pursue All Your Passions: Ramoni’s Final Advice
As someone who has successfully pivoted from hairstyling to personal training, and now to yoga, Ramoni encourages women to embrace their multiple passions without fear.
I’ve gone from hairstylist to fitness trainer to yoga instructor, and I’m also a doula. Don’t let society trap you in a box. Master one thing, then move on to the next. We only get one life, so do everything you want while you still can.
Supporting Glow with R.O.
If you’re in the Los Angeles area, join Ramoni for her Hip-Hop & R&B Yoga class in Inglewood on Wednesday nights and Saturday mornings. It’s a chance to experience her unique style of yoga, connect with the community, and support a wellness entrepreneur who’s committed to making an impact.
For collaboration opportunities or to stay updated on her journey, follow @glowwithrofitness on Instagram.
