You know those personalities who seem to dance through the community, leaving a buzz of energy in their wake? CaCera Richmond is one such personality. From Mississippi originally, CaCera spent several years in Los Angeles before finding her way back to the Delta in 2018. Since then, she has been making a name for herself in the wellness space as a fitness coach and one of the bloggers behind Fit + Finesse. Today, you can find her around Memphis, teaching at local favorites like Shed Fitness Memphis, ZenStudio Fitness, and F45 Training in Germantown — and that’s in her “spare” time.
By day, CaCera is a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Advisor at FedEx Freight. The common thread in how she spends her time is that she is all about empowering folks in the community to find common ground, take care of themselves, and generally live their best lives. Get to know this dynamic FACE of Memphis!
Can you tell us a bit about your background and what brought you back to Memphis?
I was born and raised in Mississippi and pursued public relations after graduating from the University of Mississippi. I lived in Los Angeles for six years and was ready to move a little closer to home, so I moved to Memphis in 2018 to work in communications for FedEx Freight.
I am currently a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Advisor in the Culture, Inclusion, and Citizenship team at FedEx Freight. I love being able to lead projects that bring joy to our community, like Trees for Troops, a program that helps deliver more than 14,000 live Christmas trees to military families at bases across the United States each holiday season.
I also love being able to tell the stories of our people at FedEx Freight. In my role, I get to share the diverse backgrounds, interests, similarities, and differences that make up our team members and tell those stories through internal and external outlets.
Beyond your full-time role at FedEx, you are a personal trainer, fitness instructor, AND blogger! How do you stay energized and motivated?
Again, a lot of what I do is fueled by the people I get to work with. The clients I get to interact with, coach, and train give me energy. I love being able to help people reach their physical goals. Physical health can be a catalyst for an overall healthy lifestyle and attitude.
I also start most days with a workout or a run, and that physical movement gives me the burst of energy needed to keep going. When I realize how far I can physically push myself, it makes the mental piece of my day go smoother.
Can you tell us a bit about the inspiration behind Fit + Finesse and what followers can expect to find there?
My best friend in Los Angeles, Shawnie Dockery, was a big part of my fitness journey. There were many weekends that we spent trying new classes around town, hiking, and checking out healthy restaurants together. After I moved, we wanted to keep that piece of our friendship going and launched the blog as an extension of our friendship and interests.
Our goal is to help women of color live their best, fit lives. We share workouts similar to the ones we do ourselves. We also enjoy reviewing fitness studios and classes we get to try and sharing healthy recipes and hacks that help us navigate health and wellness while also navigating life.
What advice would you offer to someone just beginning their fitness journey? What about folks who struggle to find the motivation to continue?
I would task someone just beginning to find the outlet they genuinely enjoy most so that they look forward to their fitness journey. The important part is to get moving. I would take that one step further by saying, “Get moving in a way that fuels you.” Maybe that outlet is boxing, dancing, or cycling. Maybe you will fall in love with step aerobics or get motivated by the medals at the end of a race. It is your personal journey.
What are your favorite wellness resources?
I have a group of fitness professionals I follow via social media that really bring me joy and inspire me to keep going. Those include Massy Arias, Ariel Belgrave, Kaisa Keranen, and Millie. Their content keeps me motivated and gives me good tips and tricks to take to the gym.
I also love the Nike Training Club and Nike Run Club apps.
What are your favorite resources that locals can find right here in Memphis?
I should own stock in City Silo! They are my first stop when I need something fresh and nutritious on the go. I am also very appreciative of the staff at Eat Amplified for their meal prep service.
Shelby Farms is another favorite when it comes to getting outdoors, going for a run, and just needing a good place to clear my head.
I love varying my workouts. In addition to the studios where I coach, you can often find me taking yoga at Hot Yoga Plus, getting in a good weight lifting session at TrayneFit in Whitehaven, or when I need to run, but it is too chilly or hot outside, I head to Shred415 Peabody Place.
What are your favorite places in Memphis to eat and shop?
When I want to shop, my first stop is usually Saddle Creek. I love having so many choices in one location.
Memphis is known for its great food, and our locally-owned restaurants are top-tier. I am a pescatarian, but I know I will always find food I enjoy at Hen House, Hog & Hominy, and RYU Sushi. I have a horrible sweet tooth, so I often stop by Frost Bake Shop for their amazing chocolate chip cookies. (You can literally taste the butter!)
What’s next for you? Any lofty goals you want to put out into the universe?
I majored in broadcast journalism, wanting to be an MTV VJ. I think my lofty goal would still be to have my own talk show.
In the immediate future, I want to continue growing my career and hope to eventually manage a team of strong communications professionals. I also would love to curate fitness events that bring people joy and connect the communities at local gyms and studios.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
An old manager challenged me to stay uncomfortable, and I try to keep that at the forefront of what I do.
Aside from faith, family, and friends, what are three things you can’t live without?
A good workout, Instagram (I open Instagram at least 10 times a day), and a good book.
Can’t wait to see what’s next for you, CaCera! Meet more inspiring FACES of Memphis HERE.
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