Six-months ago Jerome Mayberry didn’t know an accidental meeting at Natchez City Hall would turn into a golden opportunity.

Mayberry went to City Hall in December to apply for a business license. After living in Natchez for a year, he finally decided to take on his personal training business full time.

He had only one problem: he didn’t have a place to start his business.

When the clerks at City Hall asked Mayberry where his business would be located all he could do was shrug his shoulders.

&uot;I was pulling the cart before the horse,&uot; Mayberry said.

As luck would have it, Sabrena Bartley walked through the doorway.

As director of the Natchez Senior Center, Bartley had considered opening an exercise studio that targeted area senior citizens. The exercise studio would compliment the existing swimming program at the senior center.

&uot;It’s like putting a puzzle together,&uot; Bartley said. Bartley’s plans for an exercise center would be another of the various programs offered at the center.

After hearing of Mayberry’s plight, Bartley then wondered if Mayberry would consider renting a space from the senior center.

After a little hesitation, Mayberry then decided to start &uot;Tailored Fit,&uot; a personal training and masseuse business on the second floor of the Natchez Senior Center.

Now after six months, Mayberry is glad he made the decision. Leasing from the Senior Center, Mayberry has not only been able to attend to his private clients but also provide services three mornings each week to many of the senior citizens at the center.

&uot;I have enjoyed working with seniors more than anything,&uot; Mayberry said. &uot;It’s like watching youth being rejuvenated; not to mention you get a lot of wisdom.&uot;

Mayberry offers to senior citizens strength training, aerobics, endurance training and flexibility exercise.

&uot;Everything I do with private clients, the seniors get a little dab of it,&uot; Mayberry said.

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