Meet Byron
Pittsburgh Native Byron Nash is a “Go-getters, go getter!” He is known for his relentless work ethic, endless energy and positive attitude. It almost makes sense that this talented musician, 20 year veteran bartender, entertainment writer and single father has traded the bar life for barbells. Nash worked long hours behind the bar for years to support his son who he raised on his own since 18years old. As an aspiring music, the service industry provided a stable income to support his blossoming entertainment career and helped to pay the bills. Years ago he got into to CrossFit and got in great shape saying that it was the one thing holding him together physically and mentally from the wear and tear of bartending.
He became a successful and highly well-known bartender in the Pittsburgh area known for his service, knowledge and ability to relate and converse with people of all backgrounds. His social equity grew as did his ability to communicate. but he began to grow unfulfilled. While he loved the industry, it was getting harder and he knew that he needed to do something else.
In 2019, his job of eleven years caught fire and he found himself unemployed. Nash sank deep into depression as his debt stacked up. A chance talk with one of his CrossFit coaches led them to encourage him to become a coach. He had no desire to do so, but they insisted that he’d be great and he’d motivate and inspire the members. His coaches even covered the costs for his seminar education.
Nash got his L1 CF certification and started training clients on the side while juggling a total of six bar jobs! By 2020, he had a steady roster of clients while bartending and playing music. Then the pandemic struck thus halting all three of his industries and incomes at once. Nash pivoted and used the down time to rest, reset and get educated. He took webinars, classes and masterclasses on business, marketing, finance, music production, life coaching and more. He devoured podcast and books on business and wellness. Once things opened up a bit, he slowly started training clients again.
In August of 2020 his gym asked if he could coach two classes, and later he added another two classes and more clients. He hired a nutritionist and dove deep into rebuilding his fitness so he could better serve others with theirs.
In November of 2020, in one week: Nash was diagnosed with Covid, lost a paid commercial, two gigs and was laid off from his job via text. Sad, sick, alone and disgruntled he was at first angry but then shifted his mindset to see the loss as a positive.
He decided to pursue fitness and wellness to help others. He was was stuck on a name for months and his son sent him a text suggesting the name DUYA—an acronym for “Don’t Underestimate Your Ability.” He liked it, and it was right in line with his life journey of never giving up, always doing your best and believing in yourself. He wanted to share the power of that message with others through fitness and life coaching.
In February 2021, he launched DUYA Wellness, LLC and in the same week received a full scholarship to Marie Forleo’s 6-weeks B-School business program. He focused hard on the education completing and graduating the program in the six weeks. While doing B-School he applied the lessons and knowledge and built his client base up quickly. A month later he completed his L2 CrossFit certification. In that same month he became the lead instructor for CrossFit Pittsburgh’s on boarding sessions.