We had the good fortune of connecting with Michael J. Ramirez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Michael J., can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Truth be told, I am a suicide survivor; as you can imagine, waking up after such a dreadful decision, my entire life – my beliefs, perspectives and understanding; everything I’d identified with and found value in had all been completely shattered. Perhaps even worse, I had unwittingly found myself enveloped in tremendous guilt, shame, fear and distrust – in myself as well as in those whom I believed loved me. I questioned my entire reality; I couldn’t believe I had allowed myself to spiral so low while I had done everything prescribed by our culture & society at large to be whole, productive, successful and happy. Needless to say, I spent many years thereafter studying, learning and growing from that dreadful place I had found myself.

Nearing 5 years since my suicide attempt, the COVID pandemic reached stateside in March 2020. It wasn’t long thereafter where we had, as a society, bore witness to the drastic increase in addictions, various abuses – including domestic, and yes, suicides too. It was then where I realized I could take what I had learned from my own experience to truly & holistically enrich the lives of others.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Everything Begins & Ends With You, LLC. is a spiritual practice that I’ve founded for individuals whom, like me in the past, feel deep within themselves that there is more to life and to being human than the conditioning, identities, routines, pain & suffering we typically unwittingly accept and perpetuate from birth.

I offer one-on-one and relationship counsel; wedding & funeral services, in addition to other ceremonies, including sacred touch and individually tailored requests; one-on-one and small group self-defense & fitness sessions as a modality to get people into their bodies while building confidence, presence and physical strength & mobility.

What sets me apart from others is explicitly communicated within the organization’s name: Everything Begins & Ends With You; like training wheels on a bicycle and as a committed partner, I’ll support you until you’ve gained the knowledge, wisdom and sense for where you’re headed, but you are responsible for making of your life that which you hold within your heart & mind; of your soul & spirit, authentically. On the surface, it seems pretty straight forward, but you would be surprised at how many people lack connection and therefore do not truly feel safe in their environments, and much less, in themselves; courage & vulnerability to unmask and go deep are required; few know how to achieve this and yet how vastly improved are the lives of my clients after establishing a true connection with themselves and thereafter, the world at large. Much of the feedback I’ve received from my clients has revealed I’ve been their safety net – keeping them grounded, focused and encouraged while in the midst of life’s storms, which we know, come to test our commitment to any vision and/or redirection we pursue. This is the highest honor I could personally receive living a life of love and authenticity; service and goodwill.

Whether you are beginning or already operating a business, starting a new day or simply going about your life, you will be met with challenges. These challenges are necessary components to our [personal] evolution, and they are invitations offered unto us to grow, adapt, or altogether relinquish what has run its course. We learn to let go of what we believe something should look like, and allow it to take its own form. We recognize that though we do not have all the answers all of the time, we do have the ability to discover the answers and take appropriate measures thereafter so, relax. We learn that if we treat ourselves and our lives with the love, care and attention both deserve, miracles do occur and we again continue to evolve. Break the silos; see the interconnectedness of all things, and increase your awareness because these will be the source of your spiritual, emotional, mental and physical well-being.

If I were to leave the world today, I would hope that my impact reveals just how precious each and every individual life is, and how if even snowflakes are uniquely crafted, then you ought to realize how vital your authentic & unique essence is to the rest of us. When things bring you to rock bottom, it’s still a redirection. Above all else is this: walk with God, the Cornerstone much of the world still rejects, but is the source of all life & all good.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
In the city of angels, where do I begin?!

Hiking is a must! Will Rogers, Temescal, Runyon, Paseo Miramar etc.
Dining: Rose Cafe in Venice on Rose; Koreatown for KBB; Chateau Marmont for the pool & old Hollywood charm followed by Cafe Formosa or Dan Tanas. Brophy Brothers in Ventura at the marina for their Clam Chowder & Oyster shots en route to Santa Barbara.
Venice Canals; Biking along the Venice / Santa Monica path; Venice & Santa Monica Beaches; Getty Museum; horseback riding along the Hollywood sign.

… Just to name a few.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Honestly, my shout out goes to God; to Jesus. The night I attempted to take my life, I reached out by phone & text to family, friends and other loved ones, but no one had answered. In their absence, I turned my pain towards God in utter disbelief and despair. I firmly believe that if it had not been for my bringing God into the equation, I would not be here today.

My life, though far from easy, has evidenced a divine orchestration since that dreadful and terrifying night, and I couldn’t be more grateful nor feel more blessed to have been literally saved and offered this second chance at life.

Apart from Christ, there is one whom I’d like to recognize: Paulina Lechowicz , who was once my partner & lover; remains my friend; and is the only person who showed up for me day-in-and-day-out through the highs and lows of healing, growing and ultimately serving.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everythingbeginsandendswithyou/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mjr587/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@everythingbeginsendswithyou.

Other: https://t.me/Noblecompass

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.