Meet Anthony Okray Jr. | Creative

We had the good fortune of connecting with Anthony Okray Jr. and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Anthony, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Well I actually studied Business Management in college. I graduated with my Bachelors of Science in Business Management so I only find it suiting that I become an entrepreneur. Create my own brand, product or service that can potentially make the world a better place. I don’t believe that I was born to work for someone else.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I started off as a poet. Since I can remember I was a voracious reader and passioned writer. I’m most proud of my ability to express how I feel in writing efficiently. Although writing for me is more concerned with being able to feel free, to feel validated and reveling in my vulnerability, I’m glad that others can relate to some of the things I’ve experienced. I’m honored that my writing is able to move people emotionally. I have a Non Profit Organization based out of South Central Los Angeles. It is called The Healing Circle Los Angeles. We operate as a 501c3. Our mission is to promote positivity, unify our community and help unpack and heal from our trauma. We do this by hosting dialogue sessions every other Sunday. We talk about a variety of topics from love and relationships, to childhood trauma and parenting techniques, religion, polygamy, monogamy, racism, community etc. We also curate events such as Donation Charity Drives, Black Womens appreciation events, game nights, wellness days, networking events and an array of others. I also model professionally and have been modeling since 2018 approximately. I’ve never taken it seriously, even to this day but I’m glad that I could use it as a means of income and another way to express myself. I’m also in school for Real Estate. My plan is to own my own Brokerage in the near future. I have a few more courses to take and then I’ll be able to take my Real Estate Exam. Nothing in life is easy and I love that because it teaches you about yourself. If we’re always given handouts we’ll never learn to appreciate things. We’ll also expect for everything to be handed over to us. I love the fact that I have worked for everything I currently have. No one can take that way from me.

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.
Depending on what time of the year it is, I’d take them to the beach if they are into that kind of thing. I love watching the sunset, it’s therapeutic to me. Then we’d hit Earls on Crenshaw for some fire Vegan food. Or even California Fish Grill. After that we’d figure out some type of adventure to get into. I’m a pretty spontaneous person and I don’t need much to have a good time. I’m not much of a clubber when I’m in my city but I love to party when I’m traveling. I gave up drinking so there’s that. Probably hit a museum or go bowling for real.

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?
I devote all of my gratitude to my mother. She deserves all of the credit for who I am as a man. She raised me single handedly. Without her none of this is possible. I appreciate the fashion in which she raised me. She taught me important life lessons and equipped me with the necessary tools to navigate through and achieve in life.

Website: https://linktr.ee/anthonyokrayjr

Instagram: anthonyokrayjr

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Image Credits
@elvonimages @blackcoffeevisuals @queduong @e_starr_photography @jeremiah_drummond