We had the good fortune of connecting with Christopher Nguyen and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Christopher, every day, we know how much execution matters, but we think ideas matter as well. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
The idea for Nertia came from my own journey of growth and the realization that a lot of people are out there pushing themselves to be better—mentally, physically, and emotionally, but don’t always have something that represents that mindset.

I wanted to build a brand that speaks to the ones who move with purpose, chase progress daily, and embrace the grind. That’s how Nertia was born—a reminder that every step forward counts.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
What sets Nertia apart is that it’s not just a brand—it’s a lifestyle and a mindset. Every piece we create is built around the idea of growth, resilience, and living with intention. We’re here to represent the ones who choose to move with purpose, every single day.

What I’m most proud of is how we’ve never lost sight of that purpose. Since day one, it’s been about creating something that pushes people to grow—even when it’s uncomfortable.

Getting here wasn’t easy. There were setbacks, slow seasons, and moments that tested our belief in the vision. But what kept us going was the purpose behind it. We learned to embrace the process and to keep showing up even when it wasn’t perfect. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that consistency and belief will take you further than talent alone. And we’re still learning, still growing, and still pushing forward every day. Nertia is still a small brand—but the vision is big, and we’re just getting started.

If there’s one thing I want people to know, it’s that Nertia is for those who choose growth, who move different, and who refuse to stay stuck. It’s a mindset you live by.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend was in town, we’re both big foodies—so hitting 3 to 4 food spots a day is a must.

Day 1 – Brunch at Republique, explore LACMA, and catch sunset at Griffith Observatory. For dinner, street tacos from Leo’s Tacos or Tacos 1986—a must.

Day 2 – Venice + Santa Monica
Start with coffee at Menotti’s, walk the boardwalk, and grab birria tacos from a local stand. Catch the sunset at the pier, then watch a game at Jameson’s in Ocean Park and end the night at The Bungalow.

Day 3 – Hit Melrose and Fairfax for shops like Round Two and CoolKicks. Lunch at Jon & Vinny’s, then taco truck hop with stops like El Flamin’ Taco or Teddy’s Red Tacos.

Day 4 – If it’s summer, a Dodgers game is a must—day or night, the stadium energy is unmatched. Beforehand, grab a quick bite or street tacos nearby, then head to Dodger Stadium for the full LA experience.

Day 5- Breakfast at Malibu Farm, beach day at Zuma, and a quick hike at Solstice Canyon. Keep dinner casual with roadside eats or a local taco spot off PCH.

Day 6 – Hike Runyon Canyon, swing by Hollywood Blvd, then chill at The Grove. Dinner becomes a taco tour—different trucks across town, different flavors.

Day 7 – Brunch at Great White, explore the Arts District for local shops and murals, grab one last round of tacos at Guerrilla Tacos, and end the trip with rooftop drinks at Perch as the sun sets over the city.

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 truly believe that who you surround yourself with can either push you forward or pull you back—and I’ve been intentional about only keeping people around me who bring motivation, honesty, and that same drive to grow. That mindset has made a huge difference. I’ve cut out the noise, distanced myself from energy that didn’t align, and instead focused on building with people who see the bigger picture.

One person I have to shout out is my co-founder and best friend, Krish. He’s been there since day one. We always said we were going to build something bigger than just a brand—we wanted to create something with meaning, something that represents pushing past limits and moving with purpose. That vision has kept us locked in from the start, and I’m grateful to have someone on this journey who matches the energy and ambition.

Website: https://www.shopnertia.com

Instagram: @shopnertia

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.