We had the good fortune of connecting with Ejere (EJ) Okorie and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ejere (EJ), what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
The main reason of starting my own business is having something to own that was uniquely mine and something I can pass down and keep within the family.

My motivation behind it was fueled by seeing my immigrant parents coming from Nigeria work all their lives to provide for their children and doing their best for them. From my end I knew they missed some of our important life accolades (whether it be achievements in school, athletics, and other things), due to the fact the worked to provide for us.

I want to make sure that through this business and the ventures I make, I am able help repay my parents for all they’ve done, help them retire comfortably, and also set the table for my own kids before they are born so finances will not be an issue. One of the important things I cherish and value is time with loved ones. Something I had very little with my parents.

I know how much it would have meant to have my parents there in those big moments. So, I am paving a way now to be able to be there for my kids when they have their big moments.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My brand revolves around health wellness and fitness. My background as a Registered Nurse that works in the ICU and a personal trainer helping clients reach their desired results adds credibility to this brand.

As a Registered Nurse, it is our job to educate our patients alongside healing them. L.I.F.T. which stands for Life Improvement For Tomorrow, follows suite with what I would like to teach my clients. My goal of what I am teaching my patients and clients are the same. I am working on changing the mindset of health wellness back to the truth of delayed gratification: what you do today affects how you feel for a better tomorrow.

In a world full of trends and quick results, we often forget how to work on principle of the long run. My brand works on achieving both.

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.
There are many great spots in the city, but the best way to see them all is by a great overview of them all by hiking a the high point take in the view. Top places to hike in the near area is the back side of Griffith Observatory, Lake Hollywood, and Runyon Park.

Take your pick from the many of the surrounding beaches near LA to see. Venice beach is always a vibe featuring muscle beach for the gym rats. Santa Monica is always a good choice for leisure walking and views off the pier where many movie scenes and games were based off of.

Koreatown for Korean BBQ to many other small businesses that surround it for those who love food for a good price! The street food vendors here will take your breath away!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like give a shoutsout to Eric J., Chris J., and Mariah P. They have been pivotal in my early growth in financial literacy, networking with other small businesses and growth as an entrepreneur.

Chris J. showed me the basics on how to navigate the stock market and why I should investing in myself and the future. He also showed me the importance of wealth through what you own and retention of wealth within ones family.

Eric J. allowed me to witness first hand how he ran his many businesses. Willingly showed me how to legitamize my business through legal means and how to market myself professionally.

Mariah P. contributed to my success as well through the means of opening my mind to the ideas of supporting other small and local businesses by detailing how that feeds into how it will broaden my network reach.

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/mwlite/in/ejere1

Yelp: Yelp.com/biz/ej-flex-rialto

Other: Instagram: @L.I.F.T.Squad

Image Credits
Nicole Coppola Alinah Horne Nnamdi Kalu Nico Romero

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.