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

Hi Lani, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
My thought process leading up to starting my own business was a struggle. I always fantasized about having my own business, I was always drawn to it like a moth to a flame. I toyed with it but would never commit, until I kept seeing people use my advice to be successful in their own endeavors. During Covid I learned a job isn’t guaranteed and finally decided it was time to bet on myself and I turned my hobby into an LLC.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
The goal of Black With Endurance is to highlight athletes that come from various backgrounds but share the common interest of competing in nontraditional sports. I love interviewing athletes, it’s easy, it comes naturally to me, but it doesn’t come without challenge. Interviewing athletes doesn’t bring in the money. So developing products, partnering with brands, that cater to our audience and community gets a little iffy, it’s like throwing darts at a board, some stick, sometimes it hits the bulls eye, and some don’t even make it to the board. It’s life, we just adjust and keep going. My unwarranted advice, to anyone considering leaving a job for entrepreneurship is, Do It! Just make sure your purpose, your why is bigger than money, because money doesn’t come easy, but if you are in love with your purpose, and you know that you are making a difference, it’s worth it, and the universe will look out for you in ways you couldn’t even imagine.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I am an introverted adventurer! My favorite places to go in LA are the Culver City stairs, that’s a great quick workout!

Santa Monica original muscle beach and climb the ropes and play on the rings.

Hiking or bike riding in Palos Verdes, some of the most beautiful views on earth.

Food with a view Spire 73 downtown LA

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?
Huge Shout out to my Business Partner and the amazing Community that believes in us, and everything Black With Endurance is going to accomplish for endurance athletes of color.

Website: https://www.blackwithendurance.com/

Instagram: @Lanitheadventurer

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.