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

Hi Lorena, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Sounds cliche but I wanted to be my own boss. I was always the rebel child growing up. I started working at 16 and I realized I didn’t like school. To each is own but I always questioned the system. I couldn’t get my head around going to school 8+ hours at that, working crazy hours, missing out on sunlight and asking for bathroom breaks. I felt so drawn to the idea of working on my own time and building something especially as a kid that was once running the streets, using drugs and partying so much. I was only 23 at the time and I had no idea what I was doing but I knew that if I didn’t take the leap, I would continue living recklessly.

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.
Being in the health & fitness industry has been a blessing but building an online business in this industry is not an easy thing. There is so much shallowness and false info on the internet so I chose to be as genuine as can be and let me just say, the amount of times I’ve heard people tell me “you really are the same person on Instagram and in real life.” Ah, it’s so fulfilling and it makes me happy because I truly believe it’s hard to come across authenticity nowadays. I can proudly say, I am a natural athlete, I’ve had my fit days and those days that say “I’m going through it and I’ve been stress-eating” and that’s okay! I refuse to portray this perfect life and perfect body and I believe this is what’s helped me grow and help others. I also have no shame in my game. I openly share on my story growing up especially being that kid on the streets, using drugs and partying A LOT. Now that I’m 100% sober (not “Cali-sober” lol) I’m helping others do the same. That’s why I share what I share. I just want to give hope and inspire. Sobriety has given me clarity and allowed me to focus on my relationship with God which has also opened other great opportunities with digital marketing and content creation.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
This is a funny one because if you would’ve asked me 2 years ago, I had all the bars and lounges on lock! Nowadays I’d start our day with some fasted cardio at Fryman Canyon or any trails in Malibu. Breakfast would be at And waffles in my city, North Hollywood. We can go shopping at Topanga mall or citadel outlets hahaha! I actually really like it there. We need a beach day. I don’t care how touristy Venice is, that was home for a while so we in there! We’d definitely go for the best (virgin) micheladas at La Chuperia in Lincoln Heights, tres leches cupcakes at Tierra Mia on Broadway and the most fire Tacos Perrones on Laurel canyon and Victory blvd. In north Hollywood. That’s a crazy commute with traffic so we’ll spread it out. Now let’s not forget the healthy restaurants okay. I love Panini Cafe in Downtown and H.O.P.E on Ventura Blvd. But in all honesty, I barely go out nowadays and I cook at home most the time. I live on a ranch so we’ll spend a lot of time there too!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d love to give a huge shoutout to health & wellness community I’ve been a part of for over a decade. They opened doors for me when I was lost and never closed them when I was going through the highs and lows. Also a huge shoutout to my long time followers who have been rocking with me for so long. I have so many IG friends, I haven’t met yet but the support is insane! Lastly, a huge shoutout to my mom. She was my rock through it all and she never gave on me when I was on the streets. That’s my bestie!

Instagram: @Lorenamichelle.LA

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