Meet Ramona Braganza | Celebrity trainer, Published author, co owner Mobile Physique and Founder of 3-2-1Empower

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

Hi Ramona, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
As I began working in a field that I was passionate about I found opportunities presented themselves to me naturally, all I had to do was be brave and say Yes. The more I said Yes, the wider the door opened, and with each new business relationship came new ways to grow so when the time was right I was ready to start my own business.

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.
Sometimes life leads us on a wild journey taking the necessary turns, over and through obstacles to lead us to our true passion and purpose, all we need to do is have courage to say Yes I can, and move forward. This is how I arrived at my career which began as a Celebrity Fitness trainer and now includes my non profit 321Empower a 501c3 that helps girls saved from trafficking become fitness trainers.

My story begins In 1983 I moved from a small town in Canada to Los Angeles to pursue my dream of becoming an actress, As a former competitive gymnast, I had no trouble landing a dance job on the then NFL team the LA Raiders as a member of the cheerleading squad. The fitness world was evolving and I found success competing in fitness contests and auditing for commercials that highlighted brands like Reebok, Champion sports and Ballys. It was by chance I was in the right place at the right time when I was offered an opportunity to work with a young actress named Jessica Alba who was 17 a the time teaching her gymnastics for an upcoming role in a Jim Cameron production called “Dark Angel.” This fortuitous connection resulted in kick starting my destined carer. I worked as Jessica’s trainer for 12 years, along with training dozens of other actors for their movie roles. My brand Ramona321 included the construction of a fitness trailer for movie shoots, products, books and eventually leading me to my life’s true calling, founding 321Empower a way to give back, grateful for my life’s journey and the opportunities I experienced.

What I have learned along the way is that we are all destined for greatness if we follow what makes us great, for me I realize it is not the skills of exercise that I bring to my workouts, of course that matters, but in this day and age when many of us just need to connect with each other in a very real and personal way bringing your undivided attention, and listening skills into your clients lives will make you a leader in your field.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I am all about experiencing LA’s best places to workout and eat healthy, so expect an active visit if you’re coming to see me!
Starting with an early morning Santa Monica beach walk or jog or perhaps the 4th street stairs! Followed by breakfast or at least a protein shake and Erewhon in Venice is a must go to have one of their specially shakes. If they are hungry I would treat them to a visit to Zinque with several locations its a fun vibe and amazing store to pick up unique souvenirs from.

During the week a day pass at a concept fitness club Heimat on La Brea which is more than a gym, they offer a spa a restaurant and rooftop pool perfect for California suntanning.

Hiking in LA has many options Runyan Canyon is great for a view of the city from the top, or perhaps hiking near the iconic Hollywood sign.

I love to dance and most of my visitors will be treated to a night out with me perhaps old school vibes of the 80s such as that offered at Good times at Davey Waynes in Hollywood or a fun live burlesque show at jazz club Harvelles in Santa Monica.

Of course a live event is exciting to go to maybe catching a Dodger game ( world champions !) or a Rams game at Sofi Stadium!

Finally for drink options most guests must see and be seen in Beautiful Beverly Hills so I would take them to the famous Polo Lounge in the Beverly Hills Hotel where they may spot some exciting people and can experience some of old Hollywood royalty, or a drink at the Chateau ( Marmont)

Dining in or out I love to share Sugarfish for sushi and the hip vibe. I also recommend Cipriani Beverly Hills with an old Hollywood glamour Jazz Cafe and for sure if you are in the mood for shopping and dinner Century City has it all including a great Hot Pot restaurant called Haidilao Hot Pot.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Collaboration is everything including mentioning a special thanks to Pam Dodgen who graciously connected me with Shoutout.
If it wasn’t for many mentors in my life beginning with my mom Lucy, I would not have been given the tools to discover and lean into my talents. Thanks to the love and support of everyone from clients I have had including Jessica Alba, my board members on 321Empower , business partners like Ian McWalter in our mobile fitness trailer, my Ramona321 brand would not have experienced the growth it did.

Website: www.ramonabraganza.com www.321empower.org www.mobilephysique.com

Instagram: @ramonabraganza @321Empower @babybulgebegone

Linkedin: Ramonabraganza 321Empower

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RAMONA.Braganza https://www.facebook.com/321Fitness/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBRh86K_CZatbAlx_WA0ufA

Other: A video of 321Empower work in India

https://youtu.be/aPJX_L-ulr8?si=-S-AXR0hxn0rma9z