Meet Roberto Mejia Jr | Entrepreneur/Small Business Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Roberto Mejia Jr and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Roberto, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
The idea started with my first class at CSULA in the Fall of 2018. It was an elective-Food Justice under the Asian American Studies department. I learned about Food Insecurity- yes thats a real thing. What I learned that here in LA, access to healthy food, whether it was geographically, economically, socially or culturally, was scarce. I thought, wait eating Costco hot-dogs three times a week isn’t secure aka good for me? Well as delicious and affordable they were, sadly, no, it was not a healthy way of nutrition. LA is a big melting pot for different styles of cuisine. But how much of it is actually good for you? So, the seed was planted there.

Fast Forward to 2020, the year the earth stood still. Initially, I was making meals only for myself. Around May 2020, I decided to change my lifestyle in a more active and healthier way. I started to exercise more regularly, incorporating weight lifting and cardio work outs. It was then that I realized if I want to see results, I need to change what Im consuming on a daily basis. A lot of the jobs I had while at CSULA were kitchen jobs, because of the flexibility to work around my class schedule. So I learned a lot of culinary skills, without having to actually go to a culinary school.

It wasn’t until April 2021, after multiple story posts of my meals, along with people inquiring on how they can have access to those meals I was making for myself, that got me to say: effff it! Heres a menu/how-to-create meals. My first order was on April 20th, 2021. I ended up with a total of 70 meals to make that first weekend of business. There was a need, for like-minded, healthy, fit people, and I was, surprisingly, fulfilling that need.

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.
Eating healthy can be boring sometimes. Heck, all the time really. What differentiates me, is the ability to customize what you want to eat! You tell me what you want, however you want it, and I will try my best to make it delicious and healthy at the same time. My concept was simple: Chose a Protein, chose a vegetable, and chose a starch. You get a full serving of each item, a wholesome way to get your daily nutrition. Many of the challenges I faced at first was the taste test. Healthy food can be bland and boring. It was through trial and error that I was able to be where Im at today. Flavor is everything, and I learned how to make my own “sazon” Ya tu sabes! The first two months of the business were integral, crucial. This is where I either gained customers for life, or lost them because of the quality. August 2021 was a huge month for me. I started testing out different spices, herbs, and marinades to make my proteins stand out. No one likes dry chicken! That month I bonded with customers via my flavorful experiments who, until this day, still order from me religiously every week! Youre always told in life to not get lost in the sauce, well I was head first deep lost in all the sauces. And i loved it, and loved the feedback I was getting. There’s always moments where I think is this really for me? But when people re-order, that question doesn’t even come to mind! There is always room for improvement, but I wear my heart on my sleeve, and I take pride on the quality of my meals.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
As a Pasadena native, born and raised, on the playground is where I spent most of my days….

All fresh prince lyrics aside, I love my city. I love the history, I love the tradition (rose bowl/rose parade), I love to call it home, for both personal and business.

I love to gander around Old Town Pasadena and hit up all the happy hours.

Take a stroll down shoppers lane on Lake Ave and buy a thing or two.

Hike up the Mt. Echo trail where a breathtaking view of the city awaits.

Have breakfast at my favorite diner- The Reyn- where I always feel the homey vibe.

Wash down the crunchiest and tastiest chimichanga with the boldest margaritas at Amigos Mexican restaurant.

Grab Late night munchies at Lucky Boys, home of the greatest breakfast burrito in town.

Take pictures in front of the Historic Rose Bowl stadium, where Two World Cup Finals were held, big name artists like Jay-Z and Beyonce performed, and the home of the countless battles of the Turkey Tussle between my alma mater John Muir High School and Pasadena High School take place.

The city of Roses, my city, my heart. MY HOME.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My parents for always believing in me (even when they didn’t) My experience at CSULA that first semester (well all 4 semesters really)
My group of like-minded friends that I work out with- my motivation!
My customers aka my extended family, I would be nothing without your loyalty and trust- happy to part of their fitness journey!
And Finally God, for providing me the strength, courage, and will to put myself out there and create a business out of something I love to do- cook healthy homemade meals.

Website: Www.mealprepsbyrob.com

Instagram: @mealprepsbyrob and @romasberlinstokyos (personal)