Inspiring Conversations with Lawrence Fleming of Fit Life Media Biz

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lawrence Fleming.

Hi Lawrence, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
My nickname LJ, and my actual name is Lawrence Fleming. I own Fit Life Media Biz LLC, which offers photography, video, and fitness services around Raleigh and its neighboring regions. I hail from Savannah, GA, but have been residing in Raleigh for approximately three years. I attended North Carolina A&T State University, earning both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in Agricultural Business Management. 

Since I was young, I’ve wanted to become a business owner. My inspiration to pursue this path came from my older sister, who was also a business owner. I gained practical knowledge of the business world by participating in various network marketing companies while studying business at North Carolina A&T State University. These companies taught me how to run a business, build a team, and sell products or services. In 2016, I began photography as a hobby. I received positive feedback from people who saw my photos, and this encouraged me to continue. Initially, I used my smartphone and a photo editing app to take pictures. I eventually purchased a professional camera and began practicing with friends. I learned much about photography through online courses and watching numerous YouTube videos. 

My fascination with fitness began in 2017 as I embarked on a weight loss journey. By incorporating Herbalife Nutrition products, healthy eating habits, and consistent workout routines, I was able to shed 35 pounds in just six months. My journey inspired me to educate and assist millennials in achieving their fitness goals by using Herbalife products or by implementing personalized and sustainable methods that fit their personalities and lifestyles. Through my passion for fitness and photography, I decided to combine fitness and photography into one brand, and Fit Life Media was born during the pandemic in 2020. I also created a YouTube channel that same year where I provide fitness and photography tips. 

In 2023, I transformed my hobby into a serious business endeavor. 

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
My journey hasn’t been a smooth one. Upon graduating from college, I pursued full-time entrepreneurship as I didn’t receive any job offers from the open jobs I applied to. During that time, I had to stay on my sister’s couch and offered free photo shoots and fit camps to gain exposure and attract clients, but it wasn’t generating a consistent income to cover my expenses. As a result, I had to settle for various jobs that didn’t pay me what I deserved, leading to unhappiness, exhaustion, and depression. From 2018 to 2022, I worked as a warehouse employee, a janitor, a delivery driver, a maintenance worker, a call center representative, and a fast-food customer service representative. 

With the encouragement of my girlfriend at the time, I decided to return to North Carolina in 2019. Unfortunately, I had to sleep on her parents’ couch for three weeks before finding a place to live. Eventually, I moved in with a college friend and slept on his couch for nine months. In 2020, amidst the pandemic, my girlfriend and I took a leap of faith and secured an apartment in Greensboro, North Carolina. We lived there for eighteen months before relocating to Raleigh. During this time, I shifted my focus away from my business and instead devoted my energy to creating content for my YouTube channel and working my usual day job. 

In the past, I had accumulated $8,000 of credit card debt due to emergency purchases, course fees, and unnecessary spending. At that time, I did not value having an emergency savings account as much as I do now. However, I learned the importance of financial planning through my struggles. These challenges helped me become a better man and a responsible husband. I can now use my experience to guide others, including my future children, on how to navigate their finances during their 20s and 30s. 

Currently, my occupation involves focusing on social media responsibilities within a Fortune 500 corporation. Through my proactive actions of seeking guidance and initiating connections, my business consistently gains potential customers and generates leads every month. 

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
In 2023, I legally established my business, specializing in branding photography and video services to business owners and corporate professionals in Raleigh and the surrounding areas. Additionally, I offer engagement photography services to newlywed or engaged couples and health and fitness services to millennials who desire to get in shape and maintain their well-being. What distinguishes my business from others is our customer-centric approach, wherein we prioritize the needs of our clients and customize our services accordingly. We also regularly solicit feedback from our customers to continually improve and enhance their experience with our business. 

What was your favorite childhood memory?
As a child, I cherished the memories of our annual summer vacations as a family. After a long school year, I eagerly anticipated the trips. Since we lived in Savannah, we frequently visited Florida. Our destinations included visiting my dad’s relatives, going on a cruise, and having fun at Disney World, Universal Studios, Six Flags, Sea World, Busch Gardens, and New York City. I hope to continue this tradition with my future family, but we’ll take multiple trips throughout the year instead of just one this time. 

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.fitlifemedia.biz
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_fitlifemedia/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fitlifemedia20
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lawrencejflem/
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@FitLifeMedia?si=oluwVvOVCz1s4-iu