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

Hi Mary, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
When I started Livol LLC in 2018, my main purpose was to show people through herbs and natural products that weight loss could be achieved. I gained a lot of weight after giving birth to my second daughter and I needed to focus on losing the weight. In the past, I would do unhealthy diets etc. and I did not want to go that route. I did some research and formulated my liver cleanse. I took the liver cleanse and saw I had lost seven pounds over night. I was floured and shared my good news with one of my close friends. She then asked me for the recipe and I thought to myself, I could sell this. I did a test run and started selling the cleanse in the community. My cleanse was an instant success and after two months I was able to have a store front. The knowledge to formulate one product has led to me formulating 77 products. I still cannot believe it when i look back. Over the years my primary is show people through holistic principles and natural supplements that it is great for overall health. I am so blessed that my business has helped several people reach their health goals and maintain their weight loss. I will never forget the day I helped my father reverse his diabetes and I knew at that moment my business was also my health ministry. I wanted to start my own business to clearly give back to people by teaching them about health and wellness. I wanted a business I could pass down to my children and they could share with others for themselves. I truly love people and the fact I could start a business that helps people mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually is my greatest gift. I thank God everyday for blessing and still allowing my business to thrive. It is because of Him why my business is a blessing to others.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am also an actress. Acting will always be my first love. I went to the New York School for Film and Television and have been acting since the age of five. So when it came to doing promos, commercials , social interviews and advertising for my business it came to me very natural. I truly enjoy my craft and love being in front of an audience. I have learned in this life nothing comes easy and as anyone does, I have had my share of challenges. But what I do to overcome these challenges is to always have a positive mind frame. People may say it is easier said than done, but I often share with my clients that when you start with a positive mind frame each morning, it sets the tone for your day. I have learned to stay diligent, resilient and encouraged in everything I do. What makes Livol LLC unique is simple, WE GENUINELY LOVE OUR CUSTOMERS with no motives. I ALWAYS and will forever remain to put my customers first. You often see in the health/weight loss industry the primary goal is that green dollar. Companies will fabricate testimonial stories just to sell a product. But at Livol LLC, what makes us stand out is that all of success story participants know one another. These are people who shop at the same grocery stores, pump at the same gas stations, eat at the same restaurants. All of my customers are truly success testimonials in the flesh and I am very honored.

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?
9 a.m.- We would enjoy a beautiful walk at one of our nice parks downtown and get a good workout in 10 a.m. – Take her to Toasted Yolk to enjoy a great breakfast and mimosas
12 p.m.- Take her downtown to show her the city and some of our history
2 p.m.- Take her to Koi a delicious sushi restaurant where she can enjoy some of their delicious dishes.
4 p.m. – 7 p.m.- Take her back to my house so we can relax and unwind before we go out for the evening
7:30 p.m. – 11:30 p.m.- Take her to Pour 09 and enjoy some drinks and great music. It is a nice club with a great ambiance.
11:30 p.m.- Time to end the night with great laughs and back to my house.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to credit my shoutout to my beautiful daughters Macaria and Myla Thomas (8 and 5 years old). They are truly my everything!!! I took back my health because I want to be here for them. I want to watch them graduate from high school, I want to see them go off to college, I want to be there on their wedding day. I knew I had to get healthy and take my health seriously for them. They inspire me in so many ways to be a great mother, a great business woman, and a great leader. I work hard the way I do and push the way I do because of my children. I want to show my precious daughters that through God all things are possible and they can be independent, strong women.

Website: www.livolherbalnutrition.com

Instagram: Livol Herbal Nutrition

Linkedin: Mary Ekene

Twitter: Mary Ekene

Facebook: Livol Herbal & Cleansing Store

Yelp: Livol Herbal & Cleansing Store

Youtube: Livolup

Image Credits
Clinton Vital

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