Lorenzo Castillo was overweight. From childhood, he was always involved in sports. As an adult, his exercising habits fell off and his weight picked up. Here, Castillo talks about how he started his business, Zo’s Fitness, and what he hopes to accomplish.
What inspired you to become an entrepreneur?
I started to become inspired when people began to inquire about working out with me and asking about my eating habits. I was intrigued when I thought about my passion for fitness and making myself into a brand. I thought to myself, If I could do this not only would I be doing something I love, but also helping others achieve their own fitness goals.
Tell us about your fitness business.
Zo’s Fitness is all about inspiring and motivating people to make fitness a lifestyle not a seasonal hobby. Being healthy is a lifelong journey.
What inspired you to become a model?
Honestly, I never had the confidence in myself to even fathom the thought of being a model. I was inspired by a man named Marvin Bienaime. Marvin [saw] something in me that I myself did not see. Marvin gave me a shot in the modeling industry and now I have a newfound confidence and ready for any new endeavors that come my way.
Tell us about your weight loss journey.
I had always played sports and was in shape, as I got older life hit me hard. I had no time for sports and began to work constantly. Two years of my life passed and within this time I had managed to gain over 60 pounds. Friends and family began to mention my weight gain and I could not face reality and come to terms that I was not myself. I was made fun of for this weight gain and this was not pleasant at all. Finally, one day I couldn’t deal with it any longer; I took a long look at myself and said, “this isn’t you.” I was determined to get myself back to who I was and never looked back since. I have been on this journey for well over a year now. I pushed myself everyday to get to where I am now. I would like to be an inspiration and motivate people out there that don’t believe they can do this for themselves and let them know it is possible.
What does success look like to you?
Success to me is being able to help as many people as I can to meet their fitness goal and have them feel great about themselves. I would also find success in making fitness into a lifestyle in every person’s life I come across.
What have you found to be the most challenging component of entrepreneurship?
The most challenging component for me was the begin trying to get off the ground, establish yourself and your brand. Also, it’s challenging to have all your clients stay consistent in their own path.
Where would you like to see your career in the next five years?
In the next five years, I see myself as one of L.A.’s top known trainers and fitness advocate. I would also like to see myself in a good amount of modeling shoots or commercials.
Follow Lorenzo Castillo on IG @Jetlifezo.
