We recently connected with Mark Omezi and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Mark thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Do you feel you or your work has ever been misunderstood or mischaracterized? If so, tell us the story and how/why it happened and if there are any interesting learnings or insights you took from the experience?

Growing up as the child of Nigerian parents, pursuing a career in fitness and entertainment was not always the expected or celebrated path. My parents, like many others, had certain expectations and dreams for my future. My mom especially, she was adamant I pursued banking. She envisioned a traditional, stable career for me, one that offered financial security and stability. I studied finance in college, at Prairie View A&M University with the highest honors. Even had a little stint in corporate America working as an IT Auditor. However, my passion for fitness and entertainment pulled me in a different direction, and I knew that this was where my heart truly lay.

My decision to pursue a career in fitness was met with skepticism and misunderstanding from my family. In our culture, the arts and sports were often seen as hobbies and not lucrative career paths. My folks were concerned about my future and feared that I would not be able to support myself in these industries. They worried that I may not find success and stability.

Despite their doubts, I persevered and worked hard to prove myself. I honed my skills, gained expertise, and found success in the fitness and bodybuilding world. As my passion for entertainment grew, and I tapped into my comedic and creative talents, I faced similar misunderstandings. People often struggled to see the value and potential in my chosen career paths.

However, over time, I have been able to change their perceptions. Through my dedication, success, and the impact I have made on others, I have shown that a career in fitness and entertainment can be just as rewarding and respectable as any other. While my parents may not have initially understood my choices, they now see the fulfillment and happiness that my career brings me and have come to support my pursuits.

I’ve always believed that following one’s passions is the key to a fulfilling life, and I am grateful for the opportunities that have allowed me to excel in both fitness and entertainment. It is these experiences and the support I have received that have shaped me into the multifaceted individual that I am today.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Hello, my name is Mark Omezi (pronounced O-may-zee) IG: @Omayzee. I am a multifaceted individual with a passion for making people laugh, inspiring others to reach their fitness goals, and also competing as a professional bodybuilder in the classic physique division. I first got into the entertainment industry as an actor and content creator, using humor to connect with audiences and bring joy to their lives. Before the reels and laughs, , I made a name for myself as a “Mr. 2 times”; earning my Professional Bodybuilder cards twice on the same night in two separate divisions. That is considered a special feat. Through my love for fitness and bodybuilding, I now provide services to help others achieve their health and wellness goals.

My unique combination of skills in entertainment and fitness allows me to solve a variety of problems for my clients – from providing comedic relief and entertainment to offering personalized training and nutrition plans to help them achieve their best physical selves. What sets me apart from others in my industry is my dedication to both making people laugh and helping them transform their bodies and lifestyles.

I am most proud of my ability to inspire and motivate others to achieve their goals, whether that’s through entertainment or physical transformation. I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know that I am driven to make a positive impact on their day, whether it’s through my acting and content creation, my fitness expertise, or my competitive spirit as a bodybuilder. So far, my content on Instagram has gained over a 100 million views worldwide, and has helped me gain great experience and exposure.

Overall, I want to be known for my commitment to my art, as well as helping others find joy, success, and fulfillment in their lives, whether that’s through laughter, fitness, or personal growth.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

Building my audience on social media has been a journey of dedication, creativity, and authenticity. I like to tell the story of when I first embarked on my growth journey, I think at that point I was somewhere around 18k followers at the start of 2023, and I aimed to reach 50k at the end of the year. I knew that in order to reach and connect with a wide audience, I had to be consistent, genuine, and provide valuable content. Fast forward to today, I have been able to grow to 150k followers, tripling the goal I initially set for myself.

One of the first steps I took was to identify my target audience and the platforms they were most active on. For me, this meant focusing on platforms like Instagram, where I could showcase both my fitness journey and my entertainment content. I decided to showcase my humorous side, my fitness routines, diet tips, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into my life.

Consistency was key in building my audience – I made sure to post regularly, engage with my followers, and respond to their comments and messages. By doing so, I was able to create a loyal and engaged community that genuinely enjoyed my content.

Authenticity has also been crucial in building my audience. I shared my personal stories, struggles, and triumphs, allowing my followers to connect with me on a deeper level. This authenticity helped me to build trust and foster a genuine bond with my audience.

As I continued to grow, I also leveraged collaborations and partnerships with other influencers and brands in the fitness and entertainment industries. This allowed me to reach new audiences and expand my reach on social media.

For those who are just starting to build their social media presence, my advice would be to find your niche and stay true to yourself. Identify your unique strengths and talents, and use them to create engaging and valuable content. Consistency is key, so make sure to post regularly and engage with your audience. Be authentic and genuine in your interactions, and showcase your personality and passions.

Collaborate with others in your industry, as this can help you reach new audiences and build partnerships that can further your growth. And most importantly, be patient – building a loyal and engaged audience takes time, dedication, and hard work. If you stay true to yourself and your passions, your audience will naturally gravitate towards you.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

Absolutely. My creative journey is deeply rooted in my mission to inspire and uplift others. Whether it’s through my acting, my fitness journey, or my dedication to bodybuilding, I aim to motivate and encourage others to pursue their passions, live healthier lives, and find joy and fulfillment in their own journeys.

I want to break through stereotypes and show that it’s possible to thrive in unconventional career paths, such as fitness and entertainment. Through my work, I hope to empower individuals to embrace their unique talents and follow their dreams fearlessly. My ultimate goal is to make a positive impact on the lives of others, whether through a good laugh, motivation to adopt healthier habits, or the courage to pursue their own passions.

By sharing my personal experiences and achievements, I strive to show others that with hard work, dedication, and authenticity, anything is possible. I want my audience to feel inspired, supported, and motivated to pursue their own journey towards success and fulfillment. Ultimately, my mission is to spread positivity and empower others to live their best lives.

I have partnered with a few likeminded people to create our own film/media company- 293 Media Inc. We aim to create our own independent projects and tell new stories from our unique experiences. You’ll be hearing more about us in the not-so distant future, and we can’t wait to share some of our works with everyone. Exciting times ahead.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/omayzee/

Image Credits
FlexFocus Digital and Mike Le (@mikeleproductions)