We’re looking forward to introducing you to LB ThaRealist. Check out our conversation below.
Hi LB, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Well, I’m actually really enjoying watching anime now. I was reluctant at first being that my favorite anime and the only anime that I really watched (up until recently) was Dragon Ball Z, but I’ve found new joy in shows like Kaiju No. 9 and My Hero Academia!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Marion L Bowens Jr better known as LB ThaRealist. I’m currently 36 years old and I’m of Black and Puerto Rican decent. I’ve been married for 4 years to my beautiful wife, Angel and I’m from San Diego, Ca. I’m a amateur rapper, digital creator, social media influencer and I have my 9 to 5 job in hospitality. I hold a license for real estate although I’m currently in referral status. I also make digital content under the business name Surrealistic Studios -Surreal New that specializes in global/local news, current events and hot topics. I believe my blend of personality, facts and realness creates value for my viewers.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
My first memory of me feeling powerful was when I was about 11 or 12 years old in middle school. There was this neighborhood bully, who lived in my apartment complex. He would always bully me and the other kids that we’re playing outside near the park. Everyone was scared of him because he was bigger and more stronger than us. Until one day I worked up the courage to swing back on him! Then I worked up even more courage to square up with him and present him with a challenge. After he saw that I meant business he eased up on me and said something to the effect of he respected me for having the courage to fight back. It was then I learned, that if I wanted a bully to leave me alone and if I was ever going to get respect, I would have to show that I was willing to fight for it!
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
I think the fear of being an outgoing person has held me back in life the most. I was always the shy kid. Quiet and in my own world. Growing up, I was never really popular although many people knew me. I just didn’t care enough to know that many of them back. It wasn’t that I had no interest in them. It’s just that I wouldn’t be the one to initiate a conversation. But as soon as you got to know me, that’s when I opened up the most. Through my early adult years, I learned to be a more outgoing person. Now I understand how to chit chat and be sociable with people that I don’t know and it doesn’t make me feel uncomfortable like it used to. To be honest, I feel like i’m still a work in progress in regards to that but i’ve come a very long way! I look at it like this; every day is a new opportunity to meet someone great and you never know what could happen from having that conversation!
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Is the public version of you the real you?
The public version of me is probably 95% of who I am off camera. The reason why I say 95%, it’s because there will always be a part of me that I will have to hold back in order to stay in the good graces of the internet gods or the algorithm. This can be accomplished by not using so much profanity in my creations, never presenting too much anger or negativity, and keeping my content suitable for most viewers. So I pride myself on being as real as I can be, but that doesn’t mean broadcasting all of my quirks for the world to see at all times.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
Honestly, I just want people to tell the story of a a real person, who just wanted love peace and light for all! I hope that I’m remembered as a kind and generous person with a soft heart. So that’s what I aim to be every day of my life.
