Life & Work with Marcus Ollie of Kansas City

Today we’d like to introduce you to Marcus Ollie

Hi Marcus, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
At the time, as manager, Mike Ludwick, who is the Co-Founder, this was brought to his attention… “Two women, one college-educated who I will name June, the other a single mother of two I will call Mary for the remainder of the story. Mary was a legal resident but on a work Visa. June and Mary were talking on a break at work. June started to ask Mary why she did not attend college and Mary said that her priority is her children and that she could not afford to go to college. June said, well, you could get some grants. Mary said; “unfortunately, I do not qualify for grant money because of my citizenship.” June said, “well at least you don’t have to pay taxes.” Mary was a bit put off by this statement because she does pay taxes but gets none of the benefits of being a citizen like her.

So June continued with statements that were offensive, such as June offered Mary to “hook her up” with a man to marry so she could become a legal citizen. This was all brought to my attention because I was their manager. So many injustices happened and I may be forgetting some of the details. I was driving home that night after work and was just thinking and was saying to myself, why don’t people just love each other like brothers and sisters. I said out loud, why not love each other like humans, the expression “love you as a brother” came to mind and I said, “Love You Like A Human.” chills ran through me and I knew then it was special. I went home and wrote my mom on Facebook about starting a clothing line called “love you like a human” L.Y.L.A.H. Not too long after that, the vision was shared with Marcus & Aiden… The catalyst!”

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
With starting something new, there will always be challenges and struggles. I’d say the challenge that we’ve come across with L.Y.L.A.H. (Love You Like A Human) is getting people to provide such vulnerable information. Love, race, religion, life preference; are all things that mode us to who we are. With that comes judgment, comes vulnerability, and emotions. However, this is where L.Y.L.A.H. can project its mission, which is to accept and respect every flaw, every color, and all of our differences. We are more alike than we are different. So the “challenges” we will continue to embrace and accept as long as we can change the narrative when it comes to love, especially self-love.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Throughout my early years, I often felt a profound sense of isolation, not merely due to being an only child but within my own mind. It seemed that no one truly understood me. As I matured, I struggled to identify my aspirations in life. I frequently grappled with feelings of anger, depression, and confusion, seldom experiencing happiness.

With my mother working two jobs and the absence of a father or father figure, I sought attention in any way I could. The only avenue that seemed logical to me was to position myself in a place of empowerment. Given my affinity for numbers and the limited attention I received, I concluded that selling drugs would be an ideal fit. The popularity I gained from this endeavor bolstered my self-confidence, and people began to gravitate towards me. However, I remained discreet, never flaunting my wealth. Despite this, I was unaware of the darker aspects of the lifestyle, such as paranoia and violence, until I became entangled with the wrong crowd.

As I aged, I frequently questioned my life choices, wondering, “What am I doing with myself?” My turning point came during my time in jail, separated from my family and, most importantly, my son. This period of incarceration brought back that familiar sense of loneliness, a place I never imagined finding myself again. Upon my release, I anticipated a fresh start, but I was sorely mistaken. Having a conviction on my record, despite having paid my dues, proved to be an incredibly challenging uphill battle.

Now I find that all this was a blessing a disguise. My foundation of life is based upon Faith. I am now just a vessel doing my part.

Can you share something surprising about yourself?
I would say something about me that some may not know is that, I genuinely believe in spreading love and kindness equally to everyone. I see the beauty and value in each individual, embracing their uniqueness, and sharing my love without any distinctions. It’s important to me that everyone feels valued and appreciated, and I strive to create an environment where everyone feels included and respected. The love that I have from my kids, family, friends, and even those I come across for the very first time, the concrete of love is there. It may be expressed in different ways but unconditional attachment, I know each of us desire. If I could give any advice, it would be to step out of your comfort zone and ask the questions that you wish someone would ask you.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://lylahuman.wixsite.com/loveyoulikeahuman/
• Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/l.y.l.a.h