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

Hi Maurice, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
In January 2020, I embarked on a personal transformation journey. Fueled by a resolution to get in the best shape of my life, I embraced healthier eating and regular workouts. By May, I had shed 50 pounds, feeling fitter and more energized than ever.

The pandemic presented a new challenge, but I didn’t let it derail my progress. I transformed my basement into a training space and began documenting my fitness journey on social media. As people watched my progress, particularly my boxing-inspired workouts, curiosity grew. Soon, I found myself offering 1-on-1 training sessions in my makeshift gym. This experience, coupled with my continued passion for fitness, led me to open my own studio in February 2021.

Today, Moetown Fitness, my fitness studio thrives, offering both 1-on-1 personal training and small group classes. I’ve further deepened my knowledge by becoming certified in boxing fitness and assisted stretching, ensuring I can provide my clients with the most effective and personalized training experience possible.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
By day, I wear two hats at the University of Cincinnati. As Director of Inclusive Excellence in Alumni Engagement, I work to foster diversity and belonging within the UC Alumni community. I also contribute my expertise as an Adjunct Professor in Organizational Leadership.

Beyond campus, I actively serve on the boards of several local nonprofits, including Mental Health America of Northern Kentucky & Southwest Ohio and the Library Foundation of Cincinnati and Hamilton County. This passion for service stems from my own childhood, growing up in subsidized housing and overcoming poverty’s challenges. The experience built resilience within me, paving the way for achieving my dreams: graduating college, becoming a homeowner, and dedicating myself to making a positive impact on my community.

Looking ahead, I hope to soon celebrate a new chapter with my partner, proposing marriage and building a family together. My journey teaches me this: do good in the world, hold fast to your values, embrace kindness and active listening, and strive to be the positive change you wish to see. These are the guiding principles I share with anyone willing to listen.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Cincinnati is a treasure trove of vibrant experiences, and I’m spoiled for choice when it comes to favorite spots. For a dose of history and culture, I love exploring the Cincinnati Museum Center and the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. To satisfy my artistic cravings, the Aronoff Center for the Arts and the Cincinnati Art Museum always deliver. When I’m looking for thrills, Kings Island amusement park and catching Bengals, Reds, or FC Cincinnati games never disappoint.

Cincinnati’s culinary scene is just as diverse and exciting. My top picks for a delicious adventure include the North Side Yatch Club, Revolution Rotisserie, The Eagle OTR, and LouVino OTR.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Cordero, my younger brother and a seasoned personal trainer with a remarkable track record of client transformations, nearly lost his life to a serious health event last year. However, his fighting spirit pulled him through, and today, he inspires others as a strength and conditioning coach for a local high school basketball team. Witnessing his strength and tenacity played a pivotal role in my decision to become a personal trainer and embrace boxing fitness training myself.

Website: www.moetownfitness.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/moetownfitness

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mauricebstewart/

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutOhio is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.