Maria Myraine, also known as My-My, is a dynamic and fiercely determined woman who was once dubbed “Most Ambitious.” She graduated from St. John’s University with a B.S. in Advertising Communications in 2011. While attending, she wrote for the university’s newspaper, The Torch. Shortly afterward, she began her own lifestyle/music blog where she grew to discover her passion for writing and music. She also took advantage of various internship opportunities at Global Grind, Brooklyn Bodega, and various advertising/social media agencies – where she learned an array of skills. Between blogging and the school newspaper, Maria Myraine refined her writing and landed her first paid position as a Staff Writer for HipHopDX.
As a frequent attendee of different Hip Hop shows, Maria Myraine was able to network with music artists. Offering to write press releases, handle social media strategies and networking for them, Maria Myraine was essentially in the budding stages of her PR career.
Knowing that there was more to music PR than just writing a press release, Maria Myraine started to do research on her own in order to solidify herself as a legitimate publicist.
Possibilities are endless and opportunities are oftentimes self-made, Maria Myraine also dipped her toes into digital marketing, event hosting, radio, and modeling. Every experience has equipped her with skills she continues to utilize and refine as her career advances. Following a serious car accident over a decade ago that left her in a coma, Maria Myraine has been on GO, as her motivation stems from the second chance at life she was blessed with.
What is māvən all about?
My company, māvən by Maria Myraine, is an all-digital agency that provides digital services to independent brands, start-ups and small businesses. This includes music artists, entertainment companies, clothing/fashion brands, private chefs, philanthropists, athletes, etc. Our specialty is in branding, content and PR, within the digital realm.
Tell us a little bit about your background and how you started your company?
I started my company nearly a decade ago after graduating college with a Bachelors’s in Advertising and Advertising Design. Throughout college, I managed my own blog which opened a lot of doors and really tapped into my passion for content and the digital space. Networking, consistent blogging, content production, and pitching digital services to entertainment figures I met through interviews and events truly paved the way for me and created my foundation.
How do you separate yourself from your competitors?
My 10+ years of experience in various industries at different capacities has equipped me with a diverse skillset that has proven effectiveness, especially within the digital space – a space that is constantly changing, updating, and evolving.
What are your plans for the future, how do you plan to grow this company?
By truly refining my personal brand, I have elevated my business as well. I am the sole representative of my brand/company, and so I have to present myself as such. Scaling my personal brand, I feel will help elevate my company, in addition to the success of my clients who vouch for my work. It all goes hand in hand. I think this, too, separates me from competitors – they’re simply not me.
What were the top mistakes you made starting your business, and what did you learn from them?
It wasn’t always smooth sailing, though. Some roadblocks I hit and mistakes I made early on include: undermining my own capabilities, taking on ANY client and going against my own judgements, not asking for help, and not spending enough time studying my craft early on. But we live and learn. And learning from these mistakes have truly aided in my growth.
What are three books or courses you recommend for new entrepreneurs?
Aside from mentors, life lessons, online courses, and trial-and-error, some books that have helped me in my entrepreneurial journey include: a lot of John Maxwell books, How-To books, The Four Agreements (making sure my purpose is aligned with these agreements), and Angie Martinez’s “My Voice,” have all left lasting impressions on me.
If you only had $100 dollars to start a new business, knowing everything you know now, how would you spend it?
To answer your last question, if I only had $100 to start a new business, I’d spend it on digital marketing!
How can we get in touch with you?
You can contact me by visiting my website MariaMyraine.com or find me on social media via Instagram @Maria.Myraine, Facebook or email me:contact@MariaMyraine.com
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