Conversations with the Inspiring Mariah Kelly

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mariah Kelly.

Mariah, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Well, I started modeling when I was 15. I had just moved from North Dakota to Colorado, and I quickly caught local photographers eyes. I began doing a trade for print work, with photographers and small local companies. I took a (very long) hiatus until I was 22, and pushed as hard as I possibly could to go national. I really only searched for gigs in other states and used it as my way to see the world while getting paid. It took a bit but I found a little system to getting exposure for myself via social media. I had a lot of motivation to “prove myself”, and I used the pain from my story to build strength for my future. It’s been interesting, to say the least. I’ve always loved poetry and music. I kinda just said why the hell not to rapping after I nailed my modeling fears. I know I can do whatever I put my mind to, so the further I got in the entertainment industry just brought me closer to this new path.

Has it been a smooth road?
Nothing about this has been smooth. It’s been and is very emotional. My journey has been emotionally charged with creating myself after a six-year abusive relationship/marriage, I was a single mom at 22 and just learning who I was while trying to hold it down for two kids. Most of my struggles have been how to be myself and also be accepted. I’m not for everyone, I have a huge personality. A lot of what I do is through social media, which comes with a lot of hate. My advice- screw em. Opinions can’t be what make your life choices. People can say what they want, but at the end of the day, it’s YOU in your head when you’re alone. It’s you that has to live with what you do or don’t succeed at. If it brings you joy, keep doing it. If it doesn’t, don’t be ashamed to end that part of your journey. All of my dreams I was afraid of, have given me the biggest reward. People laughed when I said I wanted to rap. I laugh because I know where it’s going to take me. Just do you.

Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I work full time as a private healthcare provider, but my free time is very different. I model and have done everything from runway to editorial. I also rap and song write! I just got done recording a song that I’m really proud of and will be released this summer. I’m most proud of the forward thinking I’ve incorporated into my work. Some people call me an “influencer”, I’ve always had a natural ability to draw people in. I try really hard to uplift and encourage other women by telling my story. So many women share my story- domestic violence survivors or people who are trying to get out of the situation. I acknowledge that and I hope people see what I’m doing and know that whatever is stopping them from leaving is a passable path. I try to only post positive things to my social media, and I’ve gotten so many messages telling me it made their day or benefited them. That’s my goal, so that’s what really makes me proud. Just knowing I made a difference, even for one person. My energy and work ethic set me apart for sure! I love to love and throw it into everything I do. I try to make every connection meaningful, and I’ve never left a gig without making friends with the people I work with. However, I also take myself very seriously. It’s all smiling until I’m recording or start shooting, then I’m in work mode and I’m not stopping til it’s perfect.

For good reason, society often focuses more on the problems rather than the opportunities that exist, because the problems need to be solved. However, we’d probably also benefit from looking for and recognizing the opportunities that women are better positioned to capitalize on. Have you discovered such opportunities?
I think this is the year of the woman. Women used to be laughed at for rapping, but look how many there are now. I think anything that encourages forward thinking and growth is perfect. There are so many new things going on and uncharted territory, we should encourage each other to nurture our creativity and entrepreneurial skills. A big part of taking advantage of opportunities is believing you can do it. It’s not going to be as easy for us to get certain things, but that just means certain things need a little more elbow grease. If you take yourself out of a struggle mindset, and throw yourself into a “the world is mine” head space… you’d be amazed what you can accomplish. Half of your situation is your mindset towards it.

Contact Info:

• Email: mariah.kelllyy@gmail.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/itsmariahsun

Image Credit:
David Heisler, Ginny Haupert, Parker Photos

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