We were lucky to catch up with Marie Ramos recently and have shared our conversation below.

Marie, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. If you could go back in time do you wish you had started your creative career sooner or later?

I often wish I had started my formal creative journey earlier in life, as it would have provided me with many more opportunities to develop my talents further. Perhaps I could have made this line of work my own at a younger age. However, I remain open to the wonderful paths I am exploring now as a mature creator, dancer, and performer.

Backstory: I was exposed to dance at a young age because my mom used to organize folkloric dances for my elementary class and my brother is a choreographer. When it comes to crafting, I’ve always had a vivid imagination that allows me to create even with limited resources. I remember a time when I didn’t have money for a Christmas tree for my kids (I’m sure all single moms can relate), so I decided to draw a tree with fake snow on the glass door. That was enough to make my kids happy. Innovative resources are key!

I truly believe that everything happens at the right time and that nothing is impossible. There’s room for every demographic in this world. Who would have thought that a once-teenage mom could become this eclectic fusion of military work skills and all the artistic avenues life has to offer? At this time, I am preparing for a fitness competition and have competed in around 12 ballroom dancing competitions at local, national, and international levels. Additionally, I have developed my skills in hosting on social media, prop making, and cosplay.

What would have changed about your experience and looking back do you wish you had started sooner, later, or at the same time?

I wouldn’t change my journey at all, and I have no regrets. All my struggles, successes, and experiences have made me diverse, dynamic, and strong. Even while dealing with depression, anxiety, and weight management issues, I view these challenges as different shades of an imperfectly perfect artistic expression. As Bob Ross often said referring to art, “We don’t make mistakes; we have happy accidents.” While I do wish I had started sooner, I don’t regret where I am today. I am just hopeful for a significant opportunity to completely change my career to the right path. ;)

To conclude, my main goal with this article is to encourage women—especially mature women, single mothers, and minorities—that there is a way to succeed and explore your talents, even in the face of adversity. Don’t let anyone stop your progress! We are all beautifully talented in our own ways, and we all deserve to explore and share our unique journeys.

Marie, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I have always been a creative individual, but my journey truly began when I joined the Big Easy Roller Derby Team in Louisiana. Skating for parades and embracing alter egos during games and performances sparked my imagination. However, my artistic exploration took on a deeper significance following some major life events. I believe that such experiences can act as catalysts for self-discovery. For me, this included moving from Louisiana to Florida while searching for a new way to build community, going through a divorce, the loss of my mother, embarking on a fitness journey, and immersing myself in ballroom dancing. I’m sure many of you can relate to at least one of these experiences. Additionally, the guidance of my wonderful dance instructors played a crucial role in this process, allowing me the freedom to bring my props to life through performances.

I offer a wide range of products, from inexpensive pins to elaborate props. What sets me apart is my use of unconventional materials and my commitment to bringing your vision to life. I work collaboratively with my clients, recommending the best aesthetic options to ensure you shine as the star of your event! Another distinguishing factor is that I am fully bilingual, so for Spanish speakers, I’ve got you covered!

It’s challenging to choose just one proud achievement, as each piece I create has its own value. However, if I had to highlight a few, my proudest prop is a life-size Beetlejuice tombstone, which I used in a ballroom performance, along with some columns and trophies I designed for a fitness competition. In terms of personal achievements in decoration, I had the opportunity to create centerpieces for an internationally renown Ballroom Competition, which was a significant milestone for me. Among the headdresses I’ve crafted, my favorites include an Egyptian goddess design, a vintage scuba diver helmet, and a wolf helmet. In the realm of dancing, my proudest moments include winning the Rhythm 3 dance category in Vancouver, Canada, and securing second place in the Club 3 dance category in Cabo, Mexico. I also was able to open for La Girla Fit brand at the New York Fashion Week and take great pride in creating tutorials and guides for ballroom dance competitions, as well as live streams that showcase our dance community and attract potential newcomers to the ballroom realm.

In summary, my goal is to bring your event to life by providing stunning decor, decorations, and your own accessories, elevating your look to a whole new level.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

I have faced many challenges in life, from being a single mom to dealing with financial issues. However, the biggest challenge has been my mental health. In a society that is so entrenched in its norms, it can be difficult to feel like you truly fit in. Nevertheless, art and dancing have been incredibly important for me in finding peace, encouragement, and recognition. Art is such a beautiful world it needs to be explored and used as a resilience tool.

One story that stands out is when I had the opportunity to create centerpieces for an internationally renowned ballroom event as well as a poped-out giant cake prop. At the time, I was losing my regular job, which made me feel sad, stressed, and anxious. I had to truly rely not only on my skills but art, to conquer and overcome. However, when I saw the final product, I was immensely proud of what I had achieved and how happy my work made others. Completing the vision for the room felt like a significant accomplishment.

Not only did I demonstrate resilience by overcoming my mental health struggles, but I also learned that it’s okay to be imperfect and to accept help from others. This experience allowed me to showcase my talents to the world. It only takes one opportunity, and I’m confident this won’t be my last.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist, dancer, and creative is the impact I can have on other people’s lives. Art is truly transformative, and we creatives serve as tools to encourage others, boost their confidence, and be relatable and personable vessels of expression. We transmit emotions through art in various forms, and that is incredibly powerful. When others let go of their inner walls to reveal their true selves, it is a liberating experience, and I like to think that I help them achieve that. The people I work with are not just customers; they become friends and family, and I cherish that connection.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/voodoorrican_alacartprojects/# ; https://www.instagram.com/voodoorrican_foxy/# ; https://www.instagram.com/am_orlando_dancers/#
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marie.a.ramos.3
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marie-ramos-12227a8b
• Other: TikTok:
  

  @foxy_voodoorrican

  
  https://www.tiktok.com/@arthur.murray_orl

Image Credits

They are my pictures