Today we’d like to introduce you to Mara Francesca.

Mara, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?

I’ve always had a passion for creativity. Whether it was drawing, writing, painting, or especially anything involving music, I was drawn to expressing myself from a very young age. My first ‘performance’ was at just three years old, standing at the edge of my parents’ bed, singing ‘Somewhere Out There’ with as much vibrato as I could muster. On my father’s side, music runs deep. My dad and many of my relatives are self-taught musicians, and on my mother’s side, writing is the family talent. My mom writes so eloquently, inspire by my grandfather, who encouraged us to read to become better writers. She passed that love of words on to me and taught me to express my emotions through writing.

Blending those influences, I naturally fell in love with songwriting—it became my way to process my emotions and share my thoughts with the world. But it wasn’t always easy. I’ve faced challenges, from creative blocks to personal struggles with mental health and self-discovery. These moments, though difficult, pushed me to grow as a person and an artist.

Today, I feel like I’ve come full circle. I’m releasing music that feels authentic to me, I’m writing about astrology in a local magazine, as a content creator I’m working with brands that I totally believe in and love. I’m blending my creative passions with my personal experiences. My goal is to connect with others through my art, sharing stories that inspire and resonate.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?

It hasn’t been a smooth road at all, but I’ve come to see the struggles as part of what shaped me into who I am today. One of the most profound challenges I faced was surviving childhood sexual abuse (CSA). For a long time, my trauma felt debilitating. I was raised in a culture where abuses were often kept hush-hush, prioritizing appearances over healing. It left me feeling silenced and powerless. But through spiritual practices, therapy, and writing, I slowly reclaimed my voice and my ability to speak my truth. That journey of healing has become a cornerstone of my strength and creativity.

In my early 30s, I also wrestled with my identity. Society often teaches us to focus on one craft or talent, but as someone with PTSD and ADD, I’ve always had a natural pull toward multiple passions. At one point, someone close to me dismissed my efforts, saying I was just a ‘jack of all trades and master of none.’ That stung deeply, but it also pushed me into reflection. Later, someone else reminded me of the full quote: ‘A jack of all trades, but a master of none, is often better than a master of one.’ That completely reframed how I saw myself and my work.

In different phases of my life, I’ve taken on many roles: a performer in Las Vegas in my early 20s, a singing yoga teacher and astrology enthusiast, a business owner, a tarot reader, and now a singer and songwriter. I used to feel pressured to pick just one identity, but I realized I don’t have to. I am all of these things because they are all parts of me.

It wasn’t a smooth road—it was the road less traveled. But in my 30s, I decided to let go of the ‘yes person’ mentality and instead focus on being consistent and dedicated to my creative work in all its forms. It’s been challenging, but I’ve never been more fulfilled. And the truth is, I’m only just getting started.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?

I wear many hats, but at the core, I’m a creative, a healer, and a storyteller. My work spans multiple disciplines, from being a singer-songwriter and tarot reader to a yoga teacher and entrepreneur. I specialize in blending my creative and spiritual practices to help people connect with themselves and their journeys in meaningful ways.

I’m probably best known for my music, my Tarot Tuesday sessions, and my work as a second-generation babaylan, where I honor and share Filipino healing traditions. As a content creator and a yoga teacher (ERYT 500), I also inspire others through body positivity and movement. I run two brands—Lola and Mila, a CBD brand, and The Miracle Marketplace, which offers crystal-infused products. Through everything I do, I strive to weave together my passions for music, astrology, spirituality, and healing.

What I’m most proud of is my resilience and authenticity. I’ve released music that’s deeply personal, blending my own life experiences with my love for storytelling. My journey hasn’t been easy, but every struggle has shaped my work and allowed me to connect with people on a deeper level. For example, my first solo EP, Destination Unknown, is not just about music; it’s about showing others that you can pursue your dreams on your own terms, no matter the obstacles.

What sets me apart is my ability to bring all of these diverse roles and passions together. I don’t believe in limiting myself to one identity—I’m a ‘jack of all trades,’ but I strive to be a master of the energy and intention behind each of my projects. My work is deeply rooted in my Filipino heritage and my own journey of healing, and I believe that makes it unique. Whether it’s through a song, a tarot reading, or a yoga session, I aim to create a space where people feel seen, inspired, and connected to their own power.

Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?

I believe risk-taking is an essential part of growth, especially for creatives and entrepreneurs. It’s not always easy or comfortable, but it pushes you to step out of your comfort zone and pursue what truly matters to you. For me, risk-taking has been about trusting my intuition, even when the path ahead wasn’t clear, and staying true to my vision despite the uncertainties.

Just this year, I was having a conversation with two of my closest friends. I told them, ‘I would rather feel the failure of doing something I’ve always wanted to do, because that in itself is a success, than fail to act on my dreams and vision out of fear of not being good enough.’ To me, the ultimate failure is to never try. If we keep trying different avenues, chances are, we’ll succeed. But if we don’t try, we’ll never know what could have been.

One of the biggest risks I’ve taken was deciding to fully embrace my multifaceted identity instead of conforming to societal expectations. I chose to pursue my passions in music, spirituality, and healing, even when others told me I needed to focus on just one thing to succeed. Releasing my first solo EP, Destination Unknown, was another huge risk. As a small independent artist, I relied solely on my own resources and the support of my community to bring it to life. It was nerve-wracking, but it also felt liberating to share something so personal and authentic with the world.

Another major risk was being open about my past struggles, including surviving childhood trauma, dealing with mental health challenges, and navigating the complexities of identity. Sharing those parts of my story was scary because vulnerability always comes with risks, but it also allowed me to connect with others in meaningful ways.

For me, risk is about listening to your inner voice and choosing to take a leap, even when fear and doubt creep in. I’ve learned that some of the greatest rewards come from embracing uncertainty and trusting yourself. Whether the outcome is success or a lesson learned, risks have always pushed me closer to becoming the person I’m meant to be.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.lolaandmila.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marafrancesca
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/officialmarafrancesca
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/marafrancesca