We recently connected with Mareesa Valentine and have shared our conversation below.

Mareesa, appreciate you joining us today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

During the pandemic, I had a lot of time to reflect on my life and its trajectory. I realized that to overcome years of stagnation, I needed to leave my hometown, create new experiences, and discover who I was becoming in my 30s. Interestingly, the Los Angeles area wasn’t on my radar when I first started searching for job opportunities to relocate. But after several trips down south to “get away” in early 2022, and a few serendipitous encounters, I made the decision to move to Long Beach. Honestly, it felt like a calling—God told me, and I listened.

In what felt like a whirlwind, my job went fully remote, which gave me the flexibility to make the move. By the end of that year, I packed up and headed to Southern California, ready to immerse myself in the “land of milk and honey.” While I had inherited and built a community back home, something about the challenge and risk of starting over in the heart of everything I love—arts, music, entertainment, culture, beaches—was a risk I was excited to take. Because I surrendered to the decision fully, the transition felt smooth and almost effortless.

Of course, like anyone starting a new chapter, I’ve faced growing pains and moments of grief and loss. But in the end, every challenge has been worth it. I wouldn’t be where I am today if I hadn’t taken that first leap of faith.

Mareesa, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m a passionate multi-hyphenate hybrid with a background in journalism, public relations, digital media, and I currently work in tech for a global online marketplace. Every role, internship, and opportunity I’ve had aligns with my purpose of amplifying, advocating for, and supporting communities that are often overlooked, underrepresented, or unseen. I started my blog, Reesa Speaks, during undergrad as a class assignment in journalism school. From there, I fell in love with using my voice in written form to give aspiring artists a platform to showcase their talent. I wrote reviews on local happenings and shared personal stories, such as my natural hair journey, which began in 2008.

After graduating from Hampton University, I returned to my hometown to seek employment and reconnect where I grew up. My childhood friend and I, both fresh out of college and on a journey of rediscovery, started a newsletter called Bay Social. We shared a monthly roundup of events, concerts, and fun things to do for people like us. What set Bay Social apart was that we didn’t limit our audience to one culture or city—we covered everything. With our dynamic and eclectic interests, we thrived in the young and vibrant Bay Area scene. This experience opened the door for me to continue growing my personal blog, as well as writing for publications like the SF Examiner, Localeur, and The Richmond Pulse, now known as The Contra Costa Pulse. Meanwhile, I was also exploring a new career in tech, knowing that my life’s purpose would eventually come together.

Now living in Southern California, I take my readers on a personal journey through the Substack version of Reesa Speaks. Not only do I share places and things I’ve discovered during my explorations, but I also create opportunities for readers to engage with my work in ways that feel timely and connected to the collective experiences we share.

My creative work is, and always will be, purposeful and aligned with my mission to cultivate connection and bring humanity into even the most mundane aspects of life. Many people don’t know where to start or who to turn to, so I aim to inspire anyone looking to connect more deeply with themselves and find meaning in their lives, no matter where they are. I believe it’s my birthright to live a life of pleasure and fulfillment, and if I can encourage others to seek that truth for themselves, then my mission is complete.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

I believe creatives are the ecosystem—they’re the pulse of humanity, no matter where you go in the world. All we have to do is listen, look around, and engage with people to gain a better understanding of ourselves and others. What we put out into the world is what we get back, so society should support artists and creatives by engaging with their work, attending attending exhibitions, performances, events, and being intentional about amplifying their voices.

Beyond engagement, we must advocate for programs and initiatives that provide resources, funding, and platforms for creatives, particularly those from underserved and overlooked communities. Financial support, grants, and spaces where artists can develop their craft without fear of sacrificing financial stability are essential. By investing in artists and making creativity accessible, we ensure that no one has to choose between survival and pursuing their passion, allowing the creative ecosystem to truly thrive.

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

The most rewarding aspect of being a creative is knowing that when I publish a newsletter or share a project I’m working on, I’m inspiring someone to try something new or explore themselves and their surroundings more deeply. I light up when people genuinely engage with my newsletter—even though I can get long-winded in my stream of consciousness! What I love most is hearing how each reader connects with my work in their own way. As someone with many passions, it can be hard to find an audience that “gets it,” but when someone tells me they resonate with my writing or learned something new from it, it motivates me to keep going, keep creating, and keep sharing.

Ultimately, I do this for my community. My goal is to inspire others to chase their dreams and explore their creativity, just as I do.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://reesaspeaks.substack.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/queenreesa
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mvalentine/
• Twitter: https://x.com/QueenReesa