Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Mari Joy Asiado. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Mari Joy, appreciate you joining us today. Do you wish you had started sooner?

Yes, I “started very late” compared to most people who are in the same place as I am. In my BFA program, I was with peers who I felt had been performing since they were crawling. This has been a nagging thought in my head since I took acting “seriously” when I was around 19 or 20. The question of “Where could I be right now if I had made different decisions when I was younger?” always lurks in my head until I tell myself “This thought does not serve me.”

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m Mari Joy, a Filipina actress born and raised in Manila. I also recently got my BFA in Acting from BYU, so I lived in Utah for around 4 years before I moved to Chicago this July 2023 to further my acting career.

My work is mostly on stage and screen. My credits include Lark Timon in the premiere of “MESTIZA, or MIXED” by Melissa Leilani Larson (Plan-B Theatre) which made history as Utah’s first Filipino-majority cast. I was also the lead in a short, “Poolside Inn,” that premiered at the Palm Springs International Film Festival this year.

I am always finding a way to tell stories. If I am not on set or in rehearsal, I am writing and producing videos on social media. I am drawn to stories with themes of religion, romance, and resistance. My artistry draws inspiration from the mundane and my identity as a Filipina.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

My creative journey is driven by the mission to serve as a beacon of light for individuals who share similar backgrounds with me: growing up in “Third World” countries where art might not be as accessible and grappling with the challenges of depression, PTSD, anxiety, and familial dysfunction. I am driven by the conviction that not only can we survive these struggles, but we can also thrive in the arts industry, contributing narratives that are inherently valuable and vital.

On a more personal note, my creative pursuits serve a somewhat selfish mission – to become the best version of myself. I firmly believe that by embracing my path as an actor and storyteller, I unlock my true potential and cultivate the strength and the love needed to navigate life’s complexities. This self-improvement, in turn, puts me in a position to better show up for my communities.

I believe it’s a ripple effect – as I grow and evolve through my art, I become equipped to support those around me. Whether through mentorship, community projects, or simply being a good friend and stronghold, my creative journey is intrinsically linked to a broader mission of uplifting and empowering the community I come from. My art is not just a form of expression; it’s a catalyst for personal and communal transformation.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

I initially started creating content for fun on TikTok, exploring various topics like my hobbies, plants, and café visits. It was casual and lighthearted. However, as I began sharing more about my journey as a Filipino actor in the US, my content took a more authentic turn. I opened up about the challenges, triumphs, and the artistic path I was navigating. This shift towards genuine storytelling resonated with viewers, creating a connection that went beyond mere entertainment. By creatively intertwining my artistic journey with my other interests, I not only stayed true to myself but also expanded my content in a way that drew in a diverse and engaged audience.

For those venturing into the realm of building a social media presence, my advice is to know your audience and let authenticity guide your content. Do your research, and understand the platform’s nuances, but always remember to infuse your unique voice into everything you share. Your content is a product and you have to get to know your ideal buyer, something I’m still clarifying for myself. I am still learning and every day I find something new to implement in my videos.

Social media is not just about accumulating followers; it’s about building a community. Engage with your audience genuinely, share your authentic story, and have fun!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://mari-joy.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.mari.joy
• Other: https://tiktok.com/@the.mari.joy

Image Credits
Sarah Meservy, Ka’eo Drumright, and Sam Jorgensen