We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Maria Crawford a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Maria, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What do you think matters most in terms of achieving success?

While I’m certain this isn’t the first time someone has said it, I believe in cliches for a reason. Authenticity and hard work is what it takes to be successful. As a self-proclaimed girl-boss/it-girl, I am the way I am because I love it. I take the things that make me excited and I turn them into businesses. Through hard work, LOTS of learning curves, and infusing my personality into each and every venture, I’ve found success. I’ve never met the same person twice. Our true ability to succeed is born of our individualism and innate ability to learn.

Maria, 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 Maria K Crawford, and I wear a few different hats. I’d love to tell you about all of them!

First, I am a psychotherapist & coach and own a small online private practice, M. Crawford Therapy. I work with individuals and couples on authenticity & relationships. In a heavy world, I like to keep things joy-filled and relatable. I’m the therapist you’ll laugh with & the coach who will feel like a friend. I take pride in the depth of professionalism and knowledge I am able to mix with a relatable, millennial approach to personal growth work. Most importantly, I value trust and care for my clients. Life is hard and you deserve to know that not only are you paying a therapist or coach to help, but that this person genuinely cares and is an authentic source of connection and support in your life. www.mcrawfordtherapy.com

In addition to therapy, I own an online thrift store, PRIE. As the creative director and curator of PRIE, it’s my goal to contribute to the sustainable and circular fashion movement by creating an accessible, affordable, and luxurious-feeling experience that the thrift world is missing. One aesthetic, all in one place, made for the elevated minimalist. PRIE offers personal shopping and styling, new collections every six weeks, and a basics shop. No more sorting through the thrift shop for hours. If minimalist chic is your style, you never have to sort again. As a newly launched store, there is SO much more to come. You can learn more at www.studioprie.com.

I am also the leader and owner of Portland Poets Society, a poetry community in Portland, Maine. Founded in 2020, PPS has been a thriving addition to the arts community in Portland, Maine. We have an open mic series ‘Speak Easy’ every first and third Tuesday at Lincoln’s hosted by Travis Gauvin, ‘The Workshop’ every fourth Wednesday at Novel Maine hosted by G & Benjamine Sapp, ‘Poetry on the Prom’ every fourth Sunday during the summer hosted by Mary Brackett, and ‘Sanctuary’ at the Irish Heritage Center every second Wednesday hosted by Eliza McCoy. While this sounds like a mouthful of events, what we are at heart is a community of friends who create a room full of loving support unlike anything I’ve ever seen. Check us out @portlandpoetssociety on Instagram.

As if I weren’t already girl-bossing hard enough, I’m also an artist. I am lucky to have had a couple painting instillations throughout my city and I have published two books of poetry, ‘Unbridled’ and ‘Softer’. I am currently working on a prose diary project titled, ‘Nothing Prettier Than Baby Blue’ and a collection of self-portrait paintings. I model, sing, and love playing with different formats of art all the time. Follow me on Instagram to keep up! @mariakileycrawford

How do you keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty?

I’ve never seen anything work better than developing authentic relationships. Of course keeping a professional line and upholding boundaries that allow a healthy dynamic and work/life balance is crucial, but otherwise, I’m just a person with my people! Working with individuals I can connect with authentically provides me and the client a more meaningful experience.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

I had to unlearn hiding in fear and shame when feeling judged, criticized, or disliked. As all dualities in life, the further you swing on the authentic scale, the more people will both like and dislike you. Sure, staying small and quiet protects you from some discomfort, but it also shields you from all the love, success, and joy you can feel when you go all out. As a lifelong rebel, I’ve had my fair share of hurt feelings and have felt excluded and disliked many, many times. It wasn’t until I began embracing it that the people and experiences meant for me began to came out of the woodwork. Trust your gut and be yourself unwaveringly. You will be rewarded!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.studioprie.com
• Instagram: @mariakileycrawford
• Other: www.mcrawfordtherapy.com
  @m.crawfordtherapy
  @portlandpoetssociety

Image Credits

Jenna Valente & Tadin Brego