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

Maria, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you tell us the backstory behind how you came up with the idea?

I started my business knowing one thing…I wanted to amplify female led businesses in the online space.

Coming from a background of 3D animation and visual effects where the industry was male dominated I knew how much more women needed to push through to be seen.

I had a sense of my mission but I didn’t know the HOW. How do I amplify them?

Being a multi passionate it was hard for me to decide what my business should be. And worse! My indecisive self went to college and got a degree that was SO multifaceted that it left me confused on what I should focus on after. On the bright side it fed my multi passionate soul lol

I dabbled in design, web, commercials, cinematography, animation, motion graphics. I honestly felt like I was a jack of all trades but a master of none.

Which really affected my confidence. I watched so many successful entrepreneurs “niche down” their skills that it made me feel like I had limited choices on what kind of business to run. I didn’t feel like the expert of any ONE thing.

So I founded my business on my so called “strongest” skill…web design. But honestly only giving web services was SO upsetting because to stand out as a leading expert online you need so much more. You need to tell your story.

I would find myself following the most incredible female led business who were literally changing lives and no one knew about them. Yes they were making sales but their online presence was barely scratching the surface of the level of impact they were providing.

So I thought to myself, how can I make people see and feel who they really are?

I found myself offering brand strategy and crafting brand visions that were bigger than what my clients could imagine. I wasn’t giving them what they wanted but what their next level could look like.

My branding projects created such a shift in their online presence that their brand photos also needed an update.

So I ended up using my background in cinematography and directing brand photoshoots as well.

It felt like a natural progression that I wasn’t even aware of. I just went by “what does my client need and how can I make it happen”?

I felt like their branding BFF. How can I send my bestie to a blind date without helping her create her dating profile to attract the right dude, plan her outfit, dropping her off, AND reminding her that she’s a baddie?!?!

I wanted to cover ALL facets of their brand to make sure they succeeded.

Funny enough, me dabbling in so many different talent trees gave me the advantage of seeing the bigger picture. What I thought was my greatest weakness was actually my greatest asset.

So after creating so many mini offers and custom quotes for photo, web, branding, copy , etc.

I decided to go rogue and just create a business that does it all.

That’s how Maiden Gone Rogue was born.

No more rules, no more limits, we have trialed and errored it all so that they don’t have to.

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

I’m the owner and founder of Maiden Gone Rogue, a full stack branding studio that provides strategy, branding, photoshoot, copy and web services.

Coming out of the luxury real estate industry I established myself as a brand and positioning strategist, and have made it my mission to help elevate female-led business owners in the online space. Being known for my cinematic storytelling approach in brand development. I help my clients create relatable edgy brands that attracts the masses without losing their high end touch. Finding what makes a business soooo binge worthy and giving it that “main character” vibe is my addiction.

Can you share your view on NFTs? (Note: this is for education/entertainment purposes only, readers should not construe this as advice)

NFT’s are a perfect example on how branding creates value. NFT’s retain value depending on the story behind the brand producing the artwork,

The stronger the brand story, the stronger the fan base, the higher value the NFT is perceived for,

NFT’s have provided us the opportunity to cultivate a ride or die community around art and brand culture. Which is something I’m truest excited to hop into. Who doesn’t want to find their people. Their tribe. Imagine having thousands of besties who stand behind your mission. It’s such a once in a life time vibe.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

My reputation grew after refining my process and just making intentional friendships.

And I don’t mean only befriend people who can be your client. I mean true friendships. Find people that you truly admire and would genuinely love to be around.

Your industry friends will speak about you and refer you to potential clients even if they haven’t worked with you.

And refund your process. Listen to your client. What part of your process is difficult for them? How can you make it easier?

Don’t take feedback personally. Take it as fuel to make your service better. Ask yourself how could I have prevented this hiccup? Do I need to refine my intake process?

By really honing in on my client, problem solving, and providing more than they expect. It really creates a fun experience that they pass on to other clients and friends.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.maidengonerogue.com
• Instagram: Maidengonerogue

Image Credits
Photographer: Jackie Sterna