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

Maria, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

Embarking on my professional journey in the world of television, I initially honed my skills as a producer and director. However, the course of my career took an unexpected turn when I met and married my husband, who served in the military. As life as a military spouse and mother unfolded, the demands of this lifestyle made it challenging for me to pursue my television career. Despite the yearning to continue my creative pursuits, I decided to put my aspirations on hold to focus on raising our children.

Reflecting on those years, I regret allowing the internal doubts to dictate my choices. Nevertheless, in 2016, fueled by a renewed determination, I recommitted to my creative aspirations. This marked the inception of my passion project, the series titled “Moving With The Military.” In this venture, we pay tribute to veteran and military families by surprising them with transformative home makeovers.

Over the past seven years, my journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. While the path has presented its share of challenges, the fulfillment derived from pursuing my passion has made every hurdle worthwhile. “Moving With The Military” is not just a television series; it is a manifestation of my dedication and love for the creative process. I am grateful for the opportunity to honor and uplift those who have served our country through this meaningful project.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Commencing my venture into the creative realm, I entered the scene as a continuity supervisor for television commercials, proficient in both English and Spanish. It didn’t take long for me to fall head over heels for the industry—its dynamism, the intricacies of the creative process, and the art of storytelling; I was all in. My clientele boasted names like AT&T, SCION, KMART, Macy’s, and more, allowing me to travel the globe while weaving compelling narratives.

However, my trajectory took an unexpected turn when I met and married my husband, a member of the military. Swiftly adapting to the demands of military family life, I found that my chosen line of work was not conducive to the constant relocations inherent in this lifestyle. Transitioning to the role of a stay-at-home parent during our frequent duty station changes, I eventually shifted gears and embraced a new career as a teacher, specializing in television and film production.

Yet, a persistent yearning to share untold stories lingered within me. This led me to create the series “Moving With The Military,” a harmonious fusion of my passion for storytelling and interior design. The series serves as a testament to my dedication to giving a voice to the military families we encounter. It brings me immense pride to offer these families a platform for their stories to be heard.

Our desire is for viewers to become active participants in this journey, to engage with us. Episodes are accessible on VetStreamTV, and we encourage viewers to nominate deserving veteran and military families for transformative home makeovers. It’s crucial for our audience to recognize that we are not TV actors; we are a military family intimately acquainted with the challenges our fellow military families face. We do this work not merely because it’s our job, but because we live and breathe the military experience.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

During our recent Food Pantry makeover in Staten Island, I found myself fully immersed in the project. Upon reaching the location, it became apparent that the facility was in dire need of attention. To make matters more challenging, I would be tackling the initial phase of the makeover solo for the first six days before the arrival of the volunteers.

The tasks at hand were arduous—ripping out worn-out carpets, maneuvering heavy items down stairs, and disposing of them into a dumpster. The paintbrush became my companion well into the night as I worked to transform the space. Days turned into long nights, and I found myself pushing through 16- to 18-hour workdays. The exhaustion reached a point where, on one occasion, I even slept at the site, knowing I had to resume work in just a few short hours.

The toll on my body was evident—fatigue, soreness, and a collection of bruises marked my journey. Yet, the realization that this renovation would ultimately benefit 900 individuals relying on the pantry each month fueled my determination. The weariness was a small price to pay for the significant impact this transformation would have on the lives of over 900 individuals.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

First and foremost, I aim to amplify the voices and stories of individuals and communities that may not have a platform or visibility. Through my creative work, I strive to bring attention to underrepresented perspectives and shed light on issues that military families face.

Furthermore, I am driven by the goal of fostering connection and empathy. Whether through storytelling and visual arts. I seek to create experiences that resonate with people on a deep, emotional level. By fostering understanding and empathy, I hope to contribute to a more compassionate and interconnected world.

Additionally, the pursuit of innovation and pushing creative boundaries is a fundamental aspect of my mission. I aspire to challenge conventional thinking, explore new ideas, and contribute fresh perspectives to the creative landscape. This continuous exploration and experimentation are essential for personal growth and the evolution of the creative field.

Ultimately, my creative mission is centered around making a positive impact, whether it’s through social change, emotional resonance, or the exploration of new artistic frontiers. These goals serve as a compass, guiding my creative decisions and shaping the narrative of my creative journey.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.movingwiththemilitary.tv
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/movingwiththemilitary
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/movingwiththemilitary
• Linkedin: @mariamendezreed
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/movingwiththemilitary
• Other: TikTok @MovingWithTheMilitary

Image Credits
Photo Cred: Candace Pauly