We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Maria Skakun. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Maria below.

Maria, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Before we get into specifics, let’s talk about success more generally. What do you think it takes to be successful?

Well, In today’s world, it’s common to believe that talent and a strong work ethic alone pave the way to success. Before I made the decision to move to LA, a teacher shared with me a valuable insight: “Success in LA hinges 50% on connections, 30% on your image and how you present yourself, and 20% on your professional skills.” And I still find it quite accurate. Yet, one critical element seems overlooked and from my viewpoint, it’s what often prevents 99% of us from realizing our dreams: discipline.

Are you prepared to tackle the “boring” tasks? Will you consistently show up, even on days when motivation wanes? Can you commit to maintaining a strong presence on social media, executing your marketing campaigns, and prioritizing self-care?

Lastly, I firmly stand by my mantra I live by every day: “Your success equals your ability to conquer your inner demons.” I’ve witnessed many talented individuals inadvertently create obstacles for themselves, hindering their own path to success.

Get your mindset in check. Refine your strategies. Hold yourself accountable. And brace yourself, because the greatest achievements often stem from enduring the lengthy journey.

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?

Coming from a gymnastics background where discipline was paramount, I understood the dedication needed for years of training leading up to brief performances.

But In the arts, there’s no coach pushing you forward or tangible medals to aim for—each creation defines its own success. It’s a deeply personal journey; for some, it’s a worldwide tour, while for others, it’s pure creative freedom.

Navigating this path alone is inevitable; each artist’s journey is unique. From gymnastics to dance, music, and now directing, I’ve explored various facets of entertainment. The lack of structured guidance inspired me to mentor and advise fellow artists.

Everyone I work with has distinct needs—some seek clarity from point A to B, others struggle with mental barriers, or require assistance with marketing strategies. I’m passionate about supporting their careers and helping them succeed, no matter the obstacles.

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

I’m here to help and inspire as many people as I can. I truly believe that with the right support, we can manifest any crazy dream of ours. Whether through directing or mentoring, my goal remains the same: to elevate their artistry to new heights. Each video I create serves as a marketing tool to enhance their music’s reach. Every consultation serves as a detailed map to guide them forward on their path.

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

As I mentioned before, I come from the world of sports, where discipline is paramount. I learned the importance of following the rules, but also discovered the significance of knowing when to break them. One of the most crucial lessons I had to teach myself was to stay open to change and embrace the flow. Letting go of expectations and trusting the universe became key. The more you trust, the more you receive—sometimes even more than you ever desired.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.MariaSkakun.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mariaskakun/

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