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

Hi Mariah, thanks for joining us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

My entrepreneurial journey began with a simple love for words and a penchant for self-expression. As a teenager, I found solace and inspiration in the glossy pages of magazines like “Teen Vogue,” “Elle” and “Cosmo.” Captivated by their blend of lifestyle reporting and captivating narratives, I discovered a desire to craft my own stories. It was through writing poetry that I found my voice, weaving emotions and thoughts into verses that echoed the complexities of life as a modern woman.

Fueling my passion, I eagerly attended writing workshops at the NY Writer’s Coalition in Brooklyn, New York. Here, amidst a community of fellow wordsmiths, I honed my craft and expanded my poetic repertoire. The thrill of performing at summer events and being interviewed for a local paper for my heartfelt speeches solidified my dream: to write for a magazine.

In 2019, I took a leap of faith and published my first book of poems, “Heart and Soul: Poems of Thoughts & Emotions,” a reflection of my journey towards self-love and empowerment. Publishing my book continued to inspire me and drove my desire to further connect with others. This led me to I found my lifestyle blog, I AM MARIAH THOMAS, where I curate content and host events for creatives in the vibrant backdrop of New York City.

Overall, I was (and continue to be) driven by my belief in the power of art to unite and uplift others.

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?

I am a lifestyle journalist who has wandered through the vibrant landscapes of various magazines and websites, leaving behind my words like breadcrumbs for readers to follow. My journey has included words in Women’s Health, Good Housekeeping, Apartment Therapy and Reader’s Digest, where I’ve crafted narratives that resonate with the diverse tapestry of life. Beyond the ink-stained pages, I’m the author of “Heart and Soul: Poems of Thoughts and Emotions,” a collection of poems that dances between the lines of vulnerability and empowerment—all meant to inspire and uplift the incredible women of today.

In the entrepreneurial realm, I wear many hats. I founded the blog “I AM MARIAH THOMAS,” a digital haven where I generously share lifestyle tips, dating advice and tales from my travels. Hosting events in the heart of NYC, from wellness classes to book clubs and open mics, I strive to weave threads of connection between creatives and like-minded souls. What truly makes my heart swell with pride is taking chances on myself.

In 2020, amid the uncertainty of the pandemic, I embarked on the journey of hosting virtual events, yearning to build a community and foster connections. This leap of faith has not only allowed me to create a thriving space for collaboration but has also opened doors to create content for esteemed brands like Steve Madden, Aussie Haircare, Hallmark and more, all rooted in my unwavering faith in the gifts that God has bestowed upon me. I believe in the profound power of connection, and my mission is to weave a tapestry of inspiration, fostering communities that elevate and empower.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

Looking back, I can’t help but wish I had fully grasped the incredible impact of mentorship and forging connections earlier in my journey. While I’ve been fortunate to have a few guiding lights in my career, I’ve come to appreciate the significance of staying linked not just with seasoned professionals but also with those right alongside you. It’s funny because, despite my self-proclaimed introversion (although my friends would argue otherwise), I now recognize the value of making connections from the get-go. If only I had embraced the power of networking earlier, who knows the doors it might have opened? Better late than never, they say, but the wisdom of timely connections is a lesson I carry with me as I navigate the twists and turns of my professional path.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The absolute best part of being a creative is witnessing the magical ripple effect of my work, seeing it weave connections between people. When I put out my poetry book, the sheer joy and warmth I felt from young girls approaching me to chat about it was beyond incredible. Discovering that others were inspired to pen their own stories and seeking advice from me to bring their passions to life was nothing short of heartwarming. It’s a beautiful reminder that we’re all here to serve, not just the Almighty but each other. The fact that my love for writing and bringing folks together can touch hearts and help people I’ve never even met is both humbling and gratifying. It’s like a creative circle of giving and receiving, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.iammariahthomas.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iammariahthomas/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariahth/