We recently connected with Marianna Gonzalez and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Marianna, thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?

“Always take the leap! I grew up in a very small town with lots of negative energy and bad intentions. When I had recently graduated high school I ran away from my home at seventeen years old. I lived in my car with no money, no family and nothing but faith. I discovered my flaws, I discovered thousands of versions of myself that I needed to overcome. I was taught to be strong and although people tell me “you aren’t worth it” I encountered courage and overcame the obstacles. Now I dance freely, safely and without fear. I’m blessed to teach children the passion and love each day..”

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Marianna Gonzalez started dancing at the age of five in Bonifay, Florida. She participated in cheerleading and Acrobatics and attended several competitions as a captain. She discovered a passion for Musical Theatre and traveled/competed around the state of Florida for most of her teenage life. She then decided to pursue a career in music and received her Federal Communication Commissions license to broadcast on the radio. She received lots of publicity from broadcasting live and transformed into a public figure/model for social media with over 10 sponsors and 60 thousand followers and partnerships with big brands such as Bodywrappers. Simultaneously she continued her Dance education and received her certification from the American Sports and Fitness Association to teach Hip Hop and Contemporary Dance. Marianna had the opportunity to train with Dr. Mallory Quinn in Applied Behavioral Analysis Sports Innovations (ABASI) and received a certification from ABASI to teach Dance Education to children. She then joined the faculty of Steps School of Dance leading their Afterschool program and several classes including twelve hour dance camps. She is currently an active member of the Yoga community receiving her 200 hr training and specializes in Kundalini, Yin and Hatha practices. Loving her adult life as a dancer she is an alumni of the RUKUS Entertainment company as well as a current active member of RPD Dance company competing at a professional level. She is passionate about continuing her education in dance and music as well as teaching. She enjoys showing the next generation how love, dedication and how a positive attitude can drive you wherever your heart desires.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

“Life is a constant pivot. I like to flow with life like water, adapting and changing with the environment. If you have resistance, the flow can cause chaos and damage. Constant change is the only thing we can depend on and with that I knew at a young age to adapt. I started to look at every aspect of life and how you can grow financially and abundantly in that area without many resources. I as a dancer knew that if I had the skills to do hair or makeup that I wouldn’t have to pay anyone to do it for me. I learned music , business and the science behind education, several hours of studying so i could pivot at any given point. We have lived through pandemics and economic depressions and I have never had fear. Change is a good thing and pivoting is natural “

Any advice for managing a team?

“Maintaining high morale is extremely important in a business. I believe that mental health is a core to success. My team has a “family” sense of passion and the best advice I have is to slow down. Take time with every client and every soul you encounter. Emphatically focus on each situation and execute with logic. Boost games and fun experiences. Encourage breaks and mental stimulation. Check in on each other and most importantly respect boundaries and honor opinions. High morale is a sense of community not to raise a business in the wrong direction.”

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @_mkgonzalezz