Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Marie Pizano . We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Marie , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.
Taking a risk and rising up to the occasion has been my theme. Building my life and company on truth & integrity in a world full of “no’s”, untruths and toxic programming. To be the outsider but steadfast and standing on solid ground. Getting back up, taking risks and Moving forward to find my yes!
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I’m most proud of being a mom — I love my family. I fight hard through the narrative, deceit, gossip and judgments to make sure no matter what that I’m an example that my children will look back and understand the truth and the journey I had to take — the reasons why , and the love I do have inside for them and what my purpose is on this earth that does benefit them in many ways. The decisions have not been easy nor what others have contributed in creating obstacles or hurt. We all make mistakes, I made some but not intentional. I want to be the example that no matter what anyone else does that I choose, and to be careful about the choices we make but free to be. Nothing is a failure —only if you don’t try.
All our experiences are lessons and knowledge — with knowledge comes power and with power we have a responsibility to create change.
I can only control me — not what others do. What others do is on them.
I am meant to set out to create change and there have been hard lessons that come with that mission. I’m not a woman who will take NO, because there should not have been anyone that should be allowed to tell me I can’t when we ate in earth to find our yes and help others find theirs too …
This anger and hate in the world and divide — must end. We must inspire healing and forgiveness. We must motivate educate and inspire people to take the initiative to heal. Break out of dysfunction patterns and stop the abuse.
There is no bravery in destroying anyone, empowerment is rising to the occasion to be part of the solution.
MARI E P IZANO BIO
Introduction
Marie Pizano is an example of how you can overcome challenges to live with passion and purpose, and realize your ambitions.
Her story can help empower and motivate others to find their “Yes!” by continuing the Finding Your Yes with Mind Body Soul campaign to empower, inspire, motivate and educate the community for better overall health.
Film
She is producing and co-writing several movie screenplays, and has partnered with successful Hollywood production teams to produce several Memphis historical stories, mainstream, and faith-based storyline films.
From her experience as an actor and model, she advanced her skills behind the camera to co- produce several local TV shows in Memphis, to then create and produce “Girls Night Out” with award-winning film director, Steven Boyle.
In 2012, Pizano became executive producer of the multi award-winning documentary, “MOMO: The Sam Giancana Story.”
Pizano completed two released documentaries “Shannon Street: Echoes Under A Blood Red Moon” and “Finding Your Yes with Mind, Body and Soul”.
She produced under her company, “Shattered” now on Amazon, selected stores and has been released in foreign and domestic territories. Although she released ownership of the film in 2017 she is proud to call it her first full feature film producing debut.
In 2022 she spearheaded the Black History series at MALCO theaters featuring black history films.
She started developing a Christian based film “Purple Church” with award-winning and known actor/producer, Kevin Sorbo and many other known actors. Due to the global shutdown this film dissolved but that closed door led to many open doors including the creation of MVP3 Studios and partners. Investors failure to complete funding interrupted the studios progress;
After hurdling over the losses she determined to move forward and then launched the MVP3 Foundation, a non profit entity. MVP3 Entertainment Group closed its doors in May of 2023. The MVP3 brand and trademark continue.
She is the president of MVP3 Foundation; A non profit mission to heal communities through the arts.
She is currently in development with a documentary, “A Society In Crisis: A Family In Divide”, working with legislators to pass mandated law to help heal children and families, and in development of the film projects, “First on the Scene” and faith based film “Hillbilly Bible” while launching her Finding Your Yes with Mind, Body and Soul Campaign.
She is currently in production of The Walter Bailey Story, a documentary about the civil rights icon from Memphis, TN.
Music
In 2005, she created and chaired an event called, “ROCK FOR HOPE” for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital which led to managing and producing several singers and songwriters.
Under the guidance of Pam Lewis, former manager for Garth Brooks, she began learning the music industry while managing the Mulch Brothers, then Savannah Music Group in Nashville signed them.
She then became an agent for Billy Falcon, award-winning singer/songwriter best known for Power Windows and co-writing hits with Bon Jovi.
She learned a lot about the music business side while working with Billy as he opened and toured with Jon Bon Jovi.
After meeting and mentored by award-winning singer-songwriter, Kenny Loggins, Pizano created UROC Music & Publishing company to build a music publishing catalog. With her vision to expand, and her knowledge of finance, she invested in the Nashville based Savannah Music Group Publishing, which holds a 600+ working-song catalog.
In 2010, she formed MVP3 Entertainment GroupTM.
Under the umbrella, along with UROC Music & Publishing company, she formed Zazu & Valentina talent agency and JND Films, LLC.
She produced, directed and choreographed several music videos, such as, “Dreams” – Vanessa Winter, “Ike & Tina”-Mack Rodd, and “Echos” (song from soundtrack Shannon Street that she authorized for community healing).
Under her music label, she released several CDs for upcoming Memphis musicians, such as Jeremiah Tucker.
She was successful to place his songs into SONY films and showcase this artist to launch his EP into other productions.
In November 2023, MVP3 Foundation and MVP3 Records launched its first music project “Simple Song of Freedom” by the Memphis Freedom Band, produced by Mario Monterosso consisting of several internationally known musicians from Memphis and special appearance with Priscilla Presley (former wife of Elvis Presley).
She is currently in development of re-release of songs by Jeremiah Tucker and now upcoming artists.
Television and Radio
Pizano launched a TV Show called, “The MVP3 TV SHOW: The Making of an Empire” that aired every Sunday on CW30 – Memphis.
She hosted the KWAM THE VOICE “Finding My Yes” Radio Talk Show that aired weekly on AM990/107.9FM and it also aired on IheartRadio.
May of 2023, Pizano partnered with Footprint TV and created her own MVP3 Channel and is now venturing into building her own MVPS Network platform by Endavo Media/Areu Bros. Studio, as she is building the bridge for Memphis, TN to connect with projects from Atlanta, Nashville, Los Angeles, Chicago, New York, and worldwide.
Books and Magazines
She is the author of the book, “From Barefoot to Stilettos, It’s Not For Sissies” that has inspired the movie screenplay and was also produced into an audio book.
Her audio book is being recognized as the first audio book to be recorded under the direction of Grammy-winning music producer, Lawrence “Boo” Mitchell at the Legendary Royal Studios where massive hits by Al Green and Tina Turner recorded.
According to world known, award-winning actor, Morgan Freeman, her book is, “The first person story of a woman driven to prove that she can.”
“This is an intriguing, captivating, inspirational story of a woman who just don’t take “no” for an answer.” says the co-author of best-selling, Chicken Soup for the Soul® series and the Success Principals®.
Inspired by her life story, Marvel Comic Illustrator, Ron Frenz (best known for Spiderman, Thor and Spider-Girl) and a former team of DC Comic book writer, pencilers and colorist, created the “Stiletto: The Powerhouse Baroness”, a 52-page comic book, and now comic-strip seen in the La Prensa Latina Magazine; the largest bi-lingual weekly mid-south publication.
Her life inspired superhero is now in development as a full feature action film with a successful NYC based production team, Glass House/Trick Candle.
In 2021, Watergate Publishing released her book, “From Barefoot to Stilettos, Finding My Yes” and the new edition of the copy of the “From Barefoot to Stilettos, It’s Not For Sissies” book and audio book.
Pizano is a published writer in the Bluff City Magazine as well as a contributing writer of Health & Fitness magazine.
Her new venture related to the Barefoot to Stilettos series comes “12 Steps To Finding Your Yes” to be released in spring 2024.
Awards and Nominations
She received the National Media Award from NAMI Tennessee in 2017.
The film “Momo: The Sam Giancana Story” received multiple awards for best documentary and noted by Geraldo on FOX News as being a history changing documentary.
She was honored to be recognized as one of the Women of Distinction for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and plans to continue to give back to charities through her work in film and music.
Marie is recognized with an award as “Women in Business” 2018 by Memphis on the Move and is delighted to be nominated as one of the “The Invincible Women” in 2018.
She was nominated as “Warrior Woman” in 2022 by Wundher and noted as a SHERO by the Shero Foundation in Las Vegas for her work with domestic violence victims.
Service
She served as a board member of the International Children’s Foundation and the Women’s Foundation for Greater Memphis, and The Commission on Missing & Exploited Children.
She was co-founder of the Tiara Tea Society and was the Chair for Go Red for Women.
Also, she created and chaired an event called, “ROCK FOR HOPE” for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
She served on the advisory board of the On Location: Memphis International Film & Music Fest and NABFEME.
She helped spearhead the HB2588 Law in 2020 that now mandates parents who are divorcing must be educated on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES); also she convinced the Board of Professional Responsibility to now include ACEs Trauma training into the CLE for attorneys.
Continuing a new mission to spearhead SB1270 /HB1515 “Esther Law”, in honor of her mother’s life work helping children, she is working to redefine the way divorces are handled and reduce trauma and adverse childhood experiences on children.
Hobbies and Interests
During her late teenage years, Pizano worked as an aerobic instructor and fitness trainer at Bally’s Chicago Health Club.
She entered into many fitness and beauty pageants that awarded her college scholarships.
After graduating from T.F. North High School, she survived a life-changing motorcycle accident, to then attend the South Suburban Junior College for business accounting.
She freelanced as a model and actress, then attended the Columbia College for Communications to learn hands-on, film direction, lighting and television presence.
To further her experience in business, while attending college, she worked at law firms and worked in the Commodities & Trading industry for over 10 years.
She has a financial background and was mentored by Times Magazine “Father of Futures” and one of the most “Influential People in Finance”, Richard L. Sandor.
After moving to Memphis, TN she furthered her studies in Fitness & Nutrition.
She currently is an ambassador of Gold’s Gym while helping to further expand other brands.
She is the business consultant for Airo Industries and Marketing specialist for Sims Financial Group.
Most importantly, her biggest job and joy is being the proud mom of two, who are now young adults. She hopes to set the example for her children and continue her mother’s legacy of helping other children and families
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
The lesson that I had to unlearn — Is to break out of the programming that we women must stay in marriages that are about control, being submissive and not allowed to have a voice. Not allowed to create a job or to have our own purpose in life. To break out of these patterns that we think are norma, but have been dysfunctional.
I have had to deal with the real hard lesson of being in a whirlwind of drama — thinking yelling was normal or being on this flight or flight or freeze pattern. Constant verbal, emotional and financial abuse. From inside the home, work or within community. This mindset or patterns are not healthy and I had to dig deep to move out of the box others want to place you in so they are comfortable. I had to learn to be comfortable with being uncomfortable too heal myself and heal my children and get out of situations that are not healthy even when the world is telling you you must do the same thing. I challenge myself to be authentic and be the best version of myself every day and remove out of the negative thinking and becoming very emotionally stable in a world that is off-balance. I had to go from being unbalanced to finding my guess with mind body and soul.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
In business, pivoting is a term that describes the process of changing direction when the current strategy is not delivering the desired results. It involves strategically changing a company’s business model, product, or target market.
In life it’s the same process as well as in our careers —
The world is always changing and we must be flexible and open to change or we create suffering.
I have had to pivot many times in each —
In business , when people have tried to tear down, break down, steal or deceive .. don’t do what they say … learn to puck up that ball and hurdle over to get to the finish line anyway — each time someone did something to break down any project or my company, I had to rise up to the occasion and search for resources and make lemonade out of lemons they threw at me… from those trying to destroy projects or not come through with funding I just always had to create a path that would keep me going.
My career I’ve made many changes but I believe we must be open to career changes and opening up creative ways to incorporate many other avenues for our careers especially revenue streams and to continually educate and research. I thought I was going to be a flight attendant or a model but an accident that almost cost my life and my leg made a huge impact and change that had me pivot a whole other direction in life.
When I was 18 years old and I got into a motorcycle accident where it now left the “T” shaped scar — lost modeling career and dreams of being a dancer and actress in hollywood — pushed me into financial industry and from there each job or change always lead to another door opening — it’s just a matter of keeping an open mind and finding opportunities instead of looking for the negative or being in fear …
It’s all about rolling with the changes and finding your yes through it all !
Life is not easy but it’s too meaningful to be meaningless — those words I heard from a mentor of mine and it’s is something that sticks !
You always have to keep an open mind and my motto is if you got Sticks I got a match and together we can make a fire!
Find those that can build and keep out the stinkin’ thinking and get your mind body and soul in balance —
My dad always said it’s not all about love it’s what you can handle and my mom always said there’s two roads you can take play victim or do something about it I have chosen to do something about it and never give up and it’s never too late to start!
It’s never too late to find your yes you just have to know you have the power and to control your power and use your power the right way because we all have their power we just forget that we are enough!
Knowing that you are not empowering yourself and holding that space of forgiveness grace kindness and love and respect for yourself will help you respect others and learn how to navigate through this world and be the example for our children!
Unhealthy children become unhealthy adults we all have to pivot and juggle and realize there is a lot of trauma out there and we can’t heal trauma with trauma so we have to take the responsibility to pivot our lives in the direction for positive change.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.frombarefoottostilettos.com/
- Twitter: MVP3_Group
- Other: www.MVP3network.com www.MVP3mediagroup.com www.FromVarefootToStilettos.com