Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Marie Valencia . 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.

The last year,I have had many personal ups and downs..Living in rural Southern New Mexico created many hardships in my career as an Artist and long time Performer.If it wasn’t for the Farmers Market in Socorro,I would have really lost my confidence.The ladies, over there were nothing but welcoming.

Fast forward,to this Summer!Myself,veteran spouse and service dog are taking a chance on moving in the next few days to New Jersey as my spouse was born in Atlantic City and both want to spend alot of time on the Jersey Shore.

As a Queer-Chicana Artist,I feel so excited to be moving to a new place that supports its LBGTQIA & Latino Communities.I look forward to learning more about the history and cultures that make up the diversity of New Jersey -especially the food.So much inspiration to share in a new place for my art,I feel most grateful to make this journey instead of staying put.

Marie , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am an experienced and self-taught Visual Artist,Burlesque Performer and Fortune Teller.I took a leap in 2014, to pursue my talents full-time in Las Vegas,NV and have never looked back.

My art is a colorful representation of the places I am from,have lived and my experiences as a Queer Latina in today’s society.

Performing,is my favorite way to physically express myself creatively.I have danced in some of Las Vegas,NV most well-known Gentlemen’s Clubs and Gay Bars.Burlesque, is so fulfilling!I love interacting with a crowd and creatively picking out music,themes and outfits of course.

Beyond Vegas,I have also taken my Fortune Teller services as a clairsentient and claircognizant Card Reader.I utilize the study and use of both Tarot and Oracle Cards for Readings.It’s a pleasure,to always be a positive conduit for important messages and advice for folks.

Can you share your view on NFTs? (Note: this is for education/entertainment purposes only, readers should not construe this as advice)

As a predominantly,non-digital Artist I don’t respectfully feel the risk is worth it to share or sell rights to my art or imagery.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

Pay Artists and Creatives a liveable wage,first and foremost!Be it: ideas,art, photography,makeup,hair,talent,etc. make sure you as a larger entity or business is respecting the time,labor and expertise of folks.We cannot pay our bills with exposure, please respect that we are also professionals making up many different fields/industries.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://mysticherbsshop.myshopify.com/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAabvB7578PP2nMP6fJVGyH3hVKXH-EEZSeoTQr-lz91PxVB2kU8mzpyqkz8_aem_zOqM2O6zy9rNUAADkT4Zeg
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mysticherbsshop?igsh=bmk4ZTIwNDIzZHd4
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marie-valencia-98223475?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=android_app