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

Marika, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

I think so much of learning any craft is trial and error. As well as recognizing you won’t be an expert right away. Facing growing pains and failing along the way is such a positive part of growth if you let it be. When I was first exploring brand and web design, much of that was teaching myself how to use programs like Photoshop and WordPress – and being really terrible at it. Occasionally, I’ll think back to some of the first projects I did and I can’t believe clients were paying me. As tempting as it is to fast track being great, it’s all part of the process so I try to remember to enjoy the journey and each phase of learning. There are so many lessons to learn along the way. One of those lessons is the discipline and work ethic it takes when no one is watching. There are so many parts to running a business that you don’t anticipate before being in the thick of it. Remain dedicated to your craft and try to find a balance between working on your business and in your business.

Marika, 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?

Though my business has changed over the years, my services have always centered around creative direction, brand development and full service social media management. Many of my clients are in the Aesthetic industry, whether it be providing services or teaching in that space. I was immersed into that industry at my last corporate job, and made incredible connections that helped me transition from corporate to freelance over five years ago. Art, in many mediums, has always played a big part in what drives me. I love to paint and write, so design and storytelling felt like a natural way to bring those aspects into my work life.

Outside of my business, I’ve started two other businesses in the past few years. My sister and I own a candle business together, Drip and Wick. And another social media + marketing agency with three other incredible women, The Agency Four.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

There isn’t one specific thing that has built or maintained my reputation, but rather many. I think one of the main reasons I’ve been able to work with so many businesses and individuals within the same industry is that my approach is never cookie-cutter. I take the time to get to truly know my clients, the inner workings of their brand, their story, their why. All of my business has been built on referrals and word of mouth, which I believe is a testament to that. Everything in my business has been centered around people – building community, connecting people, genuine and unique storytelling. I also owe much gratitude to my relationships with fellow creatives and contractors I’ve worked with along the way in propelling my business.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

I love this question. I’m constantly learning, unlearning and re-learning as I go.

One lesson that took me some time to unlearn is also one I am constantly talking about with my clients, and that is: you won’t be for everyone. And that is actually such a beautiful thing, in life and business. Once you learn to embrace what sets you apart and speak outwardly from a really genuine place, the game changes. You don’t need to do things the way everyone else is doing it, you need to do things the way that works for you. Your people will always find you. Implementing that can feel scary, but my business would not be where it is today had I not made that shift and embraced a lot of redirections. And I’m so thankful for that.

Another big one that kind of piggybacks on that was unlearning the concept of hustle culture. When I first started, I was taking on nearly every project that came my way. More isn’t always better, but when you’re building something it can be difficult to say no. As I navigated the direction my business was growing and where I was focusing my time, I was able to make a healthier shift. Consciously choosing what projects I take on, what clients I work with, just as I would in my personal life. That resulted in an overall better outcome and experience for myself and my clients. And a reminder that your definition of what success is can change, and your work should never define you or be tied to your self worth.

Contact Info:

• Website: marikaberoukas.com
• Instagram: marikaberoukas
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marika-beroukas-25342961
• Other: other websites dripandwick.com theagencyfour.com

Image Credits
Corbin Tyler Cara Reece