We recently connected with Marilena Alcuri and have shared our conversation below.

Marilena, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

At 19, I took one of the biggest risks of my life—moving to New York City with no degree, barely any savings, and knowing only one person. It felt like the ultimate leap of faith. Growing up in Venezuela, I had followed a conventional path: I graduated from school, attended college, and briefly studied to become an air hostess. But life had other plans. Life brought me to Spain, a place I thought would offer better opportunities, but reality didn’t match my expectations. Feeling disillusioned and yearning for more, I made the bold decision to leave everything behind and start fresh in New York City, all because love led me there. In doing so, I put my dreams on hold, pausing my original life plans to embrace the unknown and pursue something far bigger than I had imagined. It was terrifying, exhilarating, and marked the beginning of a new chapter that taught me about resilience, reinvention, and the power of following your heart—even when it means stepping into uncharted territory.

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.

When I moved to New York City, life taught me invaluable lessons about hard work, perseverance, and the importance of surrounding myself with ambitious people who inspire growth. The city’s energy pushed me to dream bigger and achieve more than I ever thought possible. My journey into the industry wasn’t a straight path, but it was one filled with determination and passion for creating something meaningful. Starting from humble beginnings, I ventured into the hospitality industry, where I honed my business discipline, learning not just about the importance of quality service, but also the art of building lasting connections.
My journey as a small business owner hasn’t always been easy, but I’ve always strived for more. The city’s fast-paced environment pushed me to not only chase my aspirations but to challenge myself every day to achieve even more. I’ve navigated the ups and downs of building my business learning invaluable lessons along the way. Through my creative works, I have been delivering experiences that go beyond expectations. As I continue to grow and evolve, I remain committed to pushing the boundaries, always striving for bigger achievements and a lasting impact with my brand.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist or creative lies in the ability to show resilience, purpose, and growth through my work. Creativity is not just about expressing ideas; it’s about navigating the challenges, overcoming self-doubt, and continually evolving. Each project, whether it succeeds or fails, teaches me something new about myself and my craft. Resilience is key in this journey it’s about bouncing back from setbacks, staying true to my vision, and pushing through moments of uncertainty. Purpose comes from knowing that my work has meaning, whether it inspires others, solves a problem, or tells a story. And growth is the natural result of showing up every day, evolving not just as a creator, but as a person. Every piece I create, every challenge I face, and every new step I take builds upon the last, propelling me toward something deeper and more impactful. It’s the combination of these elements resilience, purpose, and growth that makes the creative journey so rewarding.

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

There are definitely resources I wish I had known about earlier tools and strategies that would have saved me time, energy, and allowed me to focus more on my craft. One of the first would be mentorship. Finding the right mentor or community of creatives could have accelerated my growth and helped me avoid some early missteps. Connecting with people who’ve been through the same challenges would’ve provided me with valuable insights and a support system to navigate tough moments. Additionally, financial literacy, knowing how to budget, set financial goals, and understand the basics of business accounting would’ve given me a clearer sense of direction and confidence in making business decisions. Looking back, these resources could have helped me navigate my journey with more clarity and less overwhelm, and I’m grateful to have discovered them along the way, even if a little late.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marilenaalcuri/
• Other: My small business page

  https://www.instagram.com/marisclosetnyc/

Image Credits

Photographer for the first 4 pictures is Elias (Zeaphotoss)

Other pictures taken from my phone