We recently connected with Maris Lidaka and have shared our conversation below.

Maris, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

It all started with the election of 2016. I noticed that people were (and still are) scared of the country blending along racial lines. Afraid of something that we truly don’t understand because there weren’t enough people able to tell the real story of what’s like to be mixed. I began trying to make a film, but then condensed it down into a blog. The blog enabled me to network with other people who shared a similar experience to myself. People who, for the first time, saw someone who was finally speaking to their lived experience.

And the pandemic happened..

Once the world shut down to deal with the virus. I began working with other people and organizations to create virtual events. With the idea of building a community for people to stay connected. During these events, I noticed that the attendees were excited about being able to learn about media and filmmaking. So I got the idea to start teaching other Mixed and BIPOC creators all the lessons I’d learned. Because the best way to create representation for the mixed experience was by giving the creators the tools themselves.

My approach is to get people to realize what their personal journey has been. What they’ve come through and how to build the right message around it. The tools for everyone are right there to use. So I help creators use them to fulfill their full potential.

Maris, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’ve been in the industry for nearly 20 years. I’ve learned how to do nearly everything, mostly as a matter of survival. But along the way, I’ve always kept in mind how to use the skills of producing, directing, cinematography and editing to become a better storyteller. This helped me carve a niche in the digital space where I’ve worked on high-profile shows that have aired across multiple digital and TV platforms. Which has given me insight into how to build and maintain your own IP. No matter the size of your company.

The next natural step has been taking on the role of teacher. Which I take very seriously. I work with primarily mixed and BIPOC creators and businesses. Ones who want to either step into or elevate their long form content. I help them understand the value their personal journey can be to another person. And how to start creating in a way that’s manageable and can grow.

I’m proud of the fact that many of the clients I’ve worked have become collaborators I continue to work with. The goal of the company is to enable as many people to share their unique story. And I continue to provide support and stay connected with everyone who comes across my desk.

Have you ever had to pivot?

I’ve pivoted many times in my career. 2016 to the present were 2 big ones. I made my first large scale short film in 2013, which enabled me to begin work as a Producer and Production Manager. I worked for several companies in the digital space. But after 2016, all the work seemed to disappear.

I pivoted full time to become an editor. It’s a skill I maintained. But I saw the rising demand for people who could use technology to tell great stories. It not only kept food on the table. But enabled me to land a job at a startup called Kin Community where I edited lifestyle and documentary content for several celebrities such as Tia Mowry and Jeannie Mai. This experience was the foundation for building The Blended Future Project. I was given the inside knowledge on how a small business is run and how to build from the ground up.

The key to pivoting is just seeing what change is happening. We can get stuck in our own way because we want to force something to happen. Sometimes we need to take a step back and take a look at all our options. The beginning might be a little rough. But pivoting ultimately leads you to a better place.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

I had to let go of the idea that no one wanted to hear from me. Being mixed in the Midwest and also living abroad conditioned me to try and fit in. To assimilate.

So when I started on the journey to become a filmmaker. I used the work I created as a mask. Thinking that I could use the art to speak for me. Rather than speaking for myself. I wanted to stay this mysterious person. So I could always be accepted and fit in.

But that led to no impact in my career. And it wasn’t until I started really putting myself out there that things started to really change. I started sharing my experiences and opinions in an attempt to conquer my fear of not being accepted. To my surprise, it became almost magnetic. The key is to do it in a way that brings value and is helpful. It lets the world know that you’re here to try and make a difference. And I’ve learned people will follow you because of it.

Not everyone will like what you’re doing and that’s ok. But what’s most important is that you have a purpose you’re trying to fulfill. And sometimes you have to be willing to do what’s uncomfortable to fulfill it.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://blendedfutureproject.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blendedfutureproject/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blendedfuture
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marislidaka/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/marislidaka
• Youtube: youtube.com/@blendedfutureproject/

Image Credits
Helenna Santos Kristen Bell Carlos Serna