Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Marisa Mays. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Marisa , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

My vision was in 2013 to get more people on bicycles through Creative & fun ways especially Light your Bike movement.

Marisa , 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?

2013 I brought an idea to San Diego California. I got connected through 2 guys in Los Angeles Norm & Sebastian who were doing something magical with bicycles I knew I needed to get involved. There was nothing like this at the time. On the spot & instant lighting that could turn a dark bike into instant GLOW. There wasn’t anyone in San Diego doing this & I new I had something that could change the game for night riding, safe cycling and bring a fun party atmosphere. These lights were simple they had a small 3 AA battery box & a thin LED wire super bright that would get wrapped around the spokes giving the rider instant colorful glow as their Wheels spin.

I run two organizations Light Me Up Safety Lights. Where we install on the spot lighting and Collaborate with different groups for special events.
The San Diego Electric Light Parade is a free monthly Bicycle event held every last Sunday of the month. We leave from different locations in the off season giving our riders options to see other parts of the city by bike. We can get 50-100+ riders join us for a lighted up festive ride with music 🎵 & fun energy.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

I think what has kept my reputation in good standing is that early on in the bicycle scene I came around & brought something New & exciting. There wasn’t anyone really doing instant or on the spot lighting. I was a nomad female rider stepping into a custom male dominant environment. I feel that majority of the scene saw my passion and desire to get more people LIT Up on Bicycles. I never approached the scene with an official brand or some marketing strategy. It was just an excitement that I knew I could bring a change on how we ride at night.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

The story is that I had a Vision in 2013 when I first saw the magic of these lights. I knew that this was part of my destiny. There was no other females in the bicycle scene doing what I’m doing. I think I’m in the mist of resilience. Almost 10yrs later & I’m still introducing new people into Bicycle Lights and getting them started into a journey that can lead to amazing creativity. I’d like to say I’m the GATEWAY

Contact Info:

• Website: Lightmeupsafetylights.com
• Instagram: San Diego Electric Light Parade
• Facebook: San Diego Electric Light Parade/ Light Me Up Safety Lights
• Yelp: LightMeUp safety lights

Image Credits
Image credits Dave on Diamond @ Kuya Hoc