We recently connected with Marisella Bodrero and have shared our conversation below.

Marisella , appreciate you joining us today. Do you wish you had started sooner?

Looking back, I wish I had started my creative career sooner, ideally in my early 20s instead of my 30s. While I appreciate the lessons learned from my corporate jobs, starting earlier would have been more fulfilling and advantageous. Here’s why:

1. More time for experimentation: Starting sooner would have allowed me to take more creative risks and explore various content formats without the pressure of immediate success.

2. Early audience building: Launching my creative endeavors earlier would have given me a head start in building an audience and establishing my brand in a less saturated market.

3. Skill development: I could have honed my content creation skills over a longer period, potentially leading to higher quality work and a more refined creative voice.

4. Industry connections: Starting earlier would have provided more opportunities to build key partnerships and network within the creative industry when competition was less fierce.

5. Personal fulfillment: Pursuing my passion for fashion, broadcast journalism, and social media from a younger age could have led to a more satisfying career trajectory and potentially avoided the unfulfilling corporate jobs.

6. Content evolution: Beginning sooner would have allowed me to naturally progress from short-form content on platforms like Instagram and TikTok to the long-form content I now prefer, giving me a more comprehensive understanding of different content types.

While I can’t change the past, I’m grateful I finally took action to launch my podcast and pursue my creative interests. This experience has taught me the importance of following one’s passions and not waiting for the “perfect” moment to start. It’s better to begin and learn along the way than to delay and wonder “what if.”

Marisella , 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’m Marisella Ortiz-Bodrero, the host of The Evolved Culturista Podcast,based in Los Angeles. I’m married with a daughter, a bichon poodle, and another child on the way. My husband and I have been married for over 12 years and collaborate on our podcast, where I handle content creation and marketing while he manages post-production.

My passion lies in fashion, pop culture, and podcasting. I love conducting deep dives into fascinating topics, providing my audience with fact-based insights and public opinions that spark meaningful conversations. My content caters to women interested in reality TV, influencer trends, and celebrity beauty secrets.

My journey began in technology as a talent acquisition recruiter, where I developed an interest in the marketing side of talent management. Moving to Los Angeles, a hub for this industry, allowed me to reconnect with my creative roots.

On our podcast, we promote products that align with our values of sustainability and wellness. I only endorse beauty products that I personally use and believe in, ensuring authenticity for our audience.

What sets us apart is our commitment to thorough research. We dig up fact-based information about niche influencers, celebrities, and reality TV drama, exploring how these shape society’s perspective on important media topics. I also focus on often-overlooked niche influencer stories to discuss crucial issues like race, gender equality, and inclusivity in spaces traditionally closed to marginalized communities.

I’m proud of launching this podcast, overcoming my initial fears to create original content for my audience to learn from and enjoy. Looking ahead, I’m excited to drive more diversity and inclusivity in the fashion and pop culture scene, which hasn’t always been welcoming to underrepresented content creators. My goal is to bring unique perspectives and foster important conversations in these spaces.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

I believe society can provide more inclusive spaces for pop culture podcasters who are trying to expand their reach and audiences. Supporting underrepresented podcasters with nuanced perspectives is an excellent way to broaden the platform for content creators who want to get their voices and messages out. It’s important for larger platforms to allocate space in their audience lineup for smaller, diverse content creators within their industry. This not only helps the next generation of upcoming podcasters but also creates inclusive spaces that give diverse podcasters expanded reach—access they might not otherwise have.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

Picture this: I was once a content creator chasing followers and financial gains, rather than pursuing my true creative passions. My videos and posts catered to what others claimed would attract more collaborations, ignoring what truly ignited my soul. It was like wearing someone else’s shoes—they might look fancy, but boy, did they pinch!

Then came the epiphany, as bright as a spotlight on an empty stage. I realized that just because I could talk about something, didn’t mean I should. It was like being a pop star—sure, I could belt out any tune, but did it make my soul sing? It didn’t. I ended up deleting my Instagram account I had built for over 5 years and decided to start all over—but with authenticity this time.

The real magic happened when I started creating content about subjects that made my heart race and my mind buzz with excitement. Suddenly, it wasn’t just work; it was a journey of self-discovery. I was finding my own voice, understanding my deeper desires, and aligning my content with my true self. It was like finally writing my own song instead of covering someone else’s hit.

This lesson wasn’t just about content creation; it was about authenticity. It taught me that the most fulfilling path is often the one that’s uniquely yours, even if it’s not the most traveled. And let me tell you, walking that path? It’s been the most rewarding adventure yet.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.evolvedculturista.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evolvedculturista/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/evolvedculturista/about/?viewAsMember=true
• Youtube: @evolvedculturista
• Soundcloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/gces9BuS4HNYpFbv6
• Other: TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@evolvedculturista