We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Marissa Forrester a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Marissa , thanks for joining us today. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?

My mission is rooted in my journey of discovering the importance of holistic well-being—especially for Black women and women of color, who often place the needs of others above their own. Growing up, I didn’t have role models who emphasized self-care. The women in my life were amazing at taking care of themselves aesthetically and physically, and of course, they were great at taking care of others, but the example of “all-around” well-being wasn’t there for me.
I lacked a foundation in what self-care truly meant and entered my early adulthood with a lack of boundaries and self-esteem. Unfortunately, I ended up in an abusive relationship, which served as a wake-up call that pushed me to dive deep into understanding what true well-being meant for me.
Rediscovering dance became a pivotal moment in my life. It provided a level of healing that talk therapy couldn’t—it was the somatic healing I was missing. Movement and dance became vital to my wellness journey, so much so that I became a dance fitness instructor to help other women tap into this powerful modality.
But my journey didn’t stop at physical fitness. I realized well-being went beyond the physical; it’s about listening to our whole selves and making choices that align with our true needs, values, and joys. Now, I’m building a lifestyle brand aimed at helping women—especially Black women and women of color—prioritize their well-being.

Marissa , 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 was born and raised in London, UK, with a lifelong love for the performing arts and media. Even though I didn’t attend a performing arts school, I participated in every summer school and gifted and talented scheme, available to me. Those experiences allowed me to explore radio, acting, media and dance, fueling my passion for creative expression. After earning my Bachelor’s degree in Media and Cultural Studies, I began my career in broadcast media. However, I found myself returning to my first love—dance.
Initially, dance was my own form of healing, but it soon evolved into another branch of my career, and I ended up instructing dance-fitness classes in gyms across London. In 2017, I made my big move to Los Angeles, CA. I continued teaching dance fitness while pursuing a career in media entertainment, working as a commercial actress, voiceover artist, and content creator. As much as I loved performing, I discovered a natural talent for coaching. I started guiding others on the benefits of living well, which led me to combine my passions for wellness and media into my brand, ‘Well-being with Marissa.’
Well-being with Marissa’ is dedicated to promoting holistic well-being, with a special focus on women. Through inspirational content and interviews with wellness experts, I offer guidance and coaching to help women prioritize self-care and cultivate sustainable wellness practices.
While my work is for all women, as a Black woman, I’m aware of the unique challenges that Black women and women of color face in their wellness journeys. As a Black British woman of Caribbean descent now living in the U.S., I bring a unique perspective to the conversation around well-being. My mission is to empower women to break cycles, prioritize themselves, and live joyfully. Through my coaching and content, I strive to show that well-being is not just attainable but essential, regardless of circumstances. For me, living well is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. This mission is deeply personal, shaped by my own experiences, and I’m committed to helping other women step into their power and become the leading ladies of their lives.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

I feel like my life has been a series of pivots! The most significant was in 2017 when I moved to LA. I felt a deep desire for more in life, and I knew I needed a change that would align more closely with my growing interests in wellness, media, and entertainment. So, I sold all my belongings and made the move. The decision to move to Los Angeles was not made lightly, I was sacrificing a lot and leaving my entire family behind. I’d literally have to start and rebuild my life from scratch.
But sometimes, you have to embrace the unknown and trust the process to move forward. I knew there were greater opportunities abroad, and I was drawn to the vibrant culture of innovation and creativity in Los Angeles. Moving across the world isn’t easy; it takes courage! But I believed that this bold step was necessary to pursue my dreams and evolve in my career and personal life, so I went for it. This journey taught me the value of adaptability and the importance of listening to my inner voice and God for guidance. My move to the States overall has led to some of my most rewarding experiences, accomplishments and self-development.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

After the global pandemic, I faced housing insecurity, which tested everything I had learned about well-being. I approached my self-care more aggressively; practicing small, consistent acts of wellness helped me regulate my emotions, shift my mindset, and eventually overcome that dark period.
When I didn’t have a place to call home and it felt like everything under the sun was going wrong for me. Looking back, my approach during that time really showed my resilience. My friends joked that I didn’t even look like I was going through anything! My journey with ‘Well-being with Marissa’ has always been about sustainable self-care, and I believe that anyone can achieve well-being, no matter their situation. So, that’s exactly what I did. I lived this truth during my toughest times by putting my self-care and well-being front and center, which helped me navigate these challenges with grace.
Self-care wasn’t about expensive gym memberships, fancy products, or retreats. I leaned on what I knew and what was at hand. I started my days with simple stretching routines, grounding myself with mindful breathing. I used nature as my gym, going on long walks to clear my mind and reconnect with myself and God. I journaled regularly as a form of release and reflection. These small, consistent acts of self-care were my lifeline, reminding me that even in the midst of chaos, I could find moments of peace, strength, and even joy.
These experiences solidified my belief that real self-care isn’t just a luxury; it’s a necessity. At that time, it was about meeting my deepest needs with the simplest of resources. It’s this mindset that I share with others today, helping them find their own paths to well-being, no matter where they’re starting from.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.wellbeingwithmarissa.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wellbeingwithmarissa/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@wellbeingwithmarissa

Image Credits

Camron Radice – Headshots