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

Marissa, appreciate you joining us today. 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?

I come from a challenging background. At a young age, I experienced things that children shouldn’t had seen or mentally felt. I experienced feelings of heartbreak and abandonment. It was tough and I suffered from anxiety for many years! Through it all, I knew I was destined for something greater beyond my current circumstances. I would envision me motivating others and changing the world at a very young age.

At the age of 13, I was placed in the system. I was sent to a brand-new city with complete strangers, psychologists, social workers, and into a brand-new home. It was a DRASTIC change for me! I spent a couple of months in a Level III Group Home facility where razors and snacks were locked away and you were under 24/7 surveillance. Girls were fighting around me, we shared rooms, and dealt with consequences as a group. Soon after, I was transferred to a Level II Facility where strangers turned into lifelong family.

After 3 years of really enjoying life as a teenager and creating memories with the staff and other girls (We are still close to this day!), they transferred me to Foster Home at the age of 17. The system can be wicked. My mom still had full rights to me and the company had me lose complete contact with the previous home. They fought to be able to see me, but they had full control. I retaliated and starting fighting and skipping school. I had NEVER gone that direction before, but at that time, I could care less.

Age 18, I was FREE! My previous group home owner took me in and allowed me to stay with her until I moved out upon graduating high school at 19.

Fast Forward 5 Years…

I had already endured NEW type of traumas. However, the difference was, I started gaining blessings during the process as well. My FAITH kept me going!

I started cutting out some painful losses withing my life for growth to happen. Sometimes life is like that. I started a new chapter and EVOLVED! I received my master’s degree, bought a new car, received a new job, and most importantly, was able to get my daughter a new comfortable home rather than our $345 condo we were renting (on a waitressing salary).

Fast Forward another 3 years! Covid Hit. I struggled to keep my W.I.N.E platform alive with this new pandemic and ended up getting laid off my managerial position along with thousands of other hardworking employees. I had really hit bottom. Until one day an opportunity opened and then another. I had to REALLY walk by faith, because at that point I had nothing else to stand on. I took a risk, birthed my business in the middle of a pandemic and am NOW a full-time successful CEO of two businesses and a nonprofit company. I re-strategized W.I.N.E and found my purpose in helping others across the world. Most importantly, I change lives!

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

W.I.N.E (Women who Inspire, Network, and Execute!) is a platform focused on empowering women and individuals throughout the world. We offer not only opportunities for our viewers to learn from other successful leaders (via our online IG LIVE QUEENS WHO LEAD Platform), but we also offer one-on-one Life Coaching with a focus on Resilience, (Being able to overcome any life obstacle and bounce back from it.)

We also have our MO’ TIVE Channel (Featured on our YouTube Channel) where we have traveled around the nation and interviewed in-person, some AMAZING influential leaders!

Furthermore, we operate our BeU Nonprofit, where we have mentored and supported youth in group homes, juvenile detention centers, and foster care. Every Holiday, we bring the Fayetteville community (and out of state supporters) together to gift and feed all our youth within the system. 1st year (32 teens gifted) and 2nd Year (65 Teens!) Some of our corporate sponsors included Walmart, Kangaroo Gas Station, Cheddars Scratch Kitchen, and many many more!

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

Changing Lives! That’s What its all about!

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

Being able to use your God Given talent to impact others and give them HOPE! Sometimes we all need that little push, and I am here to give that!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.winewithmo.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/winewithmo/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marissaMOortiz
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIxA-7dyZNndIIaILAfwAmg

Image Credits
Photo by Shots By Pierre