We were lucky to catch up with Marissa Price recently and have shared our conversation below.

Marissa, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Any advice for creating a more inclusive workplace?

Creating a more inclusive workplace starts with recognizing that inclusion isn’t just a policy—it’s a practice that must be deeply woven into the culture and daily operations of an organization. My advice would be to start with listening. Make space for voices that have historically been marginalized and ensure they’re not just heard but valued and acted upon. Representation matters, but it’s just the beginning. The real work lies in creating an environment where people feel safe, seen, and supported to show up fully as themselves.

From my own journey, I’ve experienced both sides of this spectrum—spaces where I felt both invisible and hypervisible at the same time and others where I felt truly embraced. One pivotal moment that shaped my perspective happened recently in my career. I worked in a space where decisions were being made about communities without including people from those communities. The lack of inclusivity in decision-making felt isolating and led to outcomes that weren’t as impactful as they could have been and sometimes even harmful.

Inclusion isn’t just important—it’s transformative. When workplaces prioritize inclusion, it creates more innovative solutions, deeper connections, and ultimately, a stronger sense of belonging. My advice is to lead with empathy, take action on the feedback you receive, and recognize that inclusivity should not be viewed as an option but a requirement.

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’m Marissa Price, MSW, a Social Worker, Freelance Coach, and Workshop Facilitator. My journey started with a deep passion for helping others heal and grow—both personally and professionally. I have a background in social work with a concentration in economic development, along with extensive experience in finance, compliance, and program management. After a toxic work environment started my journey into freelancing and entrepreneurship, I realized that my heart was drawn to empowering Black women to reclaim their power, heal from trauma, and build lives and businesses that truly align with their values and dreams.

Today, I work with Black women globally as a speaker, coach, and trauma educator, offering programs, workshops, and personalized coaching to support healing and personal transformation. I also provide guidance for new entrepreneurs, helping them build aligned, soul-centered businesses that honor their needs and goals. Whether it’s helping someone leave a toxic job, rebuild their self-esteem, or create a thriving online business, my mission is to empower my clients to step into their worth with clarity and confidence.

What sets me apart is my holistic approach—I understand the intersection of personal healing and professional success. I don’t believe in “cookie-cutter” solutions. Instead, I meet my clients where they are, weaving together strategic insight, intuitive guidance, and actionable steps to help them create sustainable change.

One of the things I’m most proud of is building a platform that helps Black women heal from trauma while supporting them in stepping into their power. From co-hosting the Job Liberation Virtual Summit for Black Women with Dr. Kimani Norrington-Sands, to launching coaching programs like my Freelancing Freedom 30-Day Challenge, I strive to create spaces where women feel safe, supported, and celebrated.

If you’re looking for a coach, mentor, or advocate who truly understands the challenges and opportunities Black women face, my work is for you. Whether you’re healing from a difficult experience, looking to leave a toxic environment, or building a business aligned with your soul’s purpose, I’m here to help you create a life that truly feels good.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

Building my audience on social media has been an intentional journey rooted in authenticity and connection. I started by asking myself: Who do I want to serve, and how can I show up for them? For me, that meant creating a safe space for Black women—especially highly sensitive Black women—where they could feel seen, heard, and supported. I shared my personal story, my academic knowledge, and the life lessons I’ve learned along the way because I knew others could relate and find value in these things.

Showing up consistently and imperfectly was key. I showed up regularly, mostly through YouTube videos, with content that aligned with my message. I leaned into storytelling because it’s a powerful way to connect. Whether I was sharing my experiences leaving a toxic job, healing from trauma, or building a freelance business, I always made sure my content was vulnerable, honest, and helpful.

Engagement was another big focus. I didn’t just post and move on—I made it a point to respond to comments, start conversations, and genuinely connect with my audience. I wanted people who followed me to know they weren’t just usernames; they were part of an intentional community I was building. Over time, people began to resonate with my message and trusted me to provide helpful guidance on their journeys.

Here’s my advice for those who are just starting out on social media:

Know your audience: Get clear on who you’re speaking to. What do they need? What are they struggling with? How can your story or knowledge help them?

Be authentic: People connect with people. Don’t be afraid to show up as your true self, even if that means being vulnerable. Your authenticity will attract the right audience.

Stay consistent on your terms: Building an audience takes time, so create a content strategy that feels good. Whether it’s posting once a week or daily, consistency builds trust.

Focus on engagement, not numbers: A smaller, engaged audience is more powerful than a large, disengaged one. Build real relationships by responding to comments, asking questions, and starting conversations.

Experiment and learn: Don’t be afraid to try different formats (videos, stories, reels, blogs) to see what resonates. Pay attention to what you like to do and adjust your strategy as you go.

Tell your story: Share your journey, struggles, and successes. People remember stories more than stats or facts—they want to feel inspired and connected.

Ultimately, building a social media presence is about creating value for your audience and building a community that aligns with your message. It’s really about making a meaningful impact over time.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

The most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been a combination of authenticity, value-driven content, and genuine relationship-building. I’ve always believed that when you lead with purpose and prioritize connection, the right clients will naturally gravitate toward you.

One key strategy has been meeting my audience’s needs. For example, I create content that speaks directly to the challenges Black women face—whether it’s navigating toxic work environments, healing from trauma, or building aligned businesses. By addressing my clients’ pain points with actionable solutions and transparently sharing my own journey, I’ve been able to establish trust and credibility, which I don’t take lightly.

Another important factor has been providing value upfront. Whether through free resources, live webinars, or engaging social media posts, I aim to deliver insights that my audience can immediately apply to their lives. This not only builds trust but also helps potential clients see the value in working with me before they make the decision to purchase my offerings.

Referrals and word-of-mouth have also been powerful. I prioritize creating a great experience for every client I work with, which often leads them to recommend me to others. Testimonials and showcasing client transformations have been instrumental in reinforcing the results I can help people achieve.

Lastly, I’m intentional about building genuine relationships. Instead of treating every interaction as a potential sale, I focus on connecting with people authentically. I take the time to engage with my community, answer questions, and show up consistently as a resource. That human connection goes a long way.

At the heart of it all, what sets my strategy apart is that it’s rooted in service. I’m not just here to grow my business—I’m here to help Black women heal, reclaim their power, and thrive. When you stay true to your mission and show up with intention, clients can feel that, and they’ll want to work with you because of it.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://marissaprice.me
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/marissapriceheals
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091225973337
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marissa-price-msw
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@marissapriceheals