We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Marsela Glithero a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Marsela, thanks for joining us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?
I got into the event industry first, working with an old friend. I quickly moved up to manager as we did bigger projects like our own independent EDM festival, and I got my first glimpse of what I now recognize to be a creative director. After the festival, we got the opportunity to work with VS1 Studios in Atlanta for our first fashion event. I grew up watching America’s Next Top Model and was mesmerized by the models and artists in magazines, so this was a dream come true! I was entrusted to be the head of the fashion shows. I would lead casting calls and rehearsals, book the models and designers, work with our media team for promo shoots, plan the layout of our runways, and collaborate with our DJs to come up with the best playlists for the shows. I had never in my life thought I would be in this position, but at the same time, I absolutely loved every second of it. It was A LOT of research and reaching out to people in the beginning. I had no clue what I was doing, to be honest, but the feedback I received from everyone was amazing! I felt like I had really found the industry I was meant to be in!
From here, I also started walking in shows myself and began my modeling journey around the same time as the first show I curated. After many shows, I connected with people like Chinn of Chinn Films, Jacob Hightower, Odinero and Awleen, and my favorite DJ, Skai Johnson, aka The Captain. I would go on to work in many positions like stage manager for Sweet Auburn Music Festival. I became a model coordinator and creative director, then project manager for Chinn Films. Recently, I have become their first in-house photographer as well. I also love working as a production assistant to the legendary Jacob Hightower, who has become one of my mentors. There are so many people that I could take all day to list them all, but these are some of my favorites.
Skai and I also started our own event company called Red Planet. We produced EDM events until we put them on hold due to him moving temporarily for job training. Red Planet is predicted to resume curation in 2026.
I know so many people say that you must focus on one thing or niche down, but I don’t know if I ever could. While it can be stressful, it is also so fulfilling to be able to experience and learn so many things from so many people—meeting the most wonderful creatives and watching their process, seeing the world through their eyes. Maybe one day I will settle down into one role, but for now, I will continue to take on as many adventures in this industry as possible.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
My name is Mars, and I am a serial creative entrepreneur, as my friend Nosh would say. I am a photographer, model, and project manager; however, I take on so many other roles as well. Creative direction, model coordination, production assistant, stage management, event curation/management, and more. With my event company temporarily dissolved due to my partner being out of state for job training, I am currently focusing on building my photography skills. I’m building with Chinn Films as their in-house photographer and project manager. Chinn Films and the team have opened up so many doors for me and taught me so much about the industry—I cannot thank them enough.
I offer photo services for individuals like birthday shoots, with artists for promotional shoots, and businesses for product shoots or promotional usage. For events, I can cover any speaker or performer as well as the crowd. And for corporate events, I can also set up a professional headshot booth. I love the opportunity to be creative with personalized and artist shoots. But there is so much joy in helping a business or professional see the beauty in themselves or their products that they have worked so hard on. Of course, coming from the event industry, being able to capture those amazing moments during an event so they can hold that memory forever is exhilarating.
When working with clients, I know that a lot of times they have never done something like this or don’t have much experience. Being prepared with the right questions to guide them to the final product is key to any project. Because if they aren’t happy in the end, what was it all for? Understanding what their vision is and gaining their trust to allow me to direct them is something I strive for every time.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
My mission in my creative journey very much aligns with my mission in life. Creating memories. learning as much as possible and creating a life that I am both proud of and at peace with. So for my creative journey, I want to capture those moments, learn from as many people as possible and create a community around me that supports me and encourages growth. Success is different for everyone, for me I want to be able to travel the world and provide myself with stability and comfort. That is my main goal.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
They say Atlanta is not a real place because of the crazy things that happen here. In my experience, there are just as many people that keep things real as there are people who lie for their own personal gain. I am not here to call out names or talk down on anyone, BUT I must say that there are many people who will take advantage of your time, money and energy if you are not careful (they also say Atlanta is the land of the scammers). I have had people not pay me for my time and work, waste my time because the offer fell through and so much more. Learn from my mistakes! Always have written contracts in place! If they are taking up too much of your time without paying you, Move on! I always tell my models that not every opportunity that comes their way is actually for them. You get to decide what is for you! There will always be another opportunity, project, event, job, etc. Lots of successful people in the industry say that in the beginning you may have to take on free work to build your portfolio. And I agree to a certain extent. It must be a mutual agreement and benefit both parties. Reach out to people who align with your goals when it comes to collaborations! When I came to these realizations and made the pivot to do these things I had such a different experience across the board.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @ishoton.mars @iliveon.mars
- Linkedin: Marsela Glithero
