Maria Frances Marinay aims to make social media social again through the use of honest content, storytelling, and community building.
We love entrepreneurs and small business owners at Honeycombers, which is why we’ve created Launchpad, a comprehensive digital networking platform (with IRL benefits, too) that encourages connection, business support and community. It’s a privilege and pleasure to learn from so many talented and inspiring folks, so we’ve decided to share the love by interviewing some of the lovely Launchpad members. Looking for inspiration? Check out how Maria Frances Marinay, co-founder and chief social officer of Beige. Social, a social media agency for conscious brands, gets it done like a boss.
How I get it done: Maria Frances Marinay
What is your backstory and why did you decide to launch your business?
I launched Beige. Social in mid-2020 in the middle of the pandemic because of two things:
1) After over eight years of working in the social media industry, I noticed that people and brands have become more focused on the likes, followers, and sales they get on social media. Especially with Covid happening, businesses were forced to go digital overnight and I’ve seen social media become this big promotional and advertising platform, when in fact, social media is meant to connect people and build relationships.
Through Beige. Social, we aim to make social media social again through the use of honest content, storytelling, and community building. We wanted to bring the stories and souls of brands to life on social and use these as a way to authentically connect with people.
2) I wanted to create a work environment where wellness is at the front and centre of its DNA. There are more and more people who are burnt out, stressed and depressed because of work and I wanted to create a space for people who values life over work.
On a typical morning
My typical morning starts with a delicious homemade breakfast with my husband. We cherish these little “us” times amidst our busy schedules and we see to it that we enjoy our meals together whenever we can. After having my first meal of the day, I set aside some time to read, journal, pray and move my body. I try to fill my cup first before I proceed with my agenda for the day.
On dealing with self-doubt and criticism
I think that dealing with self-doubt and criticism will always be a work in progress. There’ll be moments when you’ll have it well-handled and moments when everything seems to be triggering you. What I find to be most helpful for me is to identify my triggers and find ways to manage how I see and deal with these triggers. Also, to make space for self-care and self-love, have constant pep talks, and surround myself with people who lift me up.
On keeping stress levels low
Throughout the years, I’ve learned that we have this amazing control over what we choose to let in our minds and what to let go of. What’s most beneficial for me is to take a step back to look at things from a spectator’s point of view so that I can be more objective and less emotion-driven. I remind myself to focus on things within my control and to accept or embrace what isn’t.
On staying motivated and energised
Motivation comes and goes. On moments when I question myself about what and why I do what I do, I go back to my “why”. To help me stay motivated, I’ve created a mood board on my phone and my laptop wallpaper that I can constantly look at. So it’s easy for me to look at my “why” whenever I feel discouraged or unmotivated.
Dancing, movement, and travelling have been huge parts of my entire life. Whenever I make time for these things, whether it’s just dancing in my living room or taking a walk in a new side of town to look at the architecture or grab a cup of coffee, I feel re-energised and ready to take on the day.
On the advice you’d give your younger self
The advice I would give my younger self would be: just keep swimming. No matter what life throws at you, no matter what people say – just keep swimming. You have the power to make things happen for you.
On winding down in the evening
In the past few years, I’ve been so focused either on dancing or work that I’ve neglected the people around me. I’ve learned the hard way to make time for people you love, so now I try to make it a point to message my family and friends or talk to my husband before I end the day.
Find out more about Beige. Social.
Launchpad is a comprehensive digital networking platform (with IRL benefits, too) that encourages connection, business support and community. It’s designed to make the entrepreneurial journey not only easier, and more successful, but also a whole lot more fun. The platform offers almost daily activities for members to connect, along with regular masterclasses, member networking roulette, small-business mentoring and media profiles on Honeycombers.
