When Maria Myraine is not producing branded content for BET or consulting her digital marketing clients, she can often be found modeling the newest fashion on a billboard over Times Square.
It’s been nearly two years since the last time we have featured you, what have you been up to?
Hi again! First off, just want to say thank you and that I love what Urban Magazine stands for and represents so keep being great! As for me, since my last feature, I started a new role at BET last summer, while still managing my own digital agency! As you may have also seen, I am still actively modeling when I get the opportunity to do so and get back into my own media work. I also fully recovered from heart surgery which took place in February of 2021 and I have newfound inspiration and motivation. God is good! Also, was recently added as a new member of Forbes Magazine’s For(bes) The Culture – a community of culturemakers creating equitable pathways for e(lit)e Black and Brown professionals. And this past winter, my latest billboard went live in Las Vegas for Pinay magazine’s “top 100” North American Filipinas campaign!
You recently landed that incredible gig at BET, what is it exactly that you do?
Yes! As I mentioned in the first question! My role is very hybrid, working in both integrated marketing and social media. I manage and help produce branded content on bet’s social media.
Between your job at BET, your entrepreneurial pursuits, and your modeling career, is it ever overwhelming?
It does get overwhelming – especially since I have anxiety – but these things are also a passion of mine, so I work through that utilizing coping mechanisms I’ve learned throughout my life. Mental health is extremely important, and I always advise people to be aware of that and to take care of their mental well-being. Things that I do to cope or help me relieve include going to the gym and working out, writing poetry, meditating, or talking to a close friend.
How do you maintain separation between your personal and professional brand?
Honestly, the two are intertwined. Both provide brand awareness for each other and validate my work. I believe my personal brand represents who I am as a person and what I am passionate about and what I believe in. This is reflected in my professional work as a digital maven.
Do you think that industry has become a safer place since the rise of the me-too movement?
I would say there’s more awareness of it, which is necessary, but I still think there can be more to be done for the victims and the prevention of it. Also, skepticism is still sadly around due to those who have falsely made claims. So, I don’t know if “safe” is the right word here. More aware, yes. Can there be more proactiveness in preventing it? Yes.
What would you say has been the biggest lesson you have learned since the last interview?
Always do what you love and love what you do. Nothing less. And strive for more.
You have overcome several personal challenges during your career, how do keep yourself going?
Looking at everything I’ve overcome, I am here for a reason, and that alone, keeps me going. My faith in God is most certainly a factor in that.
As someone who has always consistently fought for Black lives, how can we best assist in combating Asian hate?
Spread awareness, not bias agenda. Learn compassion and empathy. We all can’t win against the main oppressor when we’re against each other.
Be’n Original
