Today we’d like to introduce you to Mariah Scott.
Hi Mariah, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
My passion for storytelling stemmed from my engagement with the arts. I was always amazed by how artists could use tools such as visual arts and performance as a form of expression, entertainment, and freedom. I also was introduced to the arts through a social justice lens. I would witness artists move audiences to action through murals, paintings, and poems.
I remember when my 3rd-grade teacher first noticed my writing skills. At first, I didn’t think anything of it but I kept writing. In high school, I explored artistic expression through various mediums. I realized I wanted to use my art for edutainment. My interest in the arts as it relates to social/emotional wellness came from my studies in college.
Growing up, I would often struggle with setting healthy boundaries, identifying my needs in relationships, and even saying ‘no’ when necessary and not feeling guilty when doing so. Post college, I would sometimes feel overworked and overwhelmed because I often overextended myself to be there for others and struggled to be there for myself when needed. I would speak to my peers about these challenges and they often felt the same. I wanted to use the arts to bring about change in my community.
While getting my master’s at Syracuse, I decided to explore the arts and their connection to social/emotional wellness. I was able to use theory, research, and entrepreneurial strategies to create bodies of work and spaces that used the arts as a tool to promote wellness.
Since then, I have been performing original pieces on major platforms such as Syracuse University’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration, the Black Women’s Expo, and the half-time show for the NBA G League MLK celebration. I’ve also been able to host events that encourage healing, healthy dialogue, and social change in overlooked communities.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I believe whenever you are challenging yourself, rather it is personally or professionally, you will always endure obstacles. For me, I’ve undergone challenges on both ends. As it relates to my personal growth, I had to learn to be okay with experiencing discomfort.
For example, I am currently on tour with my one-woman show. Before this, I’d never spearheaded a tour nor participated in one. It took me some time to push past the self-doubt and nerves about embarking on a journey that I nor anyone I knew personally, has done before.
I also had to learn to give myself grace. I had to acknowledge that I was brave enough to do something most would never do. I trusted myself, my brand, and my product enough to share with others. I chased after a dream that I’ve had since childhood and I made it my reality. Whenever I would overly criticize myself for things that I could improve, I would exercise grace and remind myself that mistakes will happen and the most I can do is learn from them and perform better.
Lastly, I had to learn to say ‘no’ and not feel the need to always explain myself when I decided to make a choice that benefited my physical, mental or emotional health. I realized early in my career, that my line of work can be taxing. I needed to take moments for myself when needed and set boundaries with my work life and home life.
From a professional level, I had to learn to be intentional with my partnerships. Earlier in my career, I was eager to align myself with any organization or platform that would show their support. However, it took me some years to realize that I am a brand and that my brand must be attached to platforms with similar missions, visions, and values as mine. Not every opportunity is meant for me, especially when it does not serve me well.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a life cultivator and storyteller. As a life cultivator, I uproot habits that prohibit personal and professional growth and plant the seeds needed to evolve and excel in others’ careers. As a writer and storyteller, I often write bodies of work that explore images of Black Joy and/or abundance.
Currently, I am most proud of writing and producing my first sold-out off-Broadway one-woman show in NYC, The Crown She Wears. The Crown She Wears is a theatrical play that encourages communities to engage in self-love by establishing healthy boundaries and engaging in self-care habits. Since I piloted this show, I have been performing my show on tour, in several cities nationwide.
“After having more time to reflect on the performance, I have scheduled more self-care time for myself. It encouraged me to get back into writing and poetry.”
– Audience Member for The Crown She Wears
It is rewarding to hear the positive impact this play has on audiences. I am glad I can use my art to make a difference in the lives of those around me. When I think about what sets me apart, I think of my passion and innovation in the creative space. I tend to think of creating bodies of work that usher in new perspectives on common social topics.
I think of using past research and knowledge to create intentional spaces and experiences for audiences where they feel safe and supported. I also come from a business background. I can use my business background to build and maintain my services while also, coaching other creatives to do the same.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I do not believe in luck, good or bad. I do believe in purpose and intent.
Contact Info:
- Website: Mariahnscott.com
- Instagram: @mariahnscott
Image Credits
Tone Woolfe
