Today we’d like to introduce you to Marissa DuBois.
Hi Marissa, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
My story started after college graduation, I had gotten my BA in Criminology and was working as a Homicide Detective Intern. Where I learned a lot of hard truths, that reaffirmed my thoughts of not wanting to work for the government. So, I began traveling and “soul searching”, I lived in Morocco for a summer, then traveled to China & Thailand. Where I met handfuls of digital nomads who had utilized the internet to create careers that supported their passions for traveling. When I returned home, I became obsessed with doing the same for myself!
I then began this season of massive research. Learning about marketing, online platforms, how to freelance work, etc. I continued to waitress and bartend, as I had always done, while I was also learning and growing in the web2 world.
My career slowly blossomed over about a 3-year span. I worked as a social media manager running client’s social media, when I realized that I could be doing this same work for myself.
From that moment on, I began branding myself. Learning more about how to build a community on social media as an individual and not a business. Started shooting with photographers, and collaborating with brands.
That’s how “Reality with Riss” was born.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Like every career, this one has its ups and downs. Social media and modeling is harder than I ever expected.
Considering I AM THE ART, the product, the service, meanwhile, I am also a perfectionist. Which means I now am insanely critical of myself.
The most common challenges would be facing denial on a regular basis, & having to be your own boss, manager, creative director, and cheerleader. I think one of the hardest challenges for me has been mentally. It’s a mental battle to continuously put yourself out there for millions of people to judge, ridicule, and analyze. Plus having to self-promote, even on days where I’m feeling insecure or upset. I have to be on camera and be open and communicate with my audience.
But all that just challenges me to do more of the inner work, I can’t do this job without first working on me. So, it keeps me in check.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a content creator and model; my username is Reality with Riss (@realitywithriss). I work from YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram. I essentially model and share my life with my followers. I put emphasis on showcasing my reality, posting my natural body, hip dips, cellulite, and all, while always aiming to keep it real with my followers.
My goal is to give my followers value, inspo, and a little entertainment by looking into my life. I post about the things I enjoy: fitness, fashion, food, and travels, modeling, & just keeping it real.
What would you say has been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
Patience, authenticity, & REAL self-love are vital. This industry will chew you up and spit you out if you don’t know who you are, and if you don’t express that boldly. In a career where you’re constantly being seen and criticized, you have to know how to give yourself all the validation you need. You have to be your own cheerleader and supporter.
Social media is still a new and unruly industry where many people will lie and deceive for their 15 minutes of fame. So, it’s imperative you remain true to yourself, and never compare your journey to the next persons. You never know what’s going on behind the scenes of other perceived success. You can only focus on your controllables, or else you’ll end up burnt out and feeling wildly lost and insecure.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://hoo.be/realitywithriss
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realitywithriss/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/realitywithriss/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/realitywithriss?t=p4p47ufo1WVPNQ6LwKFmrw&s=09
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/c/realitywithriss
Image Credits
Joesph Rose Milad
@mikeography
@freexmoney
Bryan Cereijo
