ENTERTAINMENT: HOUSTON ACTRESS MARIKA JOY

Written by Bruce “Mr. Old Soul” Avery II 

VEDA Communications LLC. | HOUSTON ACTRESS MARIKA JOY | Video by Michael Thervil

Ladies and Gentlemen, it is that time once again where we highlight Freelancers, Business owners, Entrepreneurs, Influencers, and Creatives on their journey to success and what advice they have for anyone trying to start a business or work for themselves. Today, we will be highlighting the beautiful Marika Joy, the talented Producer and Actress from Houston, Texas.

I had the chance to catch up with Ms. Joy the other day and we had a great conversation which I've shared below:

BA: Ms. Joy, how are you? Thanks for meeting with me.

MARIKA: Hey! Good to see you again and you can call me Marika.

BA: Got it, no problem. You know I try to be respectful. I know you're pretty busy, so let's chat. Who has been your biggest supporter or mentor in your journey?

MARIKA: Ja’Lisa Maria

BA: You know I follow her on IG and Facebook. I haven't met her yet. I hope to one day so I can work with her. So, you being a Producer and an Actress, what is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned that you would share with others?

MARIKA: The most valuable lesson I’ve learned is that optimism is a choice. It’s essential to persevere and that determination will separate you in ways unimaginable. Keep going despite all obstacles, no challenge is too complicated.

VEDA Communications LLC. Houston Actress Marika Joy | Photographer unknown

BA: That's such a true statement if you're not optimistic about things it will definitely take a toll on you. So, what was the turning point in your career, and what led to that breakthrough?

MARIKA: My turning point in my career happened after the birth of my second son, I had another person I was now responsible for. I realized at some point in my career I wanted to have works of art that could be shared with my family so I would need to think bigger.

BA: I Heard that family and being a parent is definitely a great motivation for getting things done and making hard decisions. Where did you find the best resources or opportunities to grow your business?

MARIKA: I found the best resources to grow my business online. There is a lot of relative knowledge accessible at our fingertips, that knowledge helped me expand to grow my business and brand within the local community.

BA: That's accurate, I cannot tell you how many times a Google search or looking something up on YouTube has saved my ass. So, what’s your method for staying motivated and pushing through challenges?

MARIKA: I tend to use my humble beginnings as a means to push forward and overcome challenges. Self-reflecting on what I’ve endured and accomplished motivates me, along with the remembrance of my ancestors and what they endured to get me to this point. 

BA: So, looking back, what was the most defining moment in your journey.

MARIKA: The most defining moment in my journey was when I was appointed as a Producer on a film.

BA: Clap it up for yourself, that's an amazing girl! How did it shape your path?

MARIKA: The trajectory of my career path was changed when I was awarded this position.

BA: I bet it did! So, has your environment or community influenced your success?

MARIKA:  Oh yeah, my environment and community definitely influenced me in a positive way by showing me black and brown people in success.

BA: What advice would you give to those starting in different areas?

MARIKA: I would give anyone who is in the film industry or looking to make a name for themselves to follow your instincts.

BA: Marika, it was great meeting with you and I hope we get to work together on one of our projects together before you go. If someone wanted to look you up and find your work, where can they look?

MARIKA: Yes, that sounds like fun and they can find me by searching Marika Joy on IMDB.

Working for yourself has never been and will never be easy everyone has different advantages and access to different resources but if you have a stone-cold determination and ironclad will to get up get out and get something you'll find success on the horizon and all the hard work you're doing to make something out of your self is not as pointless as it seems Ms. Marika Joy shows that and it worked out for her and like she says “optimism is a choice”. It’s essential to persevere and that determination will separate you in ways unimaginable. Keep going despite all obstacles, no challenge is too complicated.