We had the good fortune of connecting with Marie C. Zoutomou-Quintanilla and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Marie C., how does your business help the community?
Marie C. Zoutomou-Quintanilla, also known as MarieZQ, is a speaker, author, business consultant, and resilience coach committed to helping individuals overcome life’s challenges. As the Founder and CEO of MarieZQ Ministries and Seek Coaching LLC, Marie leverages her MBA and personal experiences to drive meaningful change, impacting communities across the globe. Her work is designed to inspire individuals and organizations to thrive, no matter what obstacles they face.

A breast cancer survivor and a devoted mother of two girls, Marie’s journey is fueled by a deep passion for empowering others. Her mission is to help 6 million souls in 2025 through her speaking engagements, books, business consulting, TV show, and resilience coaching. Through Seek Coaching LLC, she partners with Women’s Business Centers across the United States to host weekly webinars that provide essential resources, mentorship, and support for women entrepreneurs seeking to start and grow their own businesses. For more information on these programs, visit Seek Coaching LLC.

Marie’s commitment to the community extends far beyond business. For over 13 years, she has volunteered with the American Cancer Society, advocating for early cancer screenings and raising awareness about the importance of getting screened, particularly as 65% of individuals remain unscreened. Her advocacy work has been nationally recognized, culminating in an NFL commercial supported by the Rams and Chargers. Marie continues her advocacy efforts through her ministry, MarieZQ Ministries, which works to inspire individuals facing personal and professional challenges. Visit MarieZQ.com to learn more about her community outreach initiatives.

In line with her mission, Marie’s new streaming show, You Are Being Tested, available on over 150 platforms including Apple TV, Roku, and Amazon Fire, empowers entrepreneurs and brands to increase their visibility, share their stories, and connect with a global audience. This show is just one of the many ways Marie is helping entrepreneurs and businesses create meaningful connections with their target audience.

Through MarieZQ Ministries and Seek Coaching LLC, Marie is building a thriving community of resilience, empowerment, and opportunity—one that fosters growth, inspires change, and makes a lasting impact worldwide.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
At Seek Coaching LLC, we specialize in business consulting that is laser-focused on driving growth, efficiency, and long-term success. What sets us apart is our holistic approach—one that not only looks at operational strategies but also emphasizes personal coaching for business owners and leadership teams. My mission is to help companies build stronger foundations, streamline operations, and foster an environment of continuous growth and innovation.

What Makes Seek Coaching LLC Unique

What I am most proud of is our ability to integrate cutting-edge business solutions with personal mentorship. Many consulting firms focus solely on systems, but at Seek Coaching LLC, we understand that businesses are made up of people. That’s why I dedicate time to really understand the culture, dynamics, and goals of every company I work with. My clients don’t just get strategies—they get the support, resources, and empowerment they need to implement those strategies effectively.

What excites me most about my business right now is the opportunity to work with a variety of companies—from startups to established enterprises—and help them optimize their operations in ways they never thought possible. It’s about working smarter, not harder, and helping companies streamline everything from payroll and HR to hiring and retention, ultimately freeing up time for them to focus on growth.

The Journey to Success

Getting to where I am today hasn’t been easy. Like many entrepreneurs, I faced plenty of challenges along the way. In the beginning, it was hard to establish trust with clients because I was still proving myself in the business world. But I leaned into my resilience, a trait I’ve honed through my own personal journey as a breast cancer survivor, and used it to drive me forward. I sought mentorship, built lasting relationships, and stayed focused on my mission—helping businesses succeed while maintaining the human element at the heart of it all.

The greatest lesson I’ve learned along the way is that success doesn’t happen overnight, and it certainly doesn’t happen in isolation. It takes a strong network of support, continuous learning, and a deep commitment to your values and goals. I’ve built my business by embracing challenges head-on and learning from every setback. Whether it was overcoming early-stage struggles or adapting to changing market conditions, resilience and adaptability have been key.

What I Want the World to Know

I want the world to know that Seek Coaching LLC is more than just a consulting firm. We are partners in your growth journey. We understand that no two businesses are alike, and that’s why our services are tailored specifically to meet the unique needs of each client. Our goal is to empower entrepreneurs and business owners to create sustainable, long-term growth while navigating the complexities of their operations.

I also want people to know that I’m deeply committed to helping others—whether it’s through my business consulting work, my advocacy with the American Cancer Society, or through my mission to inspire 6 million lives by 2025. Everything I do is about empowering individuals and organizations to thrive, no matter what challenges they face. From the work I do through MarieZQ Ministries to the resources I provide through Seek Coaching LLC, my ultimate goal is to create a world where resilience, empowerment, and opportunity are available to everyone.

Ready to Take Your Business to the Next Level?

If you’re ready to streamline your operations, increase your visibility, and scale your business with confidence, I invite you to book a 30-minute discovery call with me. Let’s talk about how we can simplify your employee lifecycle from hiring to retiring, improve your HR processes, and get your payroll systems running faster and more efficiently.

Whether you’re in Los Angeles or anywhere in the world, I offer both in-person and virtual consulting to fit your needs. Together, we can create a path for your business to grow, thrive, and reach its full potential.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Day 1: Welcome to LA – A Taste of the City
Morning:

Breakfast at The Griddle Cafe (Sunset Blvd): Huge pancakes and a true LA brunch vibe. I’d recommend their red velvet pancakes—they’re a must-try!

Hollywood Walk of Fame & TCL Chinese Theatre: We’d check out the stars and handprints, soak up the Hollywood energy, and maybe even spot a celeb. Classic, but iconic.

Afternoon:

Lunch at Pizzana (Brentwood): Neapolitan pizza that’s a local favorite. Thin, crispy crust with fresh toppings. My go-to is the margarita pizza with extra basil.

Explore The Getty Center: A perfect mix of world-class art and stunning views of LA. It’s culture, relaxation, and inspiration all rolled into one.

Evening:

Sunset at Santa Monica Pier: We’d ride the Ferris wheel, play games, and enjoy the beach atmosphere.

Dinner at The Lobster: A prime seafood spot with breathtaking views of the Pacific. You can’t go wrong with the lobster roll and a glass of chilled wine.

Day 2: Adventure and Chill in Nature
Morning:

Breakfast at Urth Caffe (Santa Monica): Organic dishes and coffee that’ll fuel us for the day. Avocado toast and a latte are the perfect pick.

Hike up to the Griffith Observatory: A moderate hike with sweeping views of the city and the iconic Hollywood sign. Great photo op, fresh air, and stunning panoramas.

Afternoon:

Lunch at Grand Central Market: A foodie’s paradise with everything from tacos to fried chicken. Eggslut’s breakfast sandwich is a must-try!

Relax at Echo Park Lake: Paddleboat rental for a calm, artsy experience with views of the skyline. It’s quiet and picturesque, perfect for unwinding.

Evening:

Dinner at Nobu Malibu: Luxurious vibes with incredible sushi and stunning ocean views.

Drinks at The Edison (Downtown LA): A cool, industrial speakeasy with craft cocktails. The perfect way to end the day.

Day 3: Artsy & Boho Vibes in Venice and Abbot Kinney
Morning:

Brunch at Gjusta (Venice): A local favorite with artisanal coffee, pastries, and healthy options. Their smoked fish platter is legendary.

Stroll down Venice Beach Boardwalk: From street performers to quirky shops, Venice Beach is eclectic and full of energy.

Afternoon:

Walk down Abbot Kinney Blvd: Venice’s cool main street, lined with trendy boutiques, art galleries, and chic cafes. Great for shopping and soaking in the laid-back vibe.

Visit the Venice Canals: A hidden gem—peaceful, picturesque, and feels like a mini escape from the city.

Evening:

Dinner at The Tasting Kitchen (Venice): Farm-to-table dishes with a seasonal menu. Everything is fresh and flavorful.

Drinks at The Bungalow (Santa Monica): A relaxed, chic spot to wind down with drinks and good company. Perfect for a mellow evening.

Day 4: LA’s Art Scene and High-End Shopping
Morning:

Breakfast at The Hungry Cat (Hollywood): A unique seafood brunch spot. Oysters for breakfast? Absolutely.

Visit The Broad Museum: A must-see contemporary art museum. The Infinity Mirrored Room by Yayoi Kusama is a highlight—mind-blowing and photogenic.

Afternoon:

Lunch at The Ivy (Beverly Hills): Iconic LA spot with great food and a stylish vibe. You’ll want to people-watch here—it’s always entertaining.

Shopping at Rodeo Drive: High-end boutiques and designer stores for a taste of LA’s luxury lifestyle. Whether we’re shopping or window-shopping, it’s a classic experience.

Evening:

Dinner at Bestia (Downtown LA): One of LA’s top Italian spots, serving up wood-fired pizzas and amazing pastas.

Night out at Sunset Rooftop Bar: Stunning city views, cocktails, and an unbeatable vibe to cap off the day.

Day 5: Hidden Gems and Downtown Exploration
Morning:

Brunch at Cafe Gratitude (Venice): Organic, plant-based dishes with a feel-good vibe. The “I Am Humble” smoothie bowl is a fan favorite.

Explore Downtown LA: From hidden murals to quirky street art, Downtown LA is a treasure trove of cool spots. The Last Bookstore is a must-see for book lovers.

Afternoon:

Lunch at Grand Central Market: A wide variety of vendors to choose from. Tacos or ramen? You can’t go wrong!

Stroll around the Arts District: A hip, artistic area full of galleries, murals, and unique shops. The vibe here is one of a kind.

Evening:

Dinner at Osteria Mozza (Hollywood): A top-tier Italian restaurant with a legendary mozzarella bar. Everything is delicious, from the pasta to the dessert.

Drinks at Perch LA: A rooftop bar with sweeping views of Downtown LA and an electric atmosphere.

Day 6: Chill Beach Day + Venice/Santa Monica
Morning:

Brunch at The Butcher’s Daughter (Venice): A stylish, plant-based café with killer smoothies and breakfast dishes.

Santa Monica Beach: A leisurely morning spent by the ocean—sunbathing, strolling, and people-watching.

Afternoon:

Lunch at The Anchor (Venice): Casual, seafood-focused spot with great food and views.

Explore Santa Monica Pier and Third Street Promenade: From shopping to street performances, this area has a vibrant energy.

Evening:

Dinner at Giorgio Baldi (Culver City): A cozy, intimate Italian restaurant with exceptional food. It’s a hidden gem that’s worth seeking out.

Nightcap at The Roof on Wilshire: A rooftop bar with great cocktails and a relaxed vibe to end the evening.

Day 7: Relax & Reflect
Morning:

Brunch at Tang (Woodland Hills, Ventura Blvd): A trendy spot known for fresh, inventive takes on classic breakfast and lunch dishes, plus their locally sourced lattes. Perfect for a laid-back, final LA brunch.

Afternoon:

Stop by Tang And Java Handcrafted Lattes (Woodland Hills, Ventura Blvd): A cozy, artisanal coffee shop specializing in handcrafted lattes. Grab a coffee to-go while you stroll through the area.

Walk around LACMA or The Huntington Gardens: A peaceful way to reflect on the trip, taking in the art and beauty of these iconic spots before saying goodbye to LA.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to take a moment to give a huge shoutout to all the incredible mentors, supporters, and organizations that have been a part of my journey. First and foremost, my family especially my two amazing daughters and my husband, Jayson who continue to be my source of strength and inspiration every single day. I also want to recognize the incredible women I’ve had the privilege of working with through the Women’s Business Centers across the U.S. Their passion, drive, and commitment to building businesses are the heart of the work I do through Seek Coaching LLC.

A special shoutout goes to the American Cancer Society for the invaluable work they do in advocating for early cancer screenings, and for allowing me to contribute as a volunteer for over 13 years. The relationships I’ve built within this organization, and the countless survivors I’ve had the honor of supporting, continue to fuel my work.

Additionally, I want to acknowledge the amazing team at MarieZQ Ministries, whose dedication to helping individuals find resilience through adversity truly makes a difference. Without these partnerships and collaborations, none of the outreach and impact I’m able to create would be possible.

Lastly, a heartfelt thank you to every entrepreneur, author, and business owner I’ve had the pleasure of working with your courage to take risks and share your stories is truly inspiring. You all are the reason I do what I do, and it’s an honor to be part of your journeys.

Together, we are building a community of resilience, empowerment, and opportunity, one that will continue to inspire positive change in the world. Thank you to everyone who has played a part in helping me reach my goal of impacting 6 million lives by 2025.

Website: https://www.seekcoachingllc.com/

Instagram: @themariezq

Linkedin: @seekcoachingllc

Twitter: @seekcoachingllc

Facebook: Marie Cecile Zoutomou- Quintanilla

Yelp: @seekcoachingllc

Youtube: @seekcoachingllc

Other: Marie ZQ TEDx Speaker, Author & Inspirational Speaker
TEDx talk titled “Overcoming Life Challenges with a Positive Attitude.”https://youtu.be/LhgZXpwSEfs?si=O_yKQaXxL3jaq7qO

Marie ZQ Brand Story:https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zuMI_E5NNdHOsQbDjuZ-Dy9v4-oTQ80c/view?usp=drive_link 

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.