Meet Maria Barannikova | Technical Writer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Maria Barannikova and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Maria, have you ever found yourself in a spot where you had to decide whether to give up or keep going? How did you make the choice?
There’s a really fine line between knowing when to keep pushing and when it’s time to let go. I learned that the hard way a few years ago when my brother and I set out to launch a pizza truck together.

We’ve always been close—just 13 months apart and bonded not just by family but by a shared drive to build something of our own. Naturally, we both brought that “I’m the captain here” energy to the project. We got pretty far too: found an investor, bought a truck, even got approved by the LA Department of Health (which, if you’ve been through that process, you know isn’t exactly a walk in the park).

But somewhere along the way, the cracks started showing. First in how we ran the business—then in how we related to each other as siblings. It got hard. Really hard. And eventually, we had to make the call to step away and sell the truck. It felt like failure at the time. A heavy one.

Now, more than five years later, I look back with gratitude. Not regret. That experience taught me so much—about boundaries, resilience, and how your well-being and relationships matter just as much as (if not more than) any business idea.

I still can’t believe we got as far as we did. And honestly, that’s something to be proud of. Sometimes, walking away isn’t giving up. It’s choosing yourself. Nowadays, we are closer than ever!

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I guess, in some ways, it’s all come full circle. Back in high school, I wanted to be a journalist. I’d daydream about faraway places while making lattes at Starbucks, imagining a future built around stories and discovery. I went to college for secondary education, then—almost on a whim—decided I’d become a lawyer instead.

But after graduation, a job as an admin at a law firm quickly shifted that plan. The reality didn’t match the vision. I moved into operations roles, chasing stability, until eventually I left it all behind to start a business with my brother.

And through it all, whenever I needed extra cash—or just needed to feel more like myself—I returned to bartending. It’s always been a passion. Something about the rhythm of it, the conversations, the people. That’s been the thread tying all these experiences together: people. I’ve worked alongside software engineers, technicians, sales teams, you name it. Across every role, every industry, I’ve learned to communicate, to adapt, to listen. I’ve learned how to speak up for myself and stay true to my values, even when the path ahead wasn’t clear.

That’s what I’m most proud of—not the titles or pivots, but everything I’ve absorbed along the way.

Now, with Blue Marble Projects, I’ve created something that reflects one of the things I care about most—clear, thoughtful communication through writing. The name is a quiet nod to the planet—a reminder to approach both work and life with care and intention. As I grow this practice, I’m especially drawn to projects that support sustainability and reflect a deeper respect for the world we share.

If the journey so far has taught me anything, it’s that no experience is wasted. Everything builds. And sometimes, the long way around ends up being exactly the right path.

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?
There’s something about Long Beach that makes people say, “It feels like home.” That’s exactly what drew me in—the way the city wraps around you with its easy charm, its diversity, its pockets of calm and chaos in just the right balance. It’s not flashy, but it’s real. And to truly experience it, you need to see it through the eyes of someone who loves it.

So, come along with me.

We’d start with bikes—because biking is the best way to get to know the city. We’d ride through the quiet streets to Marine Stadium, then take the long bike path out to the Queen Mary. Maybe make a stop at Colorado Lagoon if the tide’s in and the light’s hitting the water just right. We’d grab sandwiches at Olive’s Gourmet like the locals do, and maybe a smoothie from Tru Nature to keep things fresh. We’d end the day with yoga on the bluff, letting the sun dip behind us while the ocean breeze reminds us to breathe.

Next, we’d get on the water—rent paddle boards and float through the Naples canals, waving at the homeowners and their sleepy dogs. For lunch, a greasy, delicious burger from Grill ‘Em All, followed by a lazy afternoon at Rosie’s Dog Beach. In this story, I do have a dog—his name is Bruce, he’s a husky, and he’s living his best life digging in the sand and stealing tennis balls.

To round out the week, we’d head down the coast. Just drive—with no rush, windows down, salty air in our lungs. We’d start with a live set at Sea Legs, right on the sand, then swing by Huntington Beach to watch the surfers carve through the waves, and end the day with a sunset cocktail in Newport Beach. It’s not about doing everything—it’s about doing the things that make you feel like you belong.

Because that’s what Long Beach is to me: a place that lets you belong. Even if just for a week. Even if you’ve never been before.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I really believe that every single person you meet leaves something behind. Sometimes it’s encouragement. Sometimes it’s a lesson learned the hard way. But even the people who left a negative mark somehow pushed me forward. So yes—to everyone I’ve ever met—thank you, truly.

I’ve also been lucky. I’m surrounded by people who believe in me, no matter what path I take. I have best friends all over the country who cheer me on from afar. My longest friendship is with Kat, a speech pathologist who runs her own practice while raising two beautiful kids. She’s constantly navigating the tension between being a dedicated professional and a present mom. Watching her do both wholeheartedly reminds me that I can work hard and still take time to breathe. She motivates me without even trying. Thanks, Katty.

And then there’s Sean—my partner and co-adventurer through so many chapters. A few years ago, I hit a wall. I didn’t know what was next or how to move forward. Sean did. He encouraged me to make a big change, even though it meant we wouldn’t be in the same place for a while. That push was selfless, and I’ll never forget it. Because of him, I’m living a life I couldn’t have imagined. Honestly, my 17-year-old self wouldn’t believe any of this. Sean, thanks for putting up with me though the transition and challenges- thanks for being my anchor.

And maybe it’s a little cliche, but Anthony Bourdain really left a mark on me. His curiosity, his willingness to lean into discomfort, his respect for culture and people—it all lit something in me. I’m reading A Cook’s Tour right now, and I love how honest he is about his own discomfort. He didn’t hide his struggles, and in doing that, he gave so many of us permission to be curious, messy, and vulnerable too.

Website: https://www.bluemarbleprojects.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-barannikova-pmp-07767b27/