Meet Marissa Ruth Mayer: Actor & Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Marissa Ruth Mayer and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Marissa Ruth, why did you pursue a creative career?
This is a question that I genuinely haven’t been able to answer until very recently, despite my entanglement with the arts for the last 17 years. I always knew I wanted to pursue a life as an artist, simply because of a gut feeling, and I’ve finally realized why I love it so much. It’s not the glamor (although that’s fun) and it’s not becoming a star. It’s the community of people. That’s what I love the most. I love rehearsing, collaborating, and learning with different humans. Especially after this year of community drought, I’ve realized that that’s what I miss the most.

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
I grew up training as a classical and contemporary dancer, as well as doing musical theatre. I went to Point Park University for my BA in Theatre and have worked in regional theatre since then. What’s gotten me to where I am today? Trust in myself; my mindset. I’ve always known I would pursue this life. Yes, it’s been hard, but there are hardships in any career; different trade offs for any choice in life. There are times that I fear for my stability and security, and whenever those thoughts come in, I remind myself that I will attract what I think about. I know very well that there is an abundance of opportunities and money for all of us, so why shouldn’t I trust that there’s plenty for me? Adaptability has been one of my greatest lessons as well, and it translates to what I’m also pursuing right now. In 2020 I launched Organize It! with Marissa, an organizational and personal development company where I help others pursue a more enjoyable life! It has been wildly fulfilling and something I want to do in tandem to my life as an artist. It’s all about community.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
We’d start with one of my favorite restaurants, the Egg Plantation in my hometown Santa Clarita. (101 different omelettes!) Then we’d go down to West Hollywood and thrift shop, followed by a hike up to Giffith Observatory before sunset.

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?
Broadway Arts Community: Co founders Chryssie Whitehead and Alexis Carra have taken me under their wing this past year, and have not only become my mentors, but my friends. They have coached me as an actor, dancer, and singer entering the next phase of my career, given me remote work and a platform to grow as their social media manager, and they’ve connected me with other incredible people in the industry, (including Chryssie’s own manager Darlene Kaplan, who is now my manager as well.) I am beyond grateful for Alexis and Chryssie’s continual support. I feel like I’m growing into the artist I’ve always been capable of because they truly see and understand me.

Website: www.marissaruthmayer.com

Instagram: @marissaruthmayer @organizeit_withmarissa

Image Credits
Kenneth Dolin Photography