About

HI, I'M MARIA!

WELCOME TO A SPACE WHERE DREAMS MEET STRATEGY AND AMBITION MEETS ACTION.

I'm so glad you've landed on this page. Welcome to a space where dreams meet strategy, and ambition meets action.

Whether you're a budding entrepreneur brimming with ideas but unsure of the first step, a stay-at-home parent transforming a passionate hobby into a thriving business, or a seasoned solopreneur on the cusp of a grand rebranding journey—I see you. I’ve walked a mile in your shoes.

Now, imagine waking up every day excited to share your brand with the world—a brand that truly reflects who you are and what you stand for. This is where our paths converge.

With a rich blend of creativity, strategic branding, and marketing expertise, I empower female coaches, solopreneurs, and online entrepreneurs just like you to DIY a brand they’re proud of. A brand that looks professional, feels authentic, and deeply resonates with your ideal clients.

Through a unique combination of storytelling, design, and copywriting magic, we'll transform your vision into reality, so that your brand represents you in a way that makes you feel great about your businesss.

READY TO GET STARTED?

Dive deeper into my story to see how I can help your brand shine.

WHERE IT BEGAN,

HOW IT'S GOING!

For as long as I can remember, I've had the spirit of an entrepreneur, coupled with an insatiable thrist for learning. (If you've ever read Barbara Sher's books, I'm a quintessential scanner!)

My first 'business' kicked off at the age of 13, when I began selling home-made sweets to my sugar-starved friends in boarding school.

After I graduation, I worked as a TV news journalist, and an ad agency copywriter before making my way to become a NE Emmy Award-winning television producer for PBS (I left this role in 2023 to pursue my online business full-time).

But as I already mentioned, I LOVE learning, so a health crisis back in my 20s naturally led me to qualify as a Board Certified Health Coach and earn all the pre-med courses on the path to becoming a registered dietician.

However - plot twist! I discovered that my real talent lay more in branding and marketing my health coaching practice than in persuading clients to practice mindfullness and embrace mighty greens like kale. So, I pivoted to help other health coaches and entrepreneurs grow their business, which still feels like I'm doing good in the world.

12 years later, I'm a seasoned creative and Certified Coach secializing in marketing and branding. This journey has equipped me with the experience, insight and skills to guide a diverse range of entrepreneurs.

So, whether you're at the cusp of leaving the 9-5 world behind, eager to transform a passion into a thriving business with a little one by your side, or an experienced solopreneur ready to dazzle with a show-stopping rebrand, I'm your go-to guide. Let me help you ceate a brand that isn't just noticed but remembered.

CUE...A CREATIVE BRANDING & MARKETING

MEMBERSHIP

Brand-Aid Academy was created with one goal in mind: to brand your online business as quickly and affordably as possible, while looking oh-so-professional and polished!

Inside, you’ll find tools, templates, and step-by-step strategies to turn your branding and marketing from 'meh' to mesmerizing - without loosing your mind or taking out a second mortgage!

Plus, you won't be swimming in the deep end alone! Instead, picture yourself surrounded by a supportive community of fellow entrepreneurs, cheering you on and providing valuable advice to as you ride the waves to success.

Learn more about Brand-Aid Academy here. Learn more about me below.

10 RANDOM

FACTS ABOUT ME

1) The first language I ever spoke was Greek. Unfortunately, it’s now all Greek to me!

2) I grew up on a game reserve in South Africa. I loved every minute of it (except when there were deadly snakes, scorpions and the occasional bat in my bedroom).

3) My first official job was making smoothies. My second official job was as a news reporter.

4) I used to want to be a cowgirl…just so I could ride horses all day.

5) I feel at home any place where there are palm trees.

6) I’ve been married to my amazing husband for 21 years and have three fur babies and one not-so-furry baby…who’s almost taller than me!

7) When I’m concentrating, talking to me is like talking to a wall.

8) If I had to choose a completely different career, I'd be a vet.

9) I have terrible aim. Seriously, DUCK or hide. (Same goes for my singing.)

10) I have changed my hair color more times than I can count...but now, I'm fully embracing the gray, and channeling the wisdom of my life experience!

THE WHOLE ENCHILADA

(MY PROFESSIONAL ESCAPADES IN DETAIL)

I started my career as a television journalist and reporter in South Africa. After that adventure, I wrote copy for some of the world’s most famous brands (woohoo, free IMAX tickets!) with Publicis Worldwide. Then, after some sad goodbyes, I hopped on a plane and headed to the USA.

In Rhode Island, I started a gig as a television producer, working for PBS and running my own production company on the side. Snagged a bunch of Emmy and Telly Awards along the way, as well as an amazing husband who I found in the edit booth – BONUS!

Working with my husband was THE BEST...but we were working too much. I proceeded to burn the candle at both ends, while subsisting on a diet of THE WORST fast-food. Cue major health breakdown! (Which lead to major health education and a reincar-nation as a health coach.)

Created an online health coaching practice. Exploded my email list...which made me realize my actual superpower is branding and marketing. Transitioned into my true love: helping other entrepreneurs plan their branding and marketing strategy and take ACTION!

GET YOUR BRANDING CHECKLIST FREE!

If you want a simple, step-by-step guide to creating a brand you love, this is it! Get your checklist instantly, when you submit the form below.

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