Laura Summerhill

I went into the session with a topic I felt like I "should" talk about, but ended the session happily on a different, more inspiring topic + newfound motivation/inspiration to take practical steps toward a once abandoned goal. I dusted off an old grant proposal, edited it, and submitted the idea for a local exhibition.

Marissa is easy to talk with. I felt she understood, from her personal experience, the challenge of working a full time job + maintaining a creative practice + even combining the two worlds. Marissa's coaching is perfect for someone like me who straddles two worlds: my "real" job as a university academic + my really "real" job of as a creative. She's warm, down to earth, and an experienced, creative problem solver, + a gentle yet inspiring suggestion maker!

— Laura Summerhill, PhD, LCSW, Creative

Robin Zachary

You are a wonderful, exuberant person, full of color and life! Your kind and easy-going manner, your encouragement and willingness to help, it was like talking to a friend.

What was your biggest a-ha moment during the process?

On the cusp of my book launching, I couldn't see over the horizon to know what lies ahead. I realized that life would unfold as it should and I was glad that the day came and went in a very positive way! I planned and advertised a class. You said you would check in on me to make sure I did it, and because I felt like I needed to be accountable, I did it.

—Robin Zachary, Stylist and Author, New York City

Stacy Hsu

“Marissa is such a bright ray of sunshine who brought so much energy, positivity, and encouragement to our session. She helped me reframe my situation from being overwhelmed by all the possible directions, to feeling excited that I have so many options to choose from.

Marissa also helps me understand that there is not a "wrong" choice, and the slight mindset shift helped me take on life's challenges with a positive attitude. I really enjoyed our session together, and would highly recommend her to anyone who needs help tackling life's myriad of challenges.”

— Stacy Hsu, Seattle

Sarah Brown

My biggest aha moment was when I realized that I can follow my own path, create what I want to, and not spend all of my precious time on commissions. I used to say yes to everything, but our talk made me want to narrow my focus and put my time and energy into the things that I feel good about.”

It was really nice to talk to a fellow artist. I love your energy and passion for what you do. I think that you’re very easy to talk to and get people to open up. I’d say anyone who’s creative and likes to be around authentic people, such as you, would be perfect for your services!

Was there something specific and/or actionable that happened because of our call? What happened next?

I took some time off to spend with friends and family. I thought a lot about saying no to the things that wouldn’t serve me so I had room for the yes’s. I was invited to vend (for free with a grant) at a three day festival. I said no because it sounds exhausting and probably not the right market for me. Then I was invited to participate in an exhibition at the community college and talk to the students about being a working artist. I said yes! Opportunities keep presenting themselves to me. I used to say yes to everything, but our talk made me want to narrow my focus and put my time and energy into the things that I feel good about.”

Sarah Brown, artist, New York (not the city) Instagram @sarahgeebee.art

Laureen Marchand

“If you're feeling out of your depth for any reason, Marissa can help you pull yourself to shore.

I'd been having trouble with anxiety and faith in myself as an artist off and on since the beginning of this year. Marissa helped me see that the things I needed to know to change that were things I already knew.

I loved the way Marissa was able to stand on her side of my concerns and hers at the same time. Her really good questions that helped lead me somewhere I wanted to be.”

— Laureen Marchand, Artist

Spencer Tinkham

Nikkita Cohoon

“After our session, the next steps were so succinct, encouraging and felt doable. Thank you for helping me to distill it down like this. It was so wonderful to talk with you and process all the loose ideas in my mind, and sort through what’s worth pursuing right now while still growing gently.

I really appreciated the occasional check-ins in the months following our meeting to see how I’m doing with what we talked about to help remind me to check in with my own vision and direction. And that we’ve been able to establish a relationship, which you’re so great about in general!”

— Nikkita Cohoon, Ritual Morning Studio (Graphic Designer & Artist)

Terrea Kimberlyn

“Marissa is such an amazing spirit. I think that’s why I like many others are drawn to her. She’s often given me encouragement as I’ve sought to balance work and family life with the need to create art. She’s helped me to see things differently and to not be so hard on myself. I value her advice and love catching glimpses of her finding ways to balance the same things.

I really appreciate how she took time to help me.…for an extended period of time and relayed her feedback in such a comforting and fun way! She’s so easy to talk to and you can tell that she genuinely cares and wants to see you be the best possible version of yourself. Marissa you’re a real gem.”

— Terrea Kimberlyn, @tkimberlyndesign , Artist (Thailand)

Montserrat S.

Painter, Spain

“I did this course with Marissa and I am very satisfied with what I got. At first I thought it would be short but Marissa manages to make good use of each session. It goes without saying that she is very easy to work with because of the way she speaks and how she presents concepts. I am very happy because she offered me new tips to update my website, she enlightened me with the importance of having a newsletter (even if it is short!) And I also discovered new applications to work with that will help me to improve my business in an internet environment.”

— Montserrat S., Painter (Spain)

Attended Continuing Education class with Delaware College of Art & Design