We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Marcus Owens a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Marcus , thank you for joining us today and sharing your experiences and acquired wisdom with us. Burnout is a huge topic these days and so we’d love to kick things off by discussing your thoughts on overcoming or avoiding burnout
Discovering the antidote to burnout proved to be surprisingly straightforward—building a reliable team. While it may sound deceptively simple, it stands as the cornerstone of success. Navigating the entrepreneurial landscape often leads us to believe we have all the answers, given the deep connection to our crafts. However, my journey has taught me a valuable lesson: the art of delegation. Cultivating a robust team has been my game-changer. From the creative lens of Chaz at “Moody” Media, to the engaging hosting prowess of Morgan Wright, Michelle Braxton, and Ej—each member forms an indispensable part of my solid core. Be sure to check out their incredible talents!
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
Well I’m Marcus Owens, I would say a driving force behind the DMV’s most dynamic black entrepreneur podcast. Born and raised in the heart of Baltimore, MD, a city known for its challenges, I found an enduring love for the hidden facets that others might overlook. Through the years, I’ve encountered a plethora of remarkable shops and individuals brimming with extraordinary talents.
My podcast was born from this deep-rooted appreciation, a desire to spotlight the unseen champions of the DMV. From the passionate owner of a quaint mom-and-pop store to the well-known face of Frank Grimsley from Netflix’s “The Circle,” I believe every person contributes something unique. This belief, for me, is the most exhilarating aspect of this entire venture—the thrill of connecting, reaching out, and witnessing their shared enthusiasm just excites me.
But I didn’t wanna just keep my brand VIB3Z as something you only listen too. It’s expanded into a vast network that now includes collaborations with two major brands, each representing excellence. Surely, you’re acquainted with the remarkable BubblesGaloreme, renowned as the DMV’s premier soap artisan. Our partnership has been a journey of pure magnificence.
Beside her stands Morgan Wright, the driving force behind “The Wright Therapist,” a platform dedicated to mental health within the black community. Her events, which span the city, demonstrate her unwavering commitment.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
In hindsight, three pivotal qualities come to the forefront. Firstly, my expansive and vibrant personality has consistently played a significant role. Navigating interactions with both familiar faces and strangers alike has always been a forte, and I’ve found comfort in meaningful conversations.
The second quality that has proven indispensable is patience—a virtue often overlooked in today’s fast-paced world. Recognizing that certain endeavors necessitate time has been a key to success. While the impulse to always be in a rush can be strong, embracing patience can yield remarkable results.
Lastly, the art of being oneself stands as a cornerstone. Amid societal pressures, it’s easy to lose sight of authenticity and instead mold oneself to fit expectations. However, realizing that the person you are right now is the very person you should be is liberating.
For those embarking on their personal journeys, I offer this advice: dare to explore beyond your comfort zone. While emulating my path isn’t necessary, taking steps into the unfamiliar can yield unexpected growth. Test the waters and observe how your newfound self navigates fresh terrain—you might just discover facets of yourself you never knew existed.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
For me, the most resonating impact my mother has had lies in her unswerving acceptance of who I am. She’s been a major support, a guiding light that never judges me for being myself. Amidst the absence of my father, she steered us away from the turbulence of our neighborhood, sacrificing her own aspirations to nurture my sister and me. While witnessing her relinquish her personal dreams for our sake, she never permitted me to surrender mine. Above all, her most powerful gift has been granting me the liberty to explore the boundless spectrum of life, unburdened by constraints.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: VIB3Zpodcast
- Youtube: VIB3Z Podvcast
- Other: TikTok: VIB3Zpodcast
Image Credits
Chaz “Moody” media
