We recently connected with Marisa Cuccia and have shared our conversation below.
Marisa, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
Resilience, for me, comes from a deep-rooted belief that we are all students of life, constantly learning and evolving. Every experience we go through—good or bad—is an opportunity to gain wisdom. I hold onto that childlike curiosity and imagination, always thinking that something amazing is just around the corner. Even if it’s not today, I know it’s coming.
My resilience stems from the unwavering faith I have in myself and in my purpose. I often remind myself of the saying, “A bird perched on a branch doesn’t trust the branch, but its own wings.” I know I’m capable of weathering any storm because I trust in my own ability to rise above challenges. I’m not afraid of things not working out because I know my purpose is bigger than any setback.
Throughout my life, I’ve faced emotional, spiritual, physical, and financial struggles. But each time I’ve bounced back stronger, fueled by the vision of my higher self. I see every obstacle as a nudge in the right direction, a step closer to the person I’m meant to become. Life is like a treasure map, and the challenges along the way are just part of the journey to finding the “X.”
Even in moments of pain or confusion, I’ve learned to embrace those experiences because they ultimately lead to growth, clarity, and strength. The best artists, after all, are those who turn pain into power. It’s not about finding the light; it’s about realizing you are the light.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I started Goddess Culture Studios over 13 years ago, right out of my home in Long Island, New York, when life felt like it was at its lowest. I was facing financial hardship with two young children to care for, and my world felt disconnected from what I had envisioned for myself. I had to find a place to live, and I was deeply lost, both personally and spiritually. But in that moment of struggle, I knew I needed to start with myself. I chose to channel my energy into healing, and I found that healing began with doing hair.
With two babies in diapers and everything on the line, I started going door to door in my neighborhood, asking people to give me a chance to do their hair. I didn’t know it at the time, but that was the moment I began activating my inner goddess. It became clear to me that God had given me the ability to heal, and that my connection with clients was more than just about their hair—it was about their spirit, too. I had to nurture the goddess within myself to reflect that energy back to every woman who sat in my chair.
Goddess Culture grew from a small sanctuary in my home into something much bigger. What started as a way to connect and heal women through hair became a full-on mission to create a space where women could tap into their inner strength and feel empowered. Every woman who came in thought they were just getting a haircut, but what they didn’t know was that they were receiving so much more—whether it was healing, love, or guidance. Over the years, my business expanded, and my work expanded with it. I became not just a stylist, but an activator, someone who could help women connect with their higher selves and their purpose.
In 2018, I lost my significant other, and in 2020, I nearly lost my life to COVID-19. Those experiences taught me the incredible power of the mind and deepened my spiritual strength. Despite all of the challenges, I rose again. I made the bold decision to take my children and start anew with only $5,000 and a vision. I temporarily lived and worked at my father’s chiropractic office until I found the perfect location for Goddess Culture. It was a historic building in Kings Park, New York, exactly what I needed to take the next step in my journey.
I poured every bit of my savings into making that space a reality, and in just one year, my business became a six-figure company. The community I’ve built, not just with clients but with friends and family, has been one of the most fulfilling parts of this journey. Now, in 2025, I’m proud to announce the next chapter—Goddess Culture is expanding again. We’ve just signed a new lease for a second building on the property, and we’re opening a salon, spa, and wellness social club.
This new space is more than just a business expansion—it’s an opportunity to provide more value to our community and create a haven for women to relax, rejuvenate, and find a safe space to be their truest selves. I want every woman who walks through our doors to feel welcomed, to feel like they belong, and to know they’re seen. The goal is to help every woman manifest a more fulfilling life experience by connecting with both her inner and outer beauty.
Through my own life experiences, I’ve learned the importance of activating your inner goddess and making sure she rules the life you’re creating. Goddess Culture is about more than just beauty—it’s about healing, empowerment, and balance. It’s a place where we bring light, where we connect, and where we create the space for growth and transformation. I’m so grateful to have this opportunity to not only help women discover their power but to continue expanding my vision for what Goddess Culture can be.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Imagination and Vision are at the top of my list. This is the core of everything I teach my children and a principle I believe deeply in. I always say, *“If you can see it in your mind, you can hold it in your hand.”* I truly believe that the power of visualization is what moves us forward. Without a clear vision, we can’t see beyond where we are, and we can’t create the life we want. I’ve been a visionary since I was a child, and I continue to tap into that creativity every day—whether I’m choreographing, doing hair, or leading my business and raising my children. My journey has been fueled by my imagination, the belief in what’s possible, and the faith that when you visualize and feel your goals, the universe will align to help you achieve them. This mindset is how I live—it’s my lifestyle.
Following My Impulse is my second core pillar. I believe that if I have to really think about something, it’s like I don’t trust it. If something doesn’t make me say *“Hell yes, let’s do it!”* then I don’t trust it. But when I feel that *“Hell yeah!”*—that gut feeling of certainty—it’s a sign I should dive in headfirst. It’s that “I just know yes” feeling. If you go into a meeting and you’re not immediately feeling that spark of *“Let’s do it!”*, then don’t move forward. I believe you should follow that immediate, intuitive, impulsive feeling. It is rebellion in its purest form. If you have to overthink it, you’re just trying to convince yourself. As long as it’s not hurting you or anyone else, you can learn how to trust and use your impulses the right way. Sometimes, it’s about using your instincts more than your mind.
Self-Love is absolutely essential. You have to focus on your vibration and your frequency. I believe in the laws of attraction—what you put out into the world is what you attract back. If you want to bring abundance, love, and positive energy into your life, you need to radiate that first. Self-love is the foundation for everything else. When you truly love and respect yourself, you move with intention, and you’re able to align your actions with the life you want to create. It’s about showing up for yourself every day, tuning into your worth, and staying grounded in your truth. This isn’t just something I preach—it’s something I live, and it’s a lifestyle I work to nurture daily.
To anyone just beginning their journey, my advice is to stay rooted in love and lead with compassion. In our line of work, especially in the service industry, we have the responsibility to create a space where people feel good and valued. Always follow your heart and stay true to your vision, even when you hear “no” or face setbacks. Those challenges are just part of the process. Keep pushing, stay focused, and remember your inner goddess is your guide. Don’t be afraid to be unorthodox or to carve your own path—sometimes that’s where the real magic happens. But above all, remember that this journey isn’t just a job or a dream—it’s a lifestyle. Live it, breathe it, and let it be the foundation of everything you do.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
The most impactful thing my parents have done for me is teach me the power of perspective and the value of grace. They both showed me that life isn’t black and white—it’s full of grey areas, and that’s where growth and learning happen. They were always open about their struggles, their mistakes, and their personal journeys, which taught me that we’re all just figuring things out as we go. This perspective gave me the grace to accept my own imperfections and to view the world with a sense of understanding and compassion.
Being raised by two healers—my father, a chiropractic inventor, and my mother, a musician who composed music for meditation—was incredibly inspiring. My father taught me the importance of care, compassion, and staying authentic. His passion and work ethic left a lasting impact on me, as did his unwavering belief in the power of healing. My mother’s music and her ability to heal through sound opened my eyes to the spiritual and emotional depth that we all carry within us. Watching her use music to guide others was one of the most profound influences in my life.
They’re both dreamers and visionaries, and they taught me and my sisters to see the world through a lens of limitless opportunities. They encouraged us to be free thinkers, to march to the beat of our own drum, and to always trust our own vision. My mother’s favorite line from *Pinocchio*, “Let your conscience be your guide,” and my father’s passionate Sicilian spirit, instilled in me a deep belief in perseverance, in never giving up on a dream, and in the importance of working hard for what you believe in. To this day, they both live with a fiery passion that continues to influence my life, my siblings’ lives, and now, my children’s lives.
Their example of living with authenticity, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to their dreams has been the most powerful gift they could’ve given me. It’s not just what they’ve done—it’s how they’ve lived, and I carry that with me every single day.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://goddessculturestudios.glossgenius.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goddess_culture?igsh=MXJoOGpwZDcxeDJ2aQ==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/166UDv3P5j/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Image Credits
Rachel cuccia
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