Meet Mara Prose

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Mara Prose. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Mara, first a big thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and insights with us today. I’m sure many of our readers will benefit from your wisdom, and one of the areas where we think your insight might be most helpful is related to imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is holding so many people back from reaching their true and highest potential and so we’d love to hear about your journey and how you overcame imposter syndrome.

There was a time when I questioned whether I truly belonged in the rooms I had worked so hard to enter—whether it was leading IT system integrations or launching my own publishing house. As an African and Native American woman navigating industries where faces like mine were few and far between, imposter syndrome showed up like an uninvited guest—constantly whispering that I had to over-prove, over-perform, and still might never be enough. But I learned that those doubts weren’t a reflection of my capability—they were echoes of systems that never expected me to rise.

I overcame imposter syndrome by grounding myself in purpose. In tech, I stopped apologizing for being “non-traditional” and embraced my ability to translate complex systems into streamlined solutions that actually work for people. In publishing, I channeled every life lesson, every cultural root, and every story I was told to stay quiet about into powerful books that uplift, inspire, and challenge the norm. My success came not from becoming someone else, but from finally being unapologetically me—and realizing that my voice wasn’t a liability, it was the very thing that set me apart.

Now, I show up in every space—boardroom, book fair, podcast mic—not seeking permission, but walking in legacy. I remind myself often: I don’t have to shrink to fit in. I was born to expand and redefine the space.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

As Mara Prose, I wear many hats—author, publisher, podcast host, and creative visionary—but at the heart of it all, I’m a storyteller. I founded Mara Prose Publishing to create space for authentic voices, especially those of women of color, to be heard, seen, and celebrated. Whether through my romantic comedies, dramatic family sagas, or spiritual memoirs, my goal is always to spark reflection, connection, and healing. There’s nothing more exciting than watching readers connect deeply with a character or message that mirrors their own journey—and knowing that I had a hand in that moment of recognition.

This summer is an incredible season of expansion for me. I’m a featured author at the Book Club Babes Book Fest on June 14th at POST Houston, and I’ll be celebrating the release of my latest novel, Lone Star Rhythms, with a special book signing on June 21st at The Book Readers Venue. The momentum continues as I appear as a featured author at Tex-Indie Book Fest, the National Black Book Festival, and the Mineola East Texas Book Fair. These events give readers a chance to not only purchase my books in paperback, hardback, and audiobook format, but also to connect with me in person, hear live readings, and engage in conversations about love, identity, legacy, and everything in between. Mara Prose Publishing isn’t just a brand—it’s a movement, and I’m honored to be sharing it with the world, one page at a time.

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?

Looking back, three qualities that were absolutely essential to my journey are resilience, adaptability, and storytelling clarity. Resilience helped me push through imposter syndrome, rejections, and the overwhelming moments of juggling life, career, and creativity. Adaptability allowed me to pivot—whether it was transitioning from contract administration to IT, or from writing poetry to launching full book series and a podcast. And clarity in storytelling—not just in my books, but in how I present my brand and purpose—gave me the power to connect deeply with readers and clients alike.

For those just starting out, my advice is to build your resilience like a muscle—don’t fear failure, use it as feedback. Learn to pivot gracefully, because your path won’t always look how you imagined. And most importantly, get clear on your “why.” Whether you’re in tech, publishing, or something in between, your story is your superpower. Hone it, own it, and let it guide every step forward. The more authentic and grounded you are in your purpose, the more unstoppable your journey becomes.

What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?

When I feel overwhelmed, I’ve learned to pause and recenter rather than push through the chaos. I step away from the noise—sometimes that means journaling, sometimes it’s prayer, a walk, or simply sitting in silence to reconnect with myself. I’ve found that when I honor my overwhelm instead of ignoring it, I can better hear what my mind and spirit are trying to tell me.

My advice? Don’t ignore the signs. Overwhelm is often a signal that something is out of alignment—your boundaries, your rest, or your sense of purpose. Break your tasks into smaller, manageable steps, and give yourself permission to breathe. And above all, show yourself grace. You don’t have to do it all at once. Prioritize peace over perfection, and remember: even slowing down is a form of progress.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.maraprosepublishing.com
• Instagram: @maraprose
• Other: https://Linktr.ee/maraprose