Meet Maria Mercedes

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Maria Mercedes. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Maria below.

Maria, we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?

I’d say my confidence has always been there. My self esteem was a slow bloomer and my voice has strengthened with age.

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

I am what is referred to as a multi-hyphenate, but my earliest creative memories are spending childhood days singing and writing songs. Back in my day, being a “multi-hyphenate” was not a thing. In fact, it was frowned upon. It was not understood. Which, as an artist, is mind baffling.

That said, I decided to put down the microphone and focus on my pursuits as an actor.

While reflecting on my life, a few years ago, I felt the need and desire to record music. My music! To sing these lyrics I had written long ago and share them, not for business, for pleasure.

Personal fulfillment came when I recorded “Una Noche Más”, followed by “A Woman Inside”. It has been empowering (and fun) to create for myself, on my own terms; and by sharing a part of myself, connecting with others..

Both songs can be purchased or streamed, and there’s more to come!

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Persistence.

Be crazy enough to stay in touch with your inner child and gift.

Filling my toolbox.
Gain skills! Be multi faceted. Things relate to each other more than you’d guess. And even if they don’t, it doesn’t hurt to open more paths especially if you’re a creative type. It is crucial.

Life experience.
Experience life outside your art! Not only will it feed your growth as a professional, but it will help you discover yourself. Your self identity and purpose is important for you to have clarity on in the middle of all the “crazy”.

Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?

Let it be known.

Yes, I know. Most people are not helpful. It’s a sad truth. But I’ve lived through enough to know there are blessings along the way. Vulnerability can open doors and bring change.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @mariamercedes.la

Image Credits

Maria Ramirez-Adams, Jennifer Propperl, Chris Trovador, Madeline Hogan