Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Marina Ingvarsson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Marina , we’re so appreciative of you taking the time to share your nuggets of wisdom with our community. One of the topics we think is most important for folks looking to level up their lives is building up their self-confidence and self-esteem. Can you share how you developed your confidence?
My confidence developed through embracing challenges that initially scared me and learning from every failure. I realized that waiting to feel “ready” was holding me back, so I started saying yes to opportunities outside my comfort zone. Each small success built on the last one.
The turning point was understanding that confidence isn’t about never feeling uncertain—it’s about moving forward despite the uncertainty. I also surrounded myself with supportive people and stopped comparing my journey to others’. Self-esteem came from aligning my actions with my values and recognizing that my worth isn’t determined by external validation.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I’m Marina Ingvarsson, a New York-based stylist, fashion influencer , and digital creator currently living in the beautiful Hudson Valley. My work centers around blending fashion-forward elegance with practicality—I believe style should be both aspirational and accessible.
What excites me most about my career is the creative storytelling aspect. Whether I’m styling a shoot, collaborating with brands, or creating content, I’m always looking for ways to make fashion feel authentic and relatable. I’ve become known for embracing trends like subversive office wear—taking traditional professional pieces and giving them unexpected twists that reflect how we actually live and work today.
Beyond styling and influencing I’m an author of “The Happy Influencer” and share my creative insights through my blog and social media. I’m represented by G&B agency in LA, which has opened doors to incredible collaborations with notable brands.
What makes my work special is how I weave motherhood and travel into my creative narrative. My daughter often features in my content, and we explore the Hudson Valley together, which gives my brand this authentic family dimension. I’m passionate about showing that you can be a creative professional and a devoted mother—they enhance each other rather than compete.
I’m constantly working on new collaborations and always have exciting projects in the pipeline that blend my love for fashion, storytelling, and this beautiful region I call home.
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 have been most impactful in my journey:
1. Authenticity has been everything. In an industry that can feel superficial, staying true to my voice and values set me apart. I learned early that people connect with real stories, not perfect facades. My advice: don’t try to be what you think people want to see—be consistently yourself, even when it feels vulnerable.
2. Adaptability has been crucial as the digital landscape constantly evolves. From traditional fashion editorial to social media to book writing, I’ve had to reinvent myself multiple times while staying true to my core. For those starting out: embrace change as opportunity rather than threat, and always be willing to learn new skills.
3. Relationship-building has opened every door. The fashion industry runs on connections, but it’s not about networking—it’s about genuine collaboration and supporting others. I’ve found that lifting others up always comes back to benefit you. My advice: focus on giving value first, whether that’s sharing someone’s work, offering help, or simply being a supportive presence.
For those early in their journey, invest time in all three areas simultaneously. Be authentically you from day one, stay curious about new platforms and trends, and remember that every person you meet could become a collaborator or champion. The magic happens when these three qualities work together.
Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?
The most helpful people in my journey have been a mix of mentors, peers, and my family.
My husband has been my strongest foundation throughout this entire journey. As a photographer, we work together as a power couple, and he’s been there through every pivot, every doubt, and every celebration. Our creative collaboration has been incredible—he understands my vision from both a personal and professional perspective. Beyond emotional support, he’s helped me see my work through his artistic lens and encouraged me to take risks I might not have taken alone. Having a partner who not only believes in your vision but actively contributes to it creatively is invaluable.
My agency G&B and specifically my agent Kendra, who has become my right hand, have been instrumental in helping me navigate the business side of creative work. They’ve taught me to value my worth and negotiate from a place of confidence rather than desperation. Kendra understands my vision so well that she can anticipate opportunities that align with my goals before I even see them myself.
Fellow creators and stylists in the fashion community have also been invaluable. There’s something powerful about connecting with people who understand the unique challenges of building a creative career.
My advice for those starting out: surround yourself with people who genuinely believe in you—whether that’s a creative partner who complements your skills or professional representation that truly gets your vision. When you find people who become extensions of your own ambitions, hold onto them.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bonaupetite.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marinaingvarsson?igsh=MWZ3M3lzdTd0NjNtNg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
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