Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Mia Mauri. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Mia, so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
I really didn’t know what imposter syndrome was until I came to university. It was a foreign feeling that haunted me for the majority of my freshman year. The idea of coming to university in New York City, a city where the strive for a successful life and career is constantly “hitting you in the face,” was something that many eighteen-year olds at the time wouldn’t dare to do. People move to NYC when they acquire that Fortune 500 summer internship, and/or complete their undergraduate degree. I felt like I was being thrusted into “real adult-hood” when just three months prior, I was in high school.
A plethora of my imposter syndrome came from the limiting belief that I did not deserve my accolades and my privileged position in life. Coming to a PWI (predominately white institution) in New York City, I knew I was going to be different than my peers. I also knew that I would have to work harder than my peers. The idea of black excellence counters the mediocrity that is often accepted in academic and professional spaces. Within in first two years at university, I was afforded different opportunities such as internships with prestigious companies, coveted scholarships, and networking with industry professionals. I felt extremely accomplished in the sense that I created this life for myself, but there were moments where I felt like I didn’t deserve these opportunities, because no one who looked like me in these coveted spaces. This prompted me to ask “Was it just luck?”
When I started Project 6 and MOZZA my sophomore year at university, I immediately started gaining interest from my audience at the time. Individuals wanting to work with MOZZA to start their brands, people wanting to be featured as guests on my podcast etc. These actions from individuals prompted me to ask myself questions like, “Omg, do these people think I’m actually good enough?”
The tidbits of success from my podcast and marketing agency became my driving factor. It showed that I deserved those opportunities just as much as the next person, and that my hard work is seen. I realized that I was given this life for a reason, this ambition and this mindset. I was put on this earth to share my artistry with society.
Now as a junior at university, I accept that I was given a gift. I came to New York City for a reason. I shouldn’t waste it on comparison, because comparison is the thief of joy.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Every story starts with a name. My name is Mia Mauri and I am a university student in New York City. I am studying Digital Design with a concentration in Commerce, and a minor in Marketing. When I am not sitting at a local coffee shop studying or doing work, I am often seen at the plethora of art museums around NYC. I admire the creative processes of curating art pieces. Within the creative realm, I am an avid collector of vintage film and digital cameras. New York is such a unique place of its own, there is always something to capture through the lenses of my camera. Speaking of vintage, I absolutely adore the idea of collecting vintage designer pieces. This hobby started while I was studying in London, but I am hoping to bring it across the pond to NYC.
Taking inspiration from life in NYC, I started MOZZA Creative Digital Marketing Agency and Project 6 Podcast. MOZZA and Project 6 are like my own children, because they require my care and attention at all times. MOZZA is a creative digital marketing agency that specializes in combining the human mind to the world of media and marketing. MOZZA started because I was inspired by the creativity that is rampant in New York City, with my knowledge of marketing from my academic settings. MOZZA provides services such as web production, creative art direction, social media marketing and email marketing. MOZZA has also had the opportunity to collaborate and develop photographers’ websites, and creatives alike.
The company has produced materials for Fordham University Black Student Alliance inaugural magazine, “The Creative.” MOZZA creatively directed the “CODE SWITCH” photoshoot, under the supervision of “The Creative,” creative director Karina Ruiz. The company has ushered in the brand development of the health and wellness company, KALLPA by Natalie Nunez, which is skyrocketing in sales and production as of the end of 2024.
Project 6 Podcast is a podcast that combines fashion with my experiences in New York City. The podcast started as a means to connect with individuals on similar topics such as anxiety, and being a black woman at a PWI. However, as my knowledge and experience in the fashion industry grew, I began speaking about fashion in conjunction with my personal experiences in life, such as traveling, learning a new language etc. Recent episodes such as, “The Beauty of Study Abroad: Morocco’s Impact on Fashion,” and “The Met Gala is #BLACKAF,” is a direct reflection of my personal experiences with studying Arabic in Morocco for the summer of 2024, and being a black woman who is interested in fashion and African American history. Towards the end of 2024, Project 6 has taken the route of traditional fashion editorials to promote each podcast episode, creating an ethos of exclusivity within the context of the podcast episode topic.
Starting 2025 off strong, MOZZA and Project 6 has some exciting opportunities coming up. This includes bringing on a new client to further usher in MOZZA’s 2025 vision of content creation/brand management. MOZZA is also the official marketing partner for Fordham University’s “Thee Ravishing Rams” Majorette team, the first majorette team at a major university in New York City.
Project 6 podcast is welcoming new and exciting guests that are notable figures in the fashion, beauty and arts industry in New York City. Project 6 is also launching a Substack newsletter to further debrief on episode topics.
Stay tuned for both through Instagram and TikTok ( @ project6pod and @ mozzaagency)
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?
Please learn to alchemize your energy. Transmute negative/stagnant energy that either you possess internally or energy that others may have sent your way, into positive energy and affirmations. This could be done through emotional processing, visualization techniques and self-awareness. I strongly believe in the evil eye, therefore I always say, “With the negative energy that one may send me, let it be transmuted into abundance, beauty and money.” We humans are social creatures, and we often get caught up in what others say about us. When alchemizing your energy, you are turning that pain into power for yourself.
On the topic of cognitive behavioral sciences, I am invested in neuroplasticity. Neuroplasticity; the brain’s ability to change in response to behavioral experiences. Within this area of knowledge, I use it as a means to “rewire” my brain to think from a place of abundance, rather than lack. It’s easier said than done, I know hahaha. Our brains are wired to remember negative information more readily than positive information, it is a survival mechanism called, “the negativity bias.” To combat this natural phenomenon, I often partake in neurological exercises such as gratitude journaling, meditations, daily affirmations and visualization techniques to reframe negative situations and patterns.
Throughout all of this, the main quality that impacted my journey the most would be controlling my self-discipline. I had to learn that without holding myself accountable when needed, I would not accomplish anything. Make that To-Do list, set that deadline, mark your calendar etc. Hold yourself accountable, because your future self will thank you later.
Overall, if you are early in your journey, I would say to stay consistent with progressing towards your desired goals. Practice thinking from a place of abundance, controlling your self discipline, and alchemizing your energy.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
Of course! I am always open to new individuals coming into my life and sharing their knowledge with me. The individuals I am looking for are driven people who are enamored by the world of creative marketing, in the sense that they are passionate about their own collective interests within the realm of advertisement. I am interested in people who want to further their brand’s exposure in their set niche/market.
Being surrounded by like-minded individuals is often seen as a plus in social settings such as friendships, classmates etc. In a business setting that is even more crucial. The notion of artistry and marketing is becoming more intertwined than ever, you need a special kind of person to fully grasp that concept. I would like individuals who understand the need for creative marketing in this society, and how it transmutes into our modern ethos through advertisements.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mozzaagency/
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/project6pod/?hl=en https://www.tiktok.com/@project6pod https://www.tiktok.com/@mozzaagency https://www.tiktok.com/@miamaurii https://www.instagram.com/miamaurii/
Image Credits
HGK Photography Natalia Nunez, Founder and CEO of KALLPA Karina Ruiz, Creative Director of The Collective Project 6 Podcast Cover<br>
