Meet Tess Maribao

We were lucky to catch up with Tess Maribao recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Tess , so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?

You know, I’m Filipino – so technically, that makes me Asian. But Filipinos are a little different from other Asians. We’re kind of like the Latinos of Asia, thanks to being colonized by the Spaniards for over 300 years. Add in a mix of Malay, Chinese, Indian influences, and you get this wonderful blend.

So, yeah, there are plenty of times when I’m the only one in the room who looks like me. When I was younger, that would’ve made me retreat into my shell. But now? I own it. I’ve realized that what makes me different also makes me stand out. And that’s a good thing.

Beyond looks, though, I’ve come to see that we’re all just human. We laugh, we love, we dream – and that’s how I connect with people. I love using humor; it’s the perfect icebreaker. In fact, I’ve found that when I poke fun at myself, it’s an instant way to bond with others.

Here’s one of my go-to lines I use when networking:
“It’s so hot outside, I almost called my ex just to be around something shady. Speaking of shady, let’s talk digital marketing! Just like avoiding an unreliable ex, your business needs to steer clear of shady online tactics. Instead, it’s all about creating authentic, engaging content that lights up your audience’s world – without leaving them burned.

Need a hand crafting a strategy that’s as refreshing as cold lemonade on a scorching day? Call me! Let’s keep it cool, clear, and absolutely brilliant.”

People remember that! They laugh, they want to learn more, and best of all, they want to work with me or refer me to their friends and family. And that’s really what it’s all about – making that connection.

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

I’m a digital marketing strategist and the founder of WorQ Out LLC. In the digital world, I like to think of myself as a chef in a bustling kitchen. My job? Mixing the perfect blend of creative thinking with a hefty sprinkle of data to cook up marketing campaigns that are equal parts effective and irresistible. Just like a chef balances flavors, I combine the art of storytelling with the science of understanding people to create something that’s not only tasty but leaves your digital audience craving more.

At WorQ Out LLC, we’re the master chefs of the digital world, whipping up delicious strategies that blend your business goals with the ever-changing digital landscape. Here’s what’s on our menu:

1. Social Media Strategy: We help your business stand out in the crowded social media kitchen. By creating high-quality, engaging content, we’ll turn your brand into the must-visit spot that people can’t stop talking about.

2. Email Campaign Services: Our emails don’t just land in inboxes – they’re more like VIP invitations that get your audience excited. We craft email campaigns that spark interest and inspire action, turning clicks into customers.

3. Power-Packed Presentations: Need to make a big impression? Our presentations bring your brand’s story to life with visuals that captivate and ideas that stick. Think of it as serving up a gourmet experience on every slide.

4. Blog Brilliance: Storytelling is our secret sauce. We create blogs that position your brand as the expert in your field, building deeper connections with your audience and driving them to engage with your business.

What sets me apart? It’s not just about putting together strategies – it’s about crafting a digital presence that feels like a dynamic, engaging story your audience can’t get enough of. Every strategy I create is like a signature dish, designed to convert views into leads and ultimately sales. And every piece of content? Prepared with precision to boost your business.

I’m pretty proud of the successes we’ve served up at WorQ Out LLC. Whether it’s a spike in social media engagement or a jump in sales from an email campaign, seeing our clients celebrate their wins is what makes my day. These little victories in the digital space are what keeps me passionate and excited about what I do.

If you’re ready to add a fresh flavor to your marketing, whether it’s launching a new product or just spicing things up, I’m here to help!

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

Looking back, I think there are a few key things that had the most impact on my journey, both personally and professionally. These three qualities kept life balanced, business booming, and me (mostly) sane. And since I’m all about sharing the love, here are the top three that shaped my path and continue to keep me going:

1. Mindfulness – I’m all about being fully present and living with intention. It keeps me calmer, more relaxed, and helps me build better relationships – both with myself and others. And when I’m in that relaxed headspace, I can tap into my creativity, which is a huge part of my business and life in general. My little mantra? “Today I will live in the moment… unless the moment is unpleasant, in which case I will ‘add to cart.” Works every time!

2. Curiosity didn’t kill the cat – it gave it nine lives! Curiosity is the spark that fuels learning. It pushes one to think critically, which is essential in any field. I’m always asking questions, discovering new ideas, picking up new skills, and exploring things that were once unfamiliar. I also love looking at things from other people’s perspectives – because, let’s be honest, maybe we should’ve been more afraid of the people who wanted the witches burnt! The more curious I am, the more I grow.

3. A sense of fun – It’s been my lifeline through tough times and the key to enjoying the good ones. Plus, it’s helped me connect with people from all walks of life – because let’s be real, everyone loves a good laugh. I bring this vibe into my work too. Just because it’s business doesn’t mean it can’t be fun! A little humor goes a long way, whether you’re making friends or growing a business.

And if I may add just one more thing – a sense of gratitude. Because let’s face it, nothing is guaranteed. We’re not entitled to things, favors, friendships, or kindness. Yet, I have so much to be grateful for, and that’s what keeps me grounded. Every success, every connection, every little win is a gift – and recognizing that makes life just a little bit sweeter.

What advice do you have for folks who are in their early journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

“There are so many ways to skin the cat,” says the Childless Cat Lady (don’t worry, no cats were harmed in this advice!). Just like that, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to developing these qualities. My advice? You do you, boo! Everyone’s journey is different, and what works for one person might not work for another.

For me, it took:

• Surrounding myself with the right people – those who lift me up, not drag me down. This was a game-changer for me. I’ve been a member of the LA Area Chamber of Commerce, Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce, Beverly Hills BNI Breakfast Club, and a few Meetup groups. Of course, I’ve got my friends and family who continue to be my biggest cheerleaders and support. And let’s not forget – I have the best clients anyone could wish for.

• Finding balance – It’s not about perfectly dividing your time; it’s about fully enjoying whatever you’re doing in the moment. Your body and mind need to be in the same place. When you love what you’re doing, there’s no guilt or “if only” mindset. Things just seem to fall into place naturally.

• Not taking life (or myself) too seriously – because honestly, a little laughter goes a long way!

• And taking a moment each day to acknowledge what I’m grateful for – because gratitude keeps everything in perspective. From that gratitude, I make it a point to give back and pay it forward by volunteering or donating to charities and causes close to my heart – especially those that support women, children, and fur babies (cats and dogs).

Find what resonates with you and lean into it. Whether it’s surrounding yourself with the right people, finding your own balance, or simply making time for gratitude each day – it’s about discovering what helps you grow, not trying to fit into someone else’s mold.

What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?

As a teenager, I remember coming across a poem from Kahlil Gibran’s book, The Prophet. that really stuck with me. I used to read it aloud to my mom (probably until I annoyed her – because, of course, that’s the goal of every teenager):

Your children are not your children.
They are the sons and daughters of Life’s longing for itself.
They come through you but not from you,
And though they are with you, yet they belong not to you.

You may give them your love but not your thoughts,
For they have their own thoughts.
You may house their bodies but not their souls,
For their souls dwell in the house of tomorrow,
Which you cannot visit, not even in your dreams.
You may strive to be like them,
But seek not to make them like you.

For life goes not backward nor tarries with yesterday.
You are the bows from which your children, as living arrows, are sent forth.
The archer sees the mark upon the path of the infinite,
And He bends you with His might that His arrow may go straight and far.
Let your bending in the archer’s hand be for gladness;
For even as He loves the arrow that flies,
So, He loves also the bow that is stable.

I know the poem carried a hard message for her, especially as a single mom – my dad passed away when I was young. But she embraced it. She did everything she could to raise my sisters and me well – sending us to good schools, teaching us to be kind and generous, and, most importantly, giving us the freedom to be our own person, pursue our dreams, and follow our hearts.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://worqoutllc.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tessmaribao/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/worqoutllc
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tess-maribao-98b252102/