We were lucky to catch up with Marisa Mays recently and have shared our conversation below.
Marisa, thank you so much for taking the time to share your lessons learned with us and we’re sure your wisdom will help many. So, one question that comes up often and that we’re hoping you can shed some light on is keeping creativity alive over long stretches – how do you keep your creativity alive?
I keep creativity alive by getting involved in my community through collaborations, partnerships & creating events that bring inspiration & fun.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
2013 I was on on a camping trip in Los Angeles Ca, Dockweiler State Beach. I met a guy name Norm who was selling mini bright string lights that he would weave around each spoke. It looked magical, it gave a dark bicycle instant colorful lighting that could be seen from hundreds of feet. I knew instantly this is what I needed to be doing. It was exciting & drew crowds. I took the idea to San Diego, Campland, Mission bay Rv resort & pacific beach. This was an instant success for me & my journey kept evolving.
In early 2015 the light journey led to meeting Sebastian the light man. He was already well known as the famous guy who lights up bike wheels on the Santa Monica boardwalk with Marcus Gladney the creator of the Famous Venice Electric Light Parade a major staple event in the community of Venice Beach Ca. In early days of Instagram & FB. I could see that there was a bike life community from southern to northern California even the Midwest. After meeting the famous Sebastian. We had an instant connection. He was just the perfect partner that I was searching for. My vision of spreading our lights & joy was a mission for me. We had a good energy together. Marcus had great advice for Sebastian and I as we planned our Northern California & Las Vegas adventures he said “Bike light tour” From there we connected with Nick Ray Evans aka ( Wiggles) who at the time was a pioneer in creating fun bike ride meetups called the Voodoo bike rides held in different cities. We made so many connections with people all over the bike life community. Sebastian & I had a passion for lighting up bicycles & starting a instant bike party. We both had the same vision of seeing everyone Lit up creating a powerful energy with music & lights. There wasn’t really anyone else doing what we were doing at the time. What Sebastian & I provided was safety, fun & quick lighting. We light bikes up in 10 minutes or less depending on what lighting is needed. Sebastian had been installing these mini LED fairy string lights before me & taught me many ways to fit a light quickly in the spoke. Sometimes at the rides there is many bicycles & we gotta be fast getting them LiT. We started off with basic fairy lights with individual colors. We have upgraded to USB rechargeable 7 color options + flash modes. The installation is super easy. Only a pair of cutters or scissors to trim off the zip ties.
Sebastian had a vision in 2008 about creating something no one else had. I feel very fortunate that he took the time & effort to mentor me & partner with me. Sebastian is one of a kind person. He has a passion for everything he does. He sells roses at the famous Hollywood night clubs. Sebastian has been on TMZ a few times selling roses to NFL player Ron Gronkowski just so he can throw them on camera. We have so many wonderful memories traveling up and down the northern coast together. Participating in bike events such as NASCAR in Phoenix & Fontana. We did CYCLEFEST, Shiny side up, San Jose bike party, Sacramento bike party, we also got to ride our bicycles to the State Capital. The list goes on.
I have also made & formed my own connections with riders in different places all over the world especially the Midwest. I have been to Detroit Michigan twice in 2018-2019 for bicycle events. I was also lucky enough to ride in the famous Detroit Slow Roll where thousands of riders meetup for an amazing ride through the city and neighborhoods.
When I started coming around the bike scene with my lights I was excited about an idea that I had. I could save lives and make a bike instantly shine in San Diego. I really wasn’t focused on a brand or logos. As the time goes on I have realized that I was my own brand. I was genuine & real about what I was bringing in promoting to the bike community. I never intended to start hosting or creating rides, however my journey has led me.
I have been very fortunate to continue with my kid bicycle parades in the summer months located @Sun Outdoors San Diego bay resort. We light up bicycles & host a fun parade with music & lights for all the wonderful guest.
With the success & popularity of the lights in San Diego. I was able to approach Marcus Gladney with the idea of creating the 1st chapter ride in San Diego. He loved the idea and with his help & blessing, it was created. The San Diego Electric Light Parade. I formed a partnership with Les del Los Santos. He owns Bumpboxx SoCal. Together we Co-host every last Sunday of the month a fun 10 mile night ride through some of San Diegos most iconic beaches like Mission Beach, Pacific Beach & the bayside. We have all types of bicycles, people, kids & families join us. One thing about the parade is we love to dance & get the energy spreading. I provide on the spot lighting @ this ride. You will never be left in the dark. One cool thing about us? We have special guest Co-host like the LiT Riderz based out of Los Angeles Ca, They provide a professional sound & lighting system. We also have a large Roller skater & bike club community that joins us monthly. We ask that you come with your best lights & creativity. Most certainly a good attitude & energy. This is a free community event: 3000 Mission Blvd San Diego 92109. No gas pedal motors. Ride at your own risk.
After the Covid Pandemic. We’ve seen an unprecedented bicycle movement explode. There is 4 official spin-off chapter parades
Each parade is independently run.
@Riverside Electric Light Parade
@Hawaii Electric Light Parade ( Maui )
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?
I had a genuine passion. I made sure I showed respect & professionalism to the community that I was engaging in. I formed positive relationships with different groups & it allowed me to move freely within my community. I have many supporters & friends that continue to show love for me. Seeing how the lights have evolved is mind blowing. Watching people get creative and drenched in L.E.Ds is an amazing energy that spreads like wildfire. I’ll close with this. The mentorship & countless pep talks from Sebastian makes me truly believe it has taken me to where I am today.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
I’m open to collaborations and partnerships. The San Diego Electric Light Parade is growing quickly. If you would think you can bring something cool to this ride/ event. Please contact me. I’m hoping to collaborate with merchandisers, influencers who have products and would like to get them promoted to the public. I’m open to volunteers who could help in ideas in marketing, promotions & social media. I have created something cool & exciting in San Diego. I definitely could use help with keeping it going. More people should know about this high energy free community fun bike event.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.
lightmeupsafetylights.com - Instagram: San Diego Electric Light Parade
- Facebook: San Diego Electric Light Parade
- Facebook: Light Me Up Safety Lights
Image Credits
Kuya Hoc
