be you conversations: marisa flacks
Be You Conversations: Marisa Flacks
By: Nicki Patel | 8.20.18
True Friendship, Grit, and Courage
"I really, really think the secret to being loved is love. And the secret to being interesting is to be interested. And the secret to being caring is to care. And the secret to having a friend is to be a friend." ~Nicki
A true friend is very hard to come by these days. I have had friends who have been around when things were all good and great, and disappeared as soon as things got tough. It has happened so many times, I have literally lost count. When I first met Marisa, it was through the common love for dogs, her tough adoption of her adorable now pups, and her passion for wanting to make this world a better place. She has a heart of gold and it shines through everything she does. I am so excited to share a little bit of her story, and inspire all of ya'll to be a true friend because you never know how you can make a difference in someone else's life just by being there. <3
Her Story
My name is Marisa Flacks, I’m the founder of RISE Creative. We are a creative marketing agency solely dedicated to serving ethical brands, or what I like to call “Ethical Brand Strategy.” Since I wss 15, I grew up in the fashion industry, before making the switch to ethical fashion after the Rana Plaza Collapse. Serving brands who are changing the world every day is truly my dream job and I’m so grateful for it. Outside of work, I’m a holistic wellness nerd, and dog mom to two rescue babies which is why I chose Austin Pets Alive!
What is your favorite food/dish (because I love FOOD)?
This is so hard! I could definitely eat sushi every day of the week so I guess you can say that’s my favorite.
What does it mean to you to be you in a world of others?
I love this question! So in college, my roommate and I founded the Rutgers University Global Citizen club and it was our way of voicing our love for being a “global citizen,” hoping to live in a world without borders, where everyone belongs everywhere, and everyone loves everyone. I think no one has control over where they are born and therefore they should not be judged or loved any less for that. It is our responsibility as humans to care for the world of others in every way that we can.
What is one piece of advice you would give your younger self – about life, career, hopes/dreams, anything?
It will all work out in the end. All the time I spent in high school and college worrying about my future, my career, my relationships, all of it, if that girl could see how it all turns out, she’d spend a lot less time worrying and a lot more time just enjoying the present moment.
What would you tell someone who is trying/struggling to find themselves in the chaos/noise of the world?
We are extremely fortunate to live in a time where mostly anything is possible. You can start a business in 5 minutes online, you can quit your job, find a remote position, and travel the world. You just have to be willing to take a risk, try something new, travel alone, and don’t be afraid to fail because even if you don’t find what you’re looking for in that exact moment, you’ve learned so much about yourself along the way, and it will only contribute to the greater end result that could be even better than what you pictured in your head.