Meet Trailblazer Charlie Marcol

Today we’d like to introduce you to Charlie Marcol.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Charlie . So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
My infinity for writing and public speaking began at the tender age of eight. Truth be told, I struggled with friendships, body shaming issues, rejection but more importantly myself. I didn’t see me. I poured my heart and soul on loose leaf sheets with a number two pencil. There was no judgment or arguments over who was best friends with who. Paper became my confidant. I shared my deepest thoughts, secrets and personal pains that I internally struggled with. In my laughter and my leisure, the paper was there. It rejoiced with me. I lived through my imagination. When it was time to speak, I embodied the spirit of Oprah and commanded the stage. I felt the pulse under my feet as I looked each girl in the eye that refused to be my friend. The stage become my safe haven. Instead of writing it, my freedom of expression became poetry, plays and songs. I found another nonjudgmental friend that accepted me for me. Her name was Stage. Together, we were unstoppable; a powerful force to reckon with. You couldn’t tell me that I was not a mini Oprah ready to conquer of the world. I never forgot that feeling.

Life began to happen. As the years grew longer, I lost my love for writing but writing never lost its love for me. The result of a failed marriage initiated the opportunity for me to share the pain and doubt of my personal journey. I tried to compartmentalize my emotions but I was running out of space. I needed to release it. I began to journal the brokenness of my heart that I could not publically address. Verbalizing it made it real and I just wasn’t ready. Late one night, a gentle spirit spoke to me and said, “Hey! Let other people hear your story. You’re not the only one.” That’s when I decided to take negative energy and the pain that I felt and transform it into a tool to help those who struggled with the same issues. Often times, we think we are the only ones but we are not. There is power in storytelling if you’re willing to be transparent. Sharing your story helps others see the mountains you’ve climbed and conquered. From the Florist to the Forest, where I challenge women to think deep before they leap into marriage was born. Although, the divorce was an unfortunate situation, I realized it’s been an underlined blessing. It allowed me to speak my truth, to heal and forgive myself to admit, that I didn’t think deep before I leaped. Simply put, I drowned.

Through this process, I reunited with my old friends, Paper and Stage. Just like then, they didn’t judge me. We connected again over my personal and private pains as I poured the emotions from within. I was no longer captive by my disappointments. Today, I participate in various conferences across the state of Texas and throughout the US from college campus to religious centers instilling the message of self-love and self-worth. This journey started off small, but it has blossomed into a garden of beautiful things. It has helped me to form relationships, particularly with myself. I know what it means to truly love yourself and listen to the spirit within. I can see me. Now, I am healed to help others.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
This has not been a smooth journey but it has been worth it. When you’re hot, you’re hot and when you’re not, know that there’s always room for improvement. Good is the enemy of great! Strive to become greater than your last; your last event, speech or project. Constantly ask yourself, “How can I become better?” My advice is to have a supportive tribe around you not full of yes women. You need to surround yourself with positive women that will challenge you when you’re slacking but encourage you to push to the finish line.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about CMarcol Enterprises – what should we know?
I wear many hats, but the ones I wear proudly is an author, motivational speaker, and self-love advocate. I am on a mission to enhance women’s lives in the area of self-love, transformation, and self-worth. What sets me apart from others? It’s simple. I am transparent and candid with my life. I talk about taboo subjects that others are afraid to address. I have the unique ability to take the lessons that I’ve learned throughout my journey and apply them to what many women face every day to bring about hope, help, and healing. It is my goal to reach as many people as possible with my powerful message. Think deep before you Leap! I truly believe if you empower a woman, she will change her perspective.

Finding a mentor and building a network are often cited in studies as a major factor impacting one’s success. Do you have any advice or lessons to share regarding finding a mentor or networking in general?
Yes! You need a mentor. Actually, you need several. Truth be told, I have a mentor in every area of my life that I want to excel in. Make sure your mentors are knowledgeable in the field that you want to pursue, professional and they see the vision with you. You need the correct people in your corner to guide you in the right direction. When searching for a mentor, it’s important that you understand each other and there is a commonality. You want the relationship to develop organically so you can bond and form trust.
I hate these networking events where people really came to a party. Networking is not passing out cards at an event. There is an art to networking. It’s bold, in your face and uncomfortable. When introducing yourself, come with your best elevator pitch speech that will make you stand out from everyone else in that room. Leave them with a great impression wanting to hear more from you. When the event is over, make sure you don’t put the business card in your purse if it is someone you want to connect with. Follow through with an email within 24 hours. Invite them for coffee (make sure you pay if you invited them) and thank them for their time. When that is over, follow through again! You have to be persistent when chasing your dreams. The sky is the limit.

Pricing:

• From the Forest to the Forest book, $13.95
• Single Mama Dating Drama book, $12.00

Contact Info:

• Website: www.charliemarcol.com
• Phone: (888) 307-7010
• Email: requestcharlie@charliemarcol.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/charliemarcol
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/charliemarcol
• Twitter: twitter.com/charliemarcol

Image Credit:
Event Photos by Jakki Onochie, Headshot by Steven Lee Nelson

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