Meet Mariah Scott of I am Mariah

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mariah Scott.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Mariah. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I was born in Santa Clara, California. Throughout my childhood, my family moved around the country. We have lived in Pasadena, Atlanta, and Chicago to name a few. I have probably attended more than seven schools as a kid. Moving around at such a young age prepared me to accept change and try new things. It also groomed me and gave me the ability to adapt. Moving so much became normal. I was able to get along with all sorts of people from different backgrounds. It shaped my spirit and gave me the desire to see more of the world.

 Fast forward – As an adult, I worked years in the beauty industry as a Make-up artist and Esthetician in San Francisco for luxury brands. The curiosity for wanting more lead me to a life working as a flight attendant and with that came the move to Houston. I flew for years and traveled all over the world. A major tragic point in my life occurred when I got news my grandmother passed in a car accident coming home from church. I was extremely close to her. She was everything and the most beautiful woman inside and out. My life totally changed and I stopped caring about a lot of things. All I wanted to do was live. That’s when it hit me. Living for me was about expressing myself.

I was excited by life, food, culture, and adventures. I wanted to share my experience with others who may not travel. So, I started a youtube channel. It was a random thing. But slowly it caught on. To the point where I would be stopped at the airport by people who have seen my videos. It was then it dawned on me that people do care about the things that matter to me. With that responsibility, my passion to create grew stronger and then I started an Instagram. I started taking pictures from some of my travels and then created some of the dishes that inspired me. I have always loved food. My grandmother always cooked delicious meals and it made people happy. Watching how other cultures prepared food and how much as a whole that food brings people together made me love it even more. Cooking and creating became a huge part of my daily life.

Then my blog iammariah.com was born. I had the hardest time trying to come up with the name. I tried to think of something catchy or something cool to name it.  I asked my mom and she said to me, “You do not have to try and be something, you are Mariah, you are enough.” That stuck with me. So, I left it titled, I am Mariah. Which stands for i.a.m. I am whatever I want to be. I am a cook, I am a traveler, and I am creative. At the end of the day, I am Mariah and I do not have to be one thing. It started as a creative outlet to nurture my sadness from the passing of my grandmother, but then it blossomed and grew into a way to showcase my passions. By living life and discovering more of who I am along the way.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Life hasn’t always been smooth. Sometimes, it has been full of gravel, stones and sharp glass. With creating a brand as an influencer/content creator and also partnering with other companies, sometimes it’s hard to understand why they sometimes say no. Maybe, I wear too much pink or my eyes are too big or whatever the reason may be.

It used to hurt my feelings and sometimes I would ask myself stupid questions. Like, “Is it because I can’t twerk or because I’m super clumsy and laugh at myself?” Maybe I am just not what they want. Then, I would snap out of it and get out of my head.

A no just means not right now. Or, a no means no and who cares, keep it moving. I am not normal and I have grown to accept that. I actually like that I’m not. When I get the yes it means a lot. It’s a great feeling to have the support and when people believe in what I am trying to do makes it all worth it.

I am Mariah – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
My brand “I am Mariah” is being an expert in food and lifestyle by partnering with other like-minded businesses and sharing my experience/review with my audience. I specialize in travel which highlights Boutique hotel experiences, food that showcases easy entertaining ideas, and new product and restaurant launches. I also “Blog with a purpose” by creating awareness or raising funds for organizations I believe in. I am known for adding a whimsical flair to everyday living. Hello, brownie waffle and boom box handbag! I just launched a boutique collection of whimsical lifestyle items that will become available on my website.

I am most proud of my growth and overcoming the emotional roller coaster that could have broke me. Strength, my faith, and believing in myself is what helped me. I had to remember that it’s not about having resources its about being resourceful.

Back in the day I shot videos on an old camera phone and it was dark and I looked ashy from bad lighting. Now, I receive emails from subscribers who have told me they made one of my dishes at their last party and people ask me for advice on where they should have dinner for their anniversary. Growth is REAL! If I can make someones day with a new idea then I’m winning. Making people smile is my goal and that alone makes me proud.

I have planned an event and fundraiser for this month in honor of breast cancer awareness. I am hosting a fundraiser where a portion of proceeds will help women receive medical care in the prevention of the disease.

What is “success” or “successful” for you?
For me, success is a lot of things. Success is taking risks and not apologizing for it. Success is falling down scraping up your knees and then getting up to clean the wounds. Success is not getting mad something didn’t work out but figuring out another way to get it done. Success is being a good person today and making steps to becoming a better person tomorrow. Success is growth. I try to look at success as small steps towards the bigger picture. That way I enjoy the journey instead of focusing on the end result.