We had the good fortune of connecting with Oksana Marafioti and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Oksana, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
There are several reasons for this. 1. My family has worked in artistic and creative fields for generations.
2. I’m an out-of-the-box thinker.
3. I feel that my purpose in this life is to inspire and encourage people and that I can accomplish that purpose best through creative endeavors.
4. I’m constantly reinventing myself and the way I think.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’ve always been creative, but in my 20s I tried to fit into the more traditional career paths. Only, that never felt natural. So, at 25 I moved to Hollywood and started working at Panavision as a camera technician. I loved the atmosphere, the excitement of helping make big movies. But soon after, I felt burned out by the politics and quit. Soon after, I opened a music studio and taught students of all ages how to play the piano. It was the most rewarding thing I’d done to that point in my life, and it set me on the path of finding creative ways to work independently without being afraid to ‘fail’. Since then, I’ve become a bestselling author, a college professor, a book editor and coach, and the owner of a creative writing studio called Lounge Writers. As you can see, I’m never far from a creative path. I’ve accomplished most things in my life by using this motto: what if? Whenever I’m unsure of an opportunity or a risk, I ask myself, but what if it works? Then I just do it. This is the biggest lesson I can impart to others. Don’t be afraid. The worst that can happen is that you fail. But failure should be worn as a badge of accomplishment because it means you had the guts to try in the first place. Most people never do.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
There are so many fun things to do in Las Vegas. Off the top of my head, here’s what we’d do, in no particular order: 1. See a show at the Majestic Repertory Theater.
2. Go to First Friday and eat deep-fried Oreos.
3. See the conservatory at the Bellagio.
4. Eat vegan Asian at Chef Kenny’s.
5. Hike at Mt. Charleston.
6. Visit Sea Quest and Shark Reef aquariums.
7. Have cocktails at the Peppermill Lounge.
8. Have greasy egg and cheese sandwiches at Resort Worlds.
9. Play games at the Pinball Hall of Fame.
10. See Bonny and Clyde’s car at the Primm.
11. Have coffee at Makers and Finders.
12. Go to the Haunted Museum.
13. Go to the Monster Museum in Boulder City,
14. See movies at the Dam Short Film Festival in Boulder City,
15. Hike the Tunnels to Hoover Dam.
16. Go on bat-watching walks at the Wetlands Park.
And so much more!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My kids. They taught me resilience and curiosity were good not just for kids but for adults as well. As I watched them discover the world when they were little, it inspired me to return to that frame of mind as well, instead of remaining in stasis.

Website: https://www.oksana-marafioti.com/

Instagram: @oksanamarafioti

Linkedin: Oksana Marafioti

Twitter: @oksanamarafioti

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oksanamarafiotiauthor/

Other: https://www.loungewriters.com/

Image Credits
My headshot: Jana Cruder

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