We recently had the chance to connect with Mara Marini and have shared our conversation below.
Mara, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
I start with about 10–15 minutes of gratitude and affirmations – it just helps me tune into the right energy before the chaos starts. Then I do my skincare (my moisturizers and serums, all the things) and take a tablespoon of the only supplement I actually use. It’s a nutraceutical that’s completely bioavailable for my hair, skin, nails, and joints. Then I make my mushroom coffee with almond milk – it’s like my cozy superpower potion – and I go over what I’ve got planned for the day before getting ready and heading to the gym. That combo of mindfulness, glow, caffeine, and movement basically sets the tone for everything else.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Mara Marini – an actress, writer, and content creator probably best known for playing Brandi Maxxxx on NBC’s Parks and Recreation. I’ve built a lifestyle brand that mixes wellness, humor, and authenticity – celebrating feeling good, staying grounded, and finding joy in the everyday. Alongside my tiny Chihuahua, @teacupcoconut, (who’s basically a tiny CEO in her own right), I create content around wellness, longevity, and the little things that make life brighter. I partner with science-backed, ethical brands that actually work – from the only bioavailable collagen on the market (for humans and furbabies!) and supplements to pet wellness products. Right now, I’m developing new projects on the acting and writing side while expanding my content and collaborations.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who taught you the most about work?
Honestly, my best lessons have come from being on set. Watching people like Amy Poehler and the Parks and Rec team work taught me that professionalism, humor, and kindness can all coexist. Great work doesn’t come from ego – it comes from collaboration and showing up prepared, creative, and open.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
There have been a few moments where I’ve questioned everything – especially in an industry that can be unpredictable and sometimes pretty brutal. There were times I felt overlooked or burned out from giving so much of myself. But every single time I hit that wall, something – or someone – reminded me why I started. Usually it’s a sign, a small win, or even my little dog Coconut doing something ridiculous that snaps me back to gratitude. I realized I don’t have to quit, I just have to rest, reset, and realign.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
I admire people who stay kind no matter how successful they become. One person who really stands out to me is Amy Poehler. She’s wildly talented and respected, but what I admired most working with her was how grounded, generous, and collaborative she is. True character isn’t about power – it’s about how you treat people when you don’t have to impress them.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I’m definitely doing what I was born to do. Acting, storytelling, and creating have always been in my DNA. I love using humor and heart to connect with people, whether it’s through a character, a script, a reel, or something Coconut and I create. It’s never felt like something I was ‘told’ to do – it’s always felt like something I had to do.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.instagram.com/teacupcoconut
- Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/popgloss
- Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/popgloss
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/teacupcoconut
- Other: http://www.tiktok.com/teacupcoconut
Image Credits
Rene Russo
Robin L Marshall
