We recently had the chance to connect with Marina Gonc and have shared our conversation below.
Marina, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What is a normal day like for you right now?
A normal day for me starts early, around 5:30 a.m. I like to begin with 30 to 60 minutes of meditation, which really helps me set a calm and focused tone for the day. After that, I get my daughter ready for school and make sure her morning starts smoothly. Once she’s set, I transition into my workday, usually by reviewing priorities, answering any urgent messages, and planning out the day’s key tasks. I like to stay organized and intentional with my time, so having that structured morning routine really supports my productivity and overall mindset.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Marina Gonc, and I’m the founder of Moonabee Media Group and Youth Business Academy.
Moonabee Media Group is a branding, marketing, and PR agency that helps entrepreneurs and organizations stand out through authentic storytelling and strategic visibility. We focus on building strong personal and company brands that not only attract attention but also create meaningful connections with audiences.
Youth Business Academy is my passion project turned nonprofit. We teach kids and teens real-world business and leadership skills through hands-on programs, camps, and workshops. Our mission is to empower the next generation to think like entrepreneurs—creative, resourceful, and confident—so they can shape their own futures.
What makes both ventures special is that they’re rooted in purpose and empowerment. With Moonabee, we help brands share their unique voice with the world, and with Youth Business Academy, we give young people the tools to discover and use their own voices early on. Right now, we’re expanding our programs to reach more communities, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see the impact grow.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
Before the world told me who I had to be, I was someone who played it safe. I used to be afraid of taking risks because I thought failure meant I wasn’t good enough. Over time, I realized that every risk I took—whether it worked out or not—was actually a form of experimentation and research. Now, I don’t call it failing anymore; I call it testing. I test as many approaches as possible to find the path that leads to the result I want. That mindset shift completely transformed the way I show up in life and business.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
The fear that held me back the most was the fear of being wrong and of being visible. For a long time, I felt pressure to get everything perfect, and that kept me from fully expressing myself and taking bold steps. But the truth is, there’s no such thing as perfection — we’re all perfectly imperfect. Once I started showing up unapologetically and doing what truly felt right for me, everything shifted. That’s when my two businesses were born, and today I have a beautiful family — a daughter and a son on the way. Embracing my authenticity has opened doors I never imagined.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
One project I’m deeply committed to—no matter how long it takes—is Youth Business Academy. My vision is to open a charter school for kids that provides high-quality business and life skills education completely free to those who need it most. I know it’s a long journey, but I honestly don’t focus on the timeline. What matters to me is the impact.
Right now, business and leadership education is often reserved for a privileged few, but in reality, it’s the kids who don’t have access to these opportunities who could benefit the most. Many of them are misunderstood, not lacking potential—just lacking the right tools. By giving them practical skills, confidence, and exposure, I believe we can change the trajectory of countless lives. That mission is worth every ounce of effort, no matter how long it takes.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
One thing I understand deeply that many people don’t is that it’s always my responsibility to change things. It’s not about blaming others, circumstances, or external factors — because ultimately, those don’t determine the outcome. What truly matters is how you choose to respond. The moment you take full responsibility, you also take back your power. No matter the situation, you can change things around when you own your part and take action. That mindset has been a game changer in my life and business.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.youthbusinessacademy.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marina__gonc?igsh=MXZ4bzh3czI5ems2eQ==
