Hi, I'm Marina.
pole dancing, burlesque, dance, fitness, lifestyle
Stories, like forests, are subject to season.
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Through the years, I've worked in multiple professions that all have one thing in common - I like to serve people the drinks and experiences that help frame their best memories.
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I've been serving my family coffee since I was 4, and every job since has been a subconscious ode to that time. Back in 2012, I went to college for Theoretical Mathematics while I was simultaneously becoming an award winning traveling showgirl, burlesque performer, pole dancer, podcast host, show producer, and model. (Psst... that's how Marina Mars came to be. It was my stage name!) While doing so, I always held onto a supportive job position in the food/beverage service industry or in the adjacent nutritional chemistry testing industry. So I've spent well over a decade working on both sides of the bar, and very intimately with 1000's of unique ingredients.
When the pandemic caused the quarantines and shut downs in 2020, it forced me to reevaluate my income streams, purpose, and direction. I spent that year working on refining and refueling my endeavors.
Nowadays, I'm an operations expert, zero-proof mixologist, business management and executive coach, and generally multi-passionate entrepreneur currently working in the hospitality and business consulting industry. I'm the ringleader of both The Modern Mocktail and Functional Flow Academy. Since I quit drinking alcohol in 2019, it has really become my passion to create menus and businesses that support a holistic lifestyle of flow. With my team, I'm working on creating more online educational resources to help both casual consumers and business professionals who would like to better understand the inner workings of the hospitality industry. From bar and menu design, to managing a staff who love to come to work and never want to leave - I'm here to help business owners, managers, and enthusiasts learn how to bring more flow to the areas of the business that bring them pain.
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I host a podcast, called Mocktails with Marina (just like the blog). Read on to learn more about it:
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Welcome to "Mocktails with Marina," a podcast where Marina, a multi-passionate entrepreneur and innovator, shares her journey and insights into the burgeoning world of zero-proof living and mixology. Marina's story, from a service industry professional to a thriving business owner, offers a unique blend of personal experience, entrepreneurial spirit, and creative mixology.
Dive into episodes filled with inspiring tales, practical business management strategies, and innovative ideas in non-alcoholic beverage solutions. Marina's businesses, 'Functional Flow' and 'The Modern Mocktail,' serve as case studies in transforming passion into profitable ventures. Whether discussing the nuances of zero-proof mixology, navigating health codes, maximizing business efficiency, or fostering a positive work culture, this podcast is a treasure trove for aspiring entrepreneurs, event planners, and anyone interested in a sober lifestyle.
Marina's eclectic background in theoretical mathematics, food and bev service, and nightlife entertainment adds a unique flavor to each episode, blending technical know-how with real-world experience. From her journey to sobriety to her success in increasing revenue and operational efficiency in the kava industry, Marina's insights are invaluable for anyone looking to make thoughtful, intentional choices in both life and business.
Tune in to "Mocktails with Marina" for a blend of free content, expert advice, and inspiring stories, all aimed at helping you achieve abundance without alcohol in both your personal and professional life.
APPLE || SPOTIFY || AUDIBLE (AMAZON) || iHEART RADIO
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*If you're interested in my services, learning more about flow, information relating to the kava / kratom industry, zero-proof beverage menu & recipe creation consultation, bar management consultation, or business operations consultation & services, please fill out this contact form.
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Check out my LinkedIn profile to see my full employment resume.