DCFunemployment: Tell the people – Who are you?

Maria Jose Abad: Fashion & Style Blogger and creator of MariaOnPoint.com, a personal style and fashion blog that provides styling ideas and shopping information for petite women. MariaOnPoint.com also shares recommendations and answers for those who are seeking to look stylish on any budget. I understand the peculiarities behind finding the right size and fit for petite women and I will do my best to share as many details about these key elements when writing a post. You’ll often find me mixing high-end designers with low-end basics from trendy fast-fashion stores. My style is feminine, classic with a little edge.

Outside of MariaOnPoint.com, I provide on-air style advice on Univision and Telemundo, and work full-time in public relations. I’m originally from Ecuador and live in New York City while often traveling to DC and LA.  I also work full time at Qorvis MSLGROUP, PR agency.

DCF: What does being funemployed mean to you & what was your path to funemployment?

MJA: I love my full time job in PR, I have the best colleagues and mentors and my clients are fun, never a dull moment.

I also love being able to run my fashion and style website and work on my passion for fashion. I like meeting like-minded individuals who want to explore other paths in life and collaborate with each other. (DCF: It’s great to be able to wear many hats and flex your creative muscles!)

DCF: Who was your first cheerleader?

MJA:  My parents are always there and always will be.

DCF: What experiences in your life prepared you for where you are now?

MJA: My parents constant encouragement and how they always pushed me to achieve anything I set my mind for and never settle. My boyfriend has been a big influence as well as he pushes me every day and never lets me gives up. (DCF: Surrounding yourself with awesome people is always a great experience!!) 

DCF: Where do you get your inspiration and/or motivation?

MJA:  In my PR job, I always see at the people that have mentored me since the beginning and where they are and I get motivation to keep working hard to reach my goals and to try new things.

In my blogging world, my blogger community and how hard everyone works.  Quality over content always.

DCF: What does balance mean to you and how do find balance?

MJA:  I have a full time job and that is my priority but I also have a blog and want to give the best of me so if there’s a week that I was too swamped with work and couldn’t think of new good content, I take a step back, recharge and come back the next week with the best I can. I love taking pretty pictures of places I go to, food I eat but sometimes you just have to put the phone down, enjoy the company and appreciate what you have. (DCF: Totally agree!! #ResolutionGoals)

DCF: What sacrifices did you have to make to get here?

MJA:  To get a college and masters degree and eventually the job I have, I had to leave my home back in Ecuador and be away from my family and the best friends I could ever ask for. I know I made the right decision but I miss them every day. (DCF: Unfortunatly sometimes knowing a decision is right doesn’t make it any easier.)

DCF: What struggles have you faced as a women in your industry?

MJA:  Knowing that men are usually paid more than women and seeing how certain men get ahead faster and not all of them are necessarily more qualified has been a struggle. This only means I need to work extra hard and continue to push hard to be equally compensated and rewarded.

DCF: What was your greatest failure and what did you learn from it?

MJA:  Not going abroad for college, I really regret that. (DCF: Wish it would be a requirement because it is a GREAT educational tool.)

DCF: What is your proudest moment?

MJA:  When I went to another country myself, met with all male clients, led the meeting, negotiated contract and ensured we continue working together. (DCF: I feel pride just hearing about it! #GirlBossPower)

DCF: What’s next?

MJA:  I’m currently networking more with my blogger community, learning from them and slowly collaborating with brands. I’m picky. I don’t want to promote brands unless I believe in them. (DCF: Amen to that!!)

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