Meet Marena Bronson: Journalist | Founder & Editor-in-Chief of Fashion and Fandom

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

Hi Marena, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I’ve never met anyone who doesn’t want to become successful — whether that’s in their career, their business, or their personal life. Not everyone is willing to step out of their comfort zone and take risks, and I understand that. The comfort zone is familiar, it’s safe, and it doesn’t involve anxiety and fear. I think it’s important to be honest about what we want and how much we really want it, rather than lie to ourselves and make excuses just to stay in our comfort zone. When we are ready to do the hard things, when we are ready to take risks for something we’ve always dreamt about… that’s when we really create the biggest successes in life. Looking back, I can’t think of many decisions I’ve regretted taking a chance, even when the end result wasn’t a “success” in the way I initially visualized it. I have more regrets about NOT taking that proverbial leap of faith even if I wasn’t sure what was on the other side. Yes, incremental changes can happen when you play it safe, but if you want something to be really transformational you need to think big, lean into the fear, and figure out how to deal with it. The end result is SO worth it because you learn so much along the way — not just in the form of new skills, but about yourself. You become more creative. I think taking risks helps you define what you really want. It’s very empowering when you think about it.

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’m an award-winning journalist and freelance writer based in San Diego, California. I’ve covered everything from breaking news and politics, to lifestyle, entertainment, and pop culture for a variety of broadcast outlets, print and online publications, and websites. I’ve also spent many years in the fashion industry, as a working model and more recently, as a stylist. A few years ago I decided to merge some of my passions — pop culture, movies, and fashion — and start my own entertainment website called Fasion and Fandom. Fashion and Fandom is still a work in progress, and there’s still a lot I need to learn — esepcailly about more effectively utilizing social media to build the brand and expand it’s audience. What can I say… I started my journalism career when that world was still analog and sometimes I feel like a dinosaur. But I’m really proud of how it’s grown, and I’m looking forward to seeing how it continues to evolve in the year ahead. I also took an unexpected detour a few years ago and decided to run away with the circus. Literally. Growing up as an athlete and a dancer I’ve always enjoyed expressing myself creatively through movement. For me, aerial arts is dancing in the air, and I’ve been fortunate enough to get to perform and teach in Southern California over the last 8 years. It’s something I never planned or expected to do, and it’s been one of the most rewarding (and frustrating) journeys of my life. But it’s been a journey I’ve needed to take because I’ve learned a lot about myself along the way. I feel privileged to have been able to coach so many amazing artists/athletes. They continue to inspire me even though I’ve been pretty grounded myself the last 11 months thanks to the global pandemic we’ve all been living through. I can’t say that I’m looking forward to all the work it’s going to take to get back into aerial shape, but I’m determined. I love dancing in the air!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
When you live in a city that has an average of 266 days of sunshine a year I like to take advantage of all the beautiful outdoor spots San Diego has to offer. There are lots of beautiful beaches in the county to explore — but my favorites are Coronado Beach and Swamis in Encinitas. Whether you’re looking to take a long beach walk or find a spot to watch the sunset you can’t go wrong with either of these beaches. You’ll be able to take in some spectacular views on any of the hikes at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve. Balboa Park is another favorite spot even with the museums all closed right now. You can still explore the gardens throughout the Park, and even find outdoor Yoga classes in the Japanese Frienship Gardens. The San Diego Zoo and San Diego Safari Park are reopened (with reservations) and if you’ve never been to San Diego you should try to visit one (or both) of those. There are lots of great spots in Little Italy to grab a cocktail and a bite now and more are expected to re-open now that outdoor dining is permitted again. Check out Juniper and Ivy or the rooftop bar at Born and Raised. If you’re looking for a fun and unique workout try one of the circus classes at Aerial Revolution or Aerial Theory Fitness.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Bruce Kates took a chance on me when I was a young (and very green) journalist hiring me to work at KENS-TV. His mentorship, along with the mentorship of many others at KENS on both sides of the camera taught me so much, and gave me valuable tools I’ve used throughout my career. I crossed paths with Bruce several years ago. While we were catching up he asked my ideas about “stacking a new show”. I thought he was asking my opinion for something for a show he would executive produce at his station (at the time). At the end of the conversation he just smiled and said, “Sounds great. Now go do it.” Another lesson from Bruce… subtly encouraging me to take a leap of faith and step out of my own comfort zone to try something new — like starting my own show or creating my own entertainment publication. That conversation planted the seeds for what has now become Fashion and Fandom. Thank you, Bruce!

Website: https://www.fashionandfandom.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/exnewsgirl/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marenabronson/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MarenaBronson
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fashionandfandom
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLWnpnxWakqEPB-T9psaKlA

Image Credits
Andy King, Jon Medel, Meghan Meredith, Mike Regala, Wingrove Studios Photography