We had the good fortune of connecting with Mary Fain Brandt and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mary, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I never set out to become an entrepreneur. In fact, if you had told me a decade ago that I’d be running my own business, I would’ve laughed and said, “Not me!” My journey began out of necessity rather than ambition. My mom was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, and as her primary caregiver, I quickly realized the traditional 9-to-5 wasn’t going to allow me the flexibility I needed to be there for her.
At the time, I was navigating the demands of a challenging work environment while trying to care for my mom, and after she went missing on a rainy night I knew something had to give. I made the decision to step away from the corporate world and create a career that allowed me to prioritize what mattered most—my family.

Starting my own business was a leap of faith, I knew nothing about starting a business, but it gave me the freedom to shape my own schedule and take charge of my life. I poured my energy into creating something meaningful, blending my skills in career coaching, organizational leadership and marketing with my passion for helping others. What started as a way to support my family has grown into a thriving business where I get to empower others to navigate their own journeys.

Looking back, it wasn’t just about flexibility—it was about building a life that honored my values and allowed me to use my creative skills.My mom’s Alzheimer’s taught me the importance of living intentionally, and that mindset has been at the heart of everything I do as a business owner.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My business journey has been anything but linear, and I’m proud of the path I’ve taken to get here. One thing that sets me apart is my commitment to continuous learning. I’ve learned to embrace the phrase, “I don’t know, but let me find out.” Early on, I thought I had to have all the answers to be respected as a business owner. That mindset was exhausting and, frankly, untrue.

I’ve discovered that being willing to ask questions and seek help isn’t a weakness—it’s a strength.
Starting out was tough. I’ll admit there were moments when I questioned everything. I thought success meant instant six-figure revenue (thanks, Instagram!), and I felt ashamed that I wasn’t there yet. Over time, I realized that those overnight success stories are just that—stories. Real success takes time, effort, and resilience. It’s about progress, not perfection.

Today, I’m proud to run a business that not only supports my family but also gives back to causes close to my heart. Every year, we donate both financially and with our time to organizations like the Alzheimer’s Association, Benevilla, and OCJ Kids. Giving back is woven into the fabric of my company because I believe success is best when it’s shared.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned along the way is the power of authenticity. People connect with real stories, not polished facades. My brand is built on being approachable, relatable, fun, informative and strategic and my story reflects the grit and growth it took to get here.

What I want the world to know about my business is this: I’m here to empower others. Whether it’s transforming LinkedIn profiles, streamlining processes with AI, or helping clients stand out in their industries, my mission is to make their journey a little easier, more effective, and more impactful.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were visiting Arizona, we’d start with kayaking down the Salt River to see the wild horses—it’s breathtaking! Lunch would be at The Sicilian Butcher for their incredible food, followed by creating custom candles at Candle Chemistry. To end the day, we’d explore some of Arizona’s hidden speakeasies for great drinks and a touch of mystery. It’d be the perfect mix of adventure, creativity, and fun!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I wouldn’t be where I am today without the unwavering support of the incredible people in my life. Starting a business isn’t for the faint of heart—it takes time, patience, and resilience to build a brand and retain clients. My husband, Joseph, has been my rock through it all. From cheering me on during late nights to celebrating every milestone, his belief in me has been a constant source of strength. He’s always supported my business, wild ideas, and bold moves, and for that, I’m forever grateful.

My dad is also one of my biggest cheerleaders. He’s the kind of person who calls just to say how proud he is of me. That encouragement, especially on tough days, has been a game-changer. I feel incredibly lucky to have a circle of colleagues and friends who’ve offered guidance, connections, and kindness along the way. The value of a strong network can’t be overstated—they’ve been a vital part of my journey.

When it comes to resources, there are three books I recommend to every business owner. They’ve shaped my mindset and my approach to running a business:

Atomic Habits by James Clear – This book is a masterclass in building systems and habits that lead to success.

The 12 Week Year by Brian P. Moran and Michael Lennington – A game-changer for productivity and focus, teaching how to accomplish more in 12 weeks than most do in 12 months.

Profit First by Mike Michalowicz – It completely transformed how I think about money management in business, focusing on sustainability and profitability.

Behind every entrepreneur is a village of support, and I’m grateful for mine. They remind me that I’m never truly navigating this journey alone.

Website: https://www.masteritwithmary.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maryfainbrandt/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maryfainbrandt/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MaryFainBrandt

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@masteritwithmary/videos

Other: Guest spots on Podcasts:

My Podcast:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2202265/episodes

Image Credits
Karianne Munstedt

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutSoCal is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.