Marina Middleton Built the Life You’re Dreaming About—Here’s How She Did It

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June 17, 2025

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What would’ve happened if Marina Middleton let fear stand in her way?

What if she had stayed comfortable in corporate, kept her head down, and waited for “the right time” to chase her dreams?

We’ll never know. Because instead—after being laid off—Marina made one of the boldest moves of her life: she bet on herself. And it paid off in the most powerful way.

Today, she’s the CEO and owner of Create & Cultivate, the iconic media platform for ambitious women. But it didn’t happen overnight. It happened with a series of decisions—some strategic, some messy, all courageous.

In our conversation on the Self StartHER podcast, Marina opened up about her journey from employee to CEO, how she navigates entrepreneurship and motherhood, and why trusting yourself is the most powerful move you can make.

This interview was especially meaningful to me—because like Marina, I was laid off while pregnant. And while it felt like my world was falling apart, it actually opened the door for everything I’ve built today.

So if you’ve been wondering whether the risk is worth it—or if you’re dreaming about something more—this blog post is for you.

Let’s break down the biggest lessons from Marina’s journey, and how they can light the path for your own.

1. A Layoff Doesn’t Have to Be the End—It Can Be the Beginning

Marina was part of a corporate layoff. And instead of panicking or scrambling to find the next “safe” job, she paused. She reflected. And then, she began building a life on her terms.

Sound familiar?

Sometimes we think job security means safety—but for many of us, it’s actually a false sense of stability. When we’re forced to pivot, we often discover what we actually want.

If you’ve been laid off, or you’re stuck in a role that drains you, let this be a reminder: that moment you feared might just be your biggest opportunity.

2. You Don’t Need a Perfect Plan—You Just Need to Start

Marina didn’t have all the answers when she left corporate. But what she did have was a vision and the willingness to act on it—even if that meant figuring things out on the fly.

She started building her personal brand. She said yes to the messy middle. And she learned to trust that clarity would come from taking action—not from waiting until she felt “ready.”

If you’ve been stuck in the “I need to figure everything out first” trap, this is your sign to move. Progress is built on momentum, not perfection.

3. The Power of Networking (Without Being Weird About It)

One of the most practical (and overlooked) things Marina talked about? Building relationships.

She didn’t acquire Create & Cultivate in isolation. She built community. She showed up consistently. She made real connections before ever asking for anything in return.

Networking doesn’t have to feel gross or transactional. It can be as simple as reaching out to someone you admire, commenting on a post with intention, or sending a voice memo to someone you met once at a co-working event.

And for us women—especially moms—intentional relationships are the secret to support, sanity, and success.

4. Motherhood Isn’t a Barrier—It’s a Superpower

We talked about what it looks like to grow a business while raising tiny humans. Spoiler: it’s not easy—but it’s entirely possible.

Marina shared openly about the boundaries she puts in place, the routines that help her stay sane, and the mindset shifts that allow her to give herself grace.

As a fellow mompreneur, I felt this in my soul. You don’t need to be all things to all people. You just need to stay rooted in your priorities—and unapologetic about your vision.

Motherhood doesn’t disqualify you from success. In fact, it just might make you more creative, more resilient, and more unstoppable than ever before.

5. Reflect Often. Act Boldly.

Before taking over Create & Cultivate, Marina gave herself time to reflect. Not just on the business opportunity, but on who she wanted to be as a woman, a leader, and a mother.

That pause? It was intentional. And it gave her the clarity and confidence to take the leap.

As entrepreneurs, we get so caught up in the hustle that we forget to check in with ourselves. But reflection isn’t indulgent—it’s essential.

So if you’re on the brink of something new, ask yourself:

What do I actually want?
What would I do if I wasn’t afraid?
Who am I becoming through this?

And then, when the answers come—move.

6. Celebrate Your Wins

This one is simple but powerful: don’t wait for the finish line to celebrate.

Marina reminded me (and all of us) that the small wins matter. Every tiny milestone, every “yes” you give yourself, every brave step? That’s building your future in real time.

Let yourself feel proud. You’re not behind—you’re becoming.

Final Thoughts: You’re Closer Than You Think

Marina Middleton’s story is more than inspiring—it’s proof.

Proof that a layoff can lead to leadership.
Proof that motherhood and entrepreneurship can thrive side-by-side.
Proof that you can build something big without having all the answers.

So if you’re in a season of doubt or transition, know this:
You don’t have to be fearless.
You just have to go anyway.

Your dream life isn’t reserved for “other women.” It’s for you, too.

You’re a Self StartHER. And this is just the beginning.

🎧 Want to hear the full conversation?
Listen to my episode with Marina Middleton, “Marina Middleton Built the Life You’re Dreaming About—Here’s How She Did It”

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