You’re Not Starting Over, You’re Starting From Wisdom: The Truth About Pivots and Purpose with Mary Marantz. Episode 417

You’re Not Starting Over, You’re Starting From Wisdom: The Truth About Pivots and Purpose with Mary Marantz

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Today on Smart Girl Summer, I’m joined by my brilliant and beautiful friend Mary Marantz. She went from Yale Law to full-time photographer to best-selling author—and let me tell you, her story is a masterclass in trusting God with the pivots.

We’re talking about how to build a business that means something, what it looks like to rewrite your story while you’re still in the middle of it, and why sometimes the door that slams in your face might be the setup for something greater.

Mary is wisdom and warmth wrapped in a gorgeous blonde blowout, and she’s here to remind you that your past doesn’t disqualify you—it prepares you. If you’ve been wondering if it’s too late to start over or too messy to move forward, pull up a seat. You’re in the right place.

Timestamps:

(01:58) – The Power of Pivoting

(18:43) – Common Mistakes Authors Make

(20:25)– Smart Strategies to Grow Your Platform, Podcast, and Social Media Today

(24:47) – What She’d Do If She Were Starting Over Today

(31:59) – How to Recover From Burnout

WATCH ALLI  ON YOUTUBE

Links to great things we discussed: 

• Mary’s Travel Recommendation – Yeti
• Mary’s Skincare Recommendation – Golden Hour
• Mary’s  Recommendation – Canva
• Mary’s Product Recommendation – Hatch
• Mary’s TV Recommendation – The Handmaid’s Tale
• Mary’s Achiever Quiz

The For I Know the Plans art print by Little Things Studio isn’t just décor—it’s a declaration. With hand-illustrated detail and one of the most hope-soaked verses in Scripture (Jeremiah 29:11), this piece brings beauty and bold faith into your home. It’s the daily reminder that God is already in your tomorrow—and He has good plans. Go ahead and make your space preach a little. Your heart (and your walls) will thank you.

I am proud to co-own Little Things Studio, a wonderful woman-owned small business in Nashville, TN. We create each piece with great care and can’t wait for you to experience the love that goes into every item. Whether you visit our store or shop online, you’ll find that all our products are crafted with love right here in the USA.

I hope you loved this episode! 🎉

Don’t forget to hit that subscribe button on Apple Podcasts and Spotify so you never miss a thing. And guess what? We’re on YouTube! If you’re loving the content, show us some love by leaving a review and giving us some stars—it means the world to me! Take care, and stay fabulous! 

xo,

Alli