Empowered Women Empower: Brittany McNeal, MARZ On the Move

 

Name: Brittany D. McNeal
Name of Brand: MARZ On The Move, Lifestyle Blog
Year Started: 2017
Based In: Fort Bragg Area
Military Affiliation: Army Wife

First, tell us a little bit about yourself and your brand/company. 
I am originally from Cleveland, OH, and I attended Ohio University in Athens, OH where I earned a degree in Event Planning. I met my husband 7 years ago, and we have been married for almost a year now. I started MARZ On The Move, a lifestyle blog, after being in a business partnership for 3 years. Towards the end of the partnership, I realized a lot of what I was doing was no longer fulfilling me. I love to travel, eat great food, and I have always had a love for fashion, so starting MARZ On The Move felt like something I was just called to do. The name "MARZ" is short from my grandmother's name Marzetta and "on the move" comes from something my mother would always say when I wouldn't slow down as a child. They both inspired me to write and share my stories, and I couldn't be more excited to start this new venture!

Why did you choose entrepreneurship?  
I've wanted to have my own business since I was a child. When I was 8 years old, I had my own business selling keychains and hand painted pottery - my mom would even pass out my business cards at work! As time went on, it just didn't seem obtainable to have your own business. Everyone around me was working at corporate companies, so I thought that should be my journey as well. 

What was the defining moment that made you start your own brand/company? 
When I turned 29, I decided I was not going to live another year of my life not doing what I wanted to do. I was extremely nervous because I had to walk away from a company and a brand that my business partner and I worked so hard to create. While it was tough, I knew once I got started with MARZ On The Move that it was the right thing to do.

How has being a military spouse affected your journey and your business? 
Being a military spouse has inspired me to start my own business. In this community, I'm surrounded by amazing and successful entrepreneurs who support one another. To be honest, I never thought I would try to have my own business again until now. I'm more inspired than ever!

What is one of the most proud achievements of your career this far?
Right now, one of my most proud achievements was having the confidence to start my own company. It takes a lot to start something and see it through. Now that I'm settled in and more confident with my brand, I hope to have many more proud moments in the future.

What are some pieces of advice you can share with other women entrepreneurs? 
To be as organized as possible. I have "organized chaos" but I'm working on simply being organized. It helps to create more of a work/lifebalance. While I don't believe there will ever be a complete balance between the two, I do believe this helps with eliminating some stress that comes with starting/owning a business. Also, be confident in what you're doing! This entrepreneur lifestyle can be stressful, lonely, and discouraging but keep your head up and stay focused on what you feel called to do.

How do you want to be remembered?
I believe humility is very important. I want to be remembered as someone that remained as I always have been, and that I never changed who I was based on my success.

What's on the horizon for your company?
I will continue to blog about my travels, the amazing restaurants and breweries we visit, and fashion - but I am thrilled to announce I will also be offering special events management services! Throughout my time as a military spouse, I've noticed there are not many affordable services offered to military spouses who want to get married in small ceremonies. Many times military spouses are faced with tough decisions when their fiancé is scheduled to deploy, and they need to have a smaller wedding in a shorter amount of planning time. My job at MARZ On The Move will be to create a memorable day for these couples that will not only be special but stress free! Your wedding no matter how small should embody elements of the wedding you always dreamed of.

 

Connect with Brittany:
Website:www.marzonthemove.com 
Instagram: @marzonthemove