Marleena Garris

As a longtime fan of mystery novels, Marleena Garris knows how to solve a puzzle or two. But figuring out how to pursue her twin passions – writing and acting – was her biggest stumper yet. Over the past few years, Marleena has built a practice that spans acting, copywriting and digital marketing – all centered on the one thing she values most: telling a good story. We caught up with her to talk about the highs, the lows and the magic of being multi-passionate.

What I do

How would you describe what you do?
I’m a social media copywriter, digital marketer and actor. I also do freelance copy and content writing, alongside working on creative projects for my own channels.

Marleena at the beginning of her freelance writing journey out of college

What are the main influences and inspirations behind your work?
I grew up surrounded by people who were always telling stories. One of the best storytellers I met was Ruby Bridges: when I was 12 years old, I saw her tell her story with nothing more than a microphone and a chair. That moment had a huge impact on me – it made me fall in love with theatre and storytelling. Now, anything with a strong character or a good story catches my attention, which is why I love libraries and save scraps of inspiration from places I visit.

I also use puzzles to help me think outside the box and analyze ideas – that blend of logic and creativity shows up in both my acting and my writing. As for my hands-on approach, it’s rooted in coming from a family of Black women who can spin a yarn. A lot of my creative work is about making the abstract feel tangible, or the mundane feel colorful.

A custom collection of puzzles, ciphers, and interactive clues created as part of a pitch to Morning Brew for their puzzle writer role

Would you say you need any specific training for what you do?
Going to school is a toss-up for many actors. I studied acting, but I knew I’d need something more commercial to support my practice. So I went into digital content strategy and marketing, which became another outlet for telling stories – just offstage.

But the field of digital marketing is so huge that anyone with patience and curiosity can find their way in. The most essential traits are lateral thinking, creativity, a willingness to learn and thinking on your feet – most of which can come from different industries, not just school.

What’s been your favorite project to work on from the past year, and why?
Definitely the social work I’ve done for Adventures of Intrigue. I helped rebrand them as an open-concept escape room and created a new tone of voice for their social media. Since I started working there, their Instagram page has gained over 300,000 views, one of their reels hit a million views and engagement has grown by over 300%.

It’s been incredibly fulfilling. I get to lead, create and analyze all in one space, drawing on both my performance and copywriting skills. Plus, making reels is so much fun.

What does a normal day-to-day usually look like for you?
I get up, have breakfast, then head into the office to draft posts and captions for the week. If I’m working on a campaign or special project, I block out time for content creation or meetings.

After lunch – either something quick or a bite from a local spot – I continue with more content writing or shooting. Balancing multiple campaigns with working on the company’s branding keeps me busy.

When I get home in the evening, I check in with my freelance clients, go over their needs and work on their projects. After that, I wind down with dinner, a comfort show and time for personal creative work. I also catch up with other copywriters in Word Tonic, a Gen Z copywriting community where I connect with other creatives and learn from them too.

Marleena's workspace

If there was a starter pack for your job, what would be in it?

How I got here

What was your journey like when you were first starting out?
It was hard. I always say I picked the devil’s gambit – graduating with a degree in acting and digital marketing right as the industry was shifting post-pandemic. But I’ve always been tenacious. I kept applying, pitching, writing cover letters and building my portfolio. I asked for help, reached out to mentors and made sure I didn’t stop. Rejections came, of course, but I kept moving. That’s the key.

A cover letter Marleena wrote to subvert expectations and stand out in a sea of traditional cover letters

How did you go about landing your first few jobs, clients and/or commissions?
I stayed true to my voice. I reached out with real solutions to real problems, especially around creative content and copywriting. I also made the kind of work I wanted to get hired for: blogs, YouTube videos, personal writing.

Joining Word Tonic helped too – it’s where I built up my skills and eventually I got to write their newsletter. It all came down to advocating for myself and consistently showing up.

What has been your biggest challenge along the way?
In copywriting, it’s being seen as “too new.” I’ve dealt with ghosted interviews, last-minute rejections and assumptions about my age or background as a Black woman. It can be discouraging, but I don’t let it stop me – even when people reach out only to then drop me.

In acting, my biggest challenge is confidence. I show up for the roles I want but imposter syndrome still creeps in. I work through it by creating, learning and trusting my voice.

How have you found balancing your work in acting and copywriting?
It really depends on the season. Copywriting and digital marketing pay the bills, while acting takes more effort and time, especially since I don’t always have the flexibility for auditions.

Actor headshot - taken by Elena Snow with edits by David Cardoso

But even when I’m not acting, I’m writing or creating in ways that still fuel that passion. I’m also lucky to work in a space that’s creative and collaborative. Both sides feed each other – and that’s the magic of being multi-passionate.

What skills from your creative work have you found helpful – and vice versa
Creative thinking, working on my feet and knowing how to collaborate. Whether it’s a client or a scene partner, the best work comes from deep listening and connection. It’s never just about you – it’s about what you're building together.

How important are social media and self-promotion to your work?
They’re essential. I majored in acting and digital marketing because I saw how connected they were. You have to be your own marketer and your own storyteller. My advice: learn the tools, but don’t lose your voice. Be curious, try things and don’t let the pressure of perfection keep you from starting.

What are three things that you’ve found useful to your work or career, and why?
A strong creative community to stay inspired, a notebook because ideas come at the most random times and sleep – it means more than you think! When I’m tired, I can’t create.

What have been your greatest learnings with making money and supporting yourself as a creative?
Balance is everything. I use platforms like Contra for invoicing and I’ve learned how to take on paid work that supports my own projects. When your job and your personal work are both creative, you have to protect your energy and know your worth.

My Advice

What’s the best career-related advice you’ve ever received?
“You can paper your walls with all the rejections you’ll get, so don’t hold on to them.” That stuck with me. People will say no, but that doesn’t mean you stop. You can always learn, improve and come back stronger. Rejection isn’t the end – it’s part of the process. That mindset helps me keep showing up and sharing my energy.

What advice would you give to someone looking to get into a similar role?
Don’t give up. Even if you don’t meet every bullet point in the job description, reach out anyway. Ask questions. Talk to local businesses or people you admire and see how you can help them – write something, design something, solve a small problem. Create the kind of work you want to get hired for. That builds momentum.

Where do you go to feel connected as a creative?
Libraries! I read anything and everything but especially love authors who subvert expectations, like Lemony Snicket, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, H.P. Lovecraft and Agatha Christie. Their mysteries, whodunits and howcatchems are why I’m great at putting things together and thinking outside the box.

My work with Adventures of Intrigue is a great complement to that. Reading widely exposes me to different styles and writing creatively lets me try out those that inspire me.

I’m also deeply connected to Boston, the city I was born in – specifically Dorchester, which is full of food, culture, sounds and people with soul. My mother introduced me to puzzles and art there when I was a kid. It still feels like the heart of my creative life.