Choosing to work for a women-led start up over a promising job at a retail giant was a decision Mara Gollena decided to make 5 years ago. That leap of faith and trusting of her inner compass eventually saw Mara take on the Project Manager role for Women's Summits and events, an integral role in growing She Talks Asia to what it is today. In 2022, she decided to take another leap for her personal and professional growth, this time to pursue further studies and opportunities in Australia. She Talks Asia connects with Mara to share what she's learned on her rollercoaster journey so far.
What do you do for a living, and what are the things that make you feel more alive?
I am currently a boutique stylist and a front desk receptionist. But I also do design work for She Talks Asia.
I have recently rescued a cat and am still continuing to feed some stray cats where I live and I have now altered my whole personality to be a cat parent.
I'm passionate about helping—people and animals. I’m currently at a crossroads career wise but I hope one day I find my way back to helping people who need it most.
How old are you?
I am 28
"I am most known for___________."
My god complex towards every stray cat I see—in the Philippines and even now that I’m in Australia
"I am most proud of ____________."
I am most proud of the amount of courage I have developed throughout these years
What do you think is the biggest challenge, and the best thing, about being your age?
At 28, women often find themselves at a crossroads. This is the age that society has labeled to be the “perfect” time to settle down and start planning for the future.
The biggest challenge I face is embracing my own unique journey. It’s a continuous effort to remind myself that my path is my own and my timeline is not a race. I strive to silence the "what ifs" and resist the urge to compare myself to others, understanding that my story is unfolding exactly as it should.
The best thing about being 28 is that I have time to get to know myself better, understand what I want (and don’t want), tune in to my emotions, and cultivate courage to overcome fears.
How have you grown wiser in the past few years?
I don’t think there’s an exact way to measure a person’s growth but I feel like my measurement of growth is that I’m now able to (from time to time) step out of my comfort zone and just do it.
What are the best pieces of life advice you have ever received?
It’s not really an advice but a quote from a book I’m currently reading called The Therapist by B A Paris. On the second page of the book there is a quote:
“Happiness is like a butterfly; the more you chase it, the more it will elude you. But if you turn your attention to other things it will come and sit softly on your shoulder.”
And I think that is such a special quote that a lot would resonate to.
Who are the women you look up to and how have they helped shape your life?
First is my mom. She’s my original icon of women's empowerment. I mentioned this during her 60th birthday message: despite the never-ending problems she encounters, she has never stopped taking care of us and everyone around her. And I aspire to have the same amount of patience and strength that she has.
In 2019, I joined the She Talks Asia team, and my life has never been the same since. The STA founders will always be among the top-tier women in my life. Through Lynn, I found my voice and learned how to be brave. I once hated how my body looked (and sometimes still do), but through Iza, I’ve learned to accept my body as it is. I continue to carry Sarah’s words of wisdom from when I made a big leap of change in 2022. V has taught me to listen to and give importance to my emotions, and B has shown me how to cultivate long-lasting friendships and relationships.
What are you looking forward to in the next decade of your life?
I honestly am just looking forward to a future with less anxiety and more acceptance of what life brings to the table.
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