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Is it possible to maintain a healthy self-image and your artistic integrity in the entertainment business – and still make a living doing what you love?
In an industry that often feels stacked against the independent artist, singer, songwriter and creative entrepreneur Maria Z has proven that you don’t have to sacrifice your authenticity or your emotional health in order to have a successful career.
As an early adopter of the power of video during social media’s early days, Maria blazed a trail for other unsigned artists. Having worked diligently for years to build her audience, she now has almost 50,000 subscribers on Youtube with over 13 million views of her content on her channel. Far from being limited to her singing career, she has also built a solid business foundation with multiple streams of income as an influencer, marketer and vocal coach.
Independently, Maria has achieved international press and radio play, as well as features on national TV networks such as CNN, ABC and FOX. Most notably, her version of "Unthinkable" was danced to on the popular television series, "So You Think You Can Dance", and her music has been referenced by top entertainment platforms such as Billboard, Vibe and Vogue. She was recognized by Guitar Center as one of the Top 10 Singer-Songwriters in the Country, and most recently was hand selected to sing with the original orchestra from the iconic Titanic soundtrack for their anniversary film-to-live showing.
Maria also possesses a deep understanding of the inner workings of the independent artist lifestyle. She’s handled the issues of rejection, fear, risk and authenticity in an industry that makes it very difficult for the freelance creative.
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In this deep and perspective-shifting discussion, Maria Z reveals how working on the inner health of her artistic soul leads to greater success and expanded opportunities in her business and creative life.
In this interview, you will learn:
- How she discovered the benefits of video in the early days of YouTube and used it to grow her career
- How she remains organized and motivated consistently as an independent artist
- How she leverages the power of relationships to find new opportunities
- How she managed to develop several streams of income inside and outside of her musical career
- How she channels her emotional struggles into positive experiences that fuel
- Why having the right mindset is the most important part of growing and maintaining a consistent creative career
- How to manage the emotional highs and lows of the creative lifestyle
Stay connected with Maria Z: Instagram / Facebook / YouTube
Resources
- Learn about The 4 Questions you need to ask before going Full-Time in Arts and Entertainment
- Download our free Checklist to radically improve your livestreaming concerts Make your LiveStream an OMG! Event with this Free Checklist
- Buy God and Gigs: Succeed as a Musician without Sacrificing your Faith (Book and Study Guide)
- Join our God and Gigs Facebook Group so you can connect with other creatives and watch our weekly Creative Checkups on Monday, 12p Eastern
- Order a copy of Your Art, God’s Heart - A 21 Day Devotional For Creatives
More About the God and Gigs Show
Welcome to The God and Gigs Show, the podcast for Christian creators who want to build a creator lifestyle that honors God and gives you the joy and satisfaction you've always wanted.
This isn't a show about hustle culture or chasing the next algorithm trick. We go beyond surface-level tips to talk about what it actually looks like to create from a place of faith — practical strategies for podcasting, content creation, and growing a creative business that lasts. You'll hear conversations about staying consistent without burning out. We also dig into finding your creative voice along the way, even when ministry, family, and work are all pulling at the same hours.
Whether you're just exploring your creative gifts, or you've been creating professionally for years, this show gives Christian creators practical tools and spiritual encouragement to fully embrace God's creative calling - at any level of skill or vocational ability. The goal is to help you create consistently and embrace God's will for your creative life without sacrificing your calling.
Your host and founder is Allen C. Paul — podcaster, musician, author, and speaker based in South Florida. We started this show to help creators thrive in faith, business, and creativity through simple, practical solutions.
We'll cover questions like:
- How do I work in secular arts and entertainment without losing my faith focus?
- What does it actually look like to build a creative business as a Christian?
- How can I stay consistent with content creation without burning out?
- What's the difference between hustle culture and sustainable creative work?
- How do I find my voice as a faith-driven or creator?
- How can I balance ministry, family, and creative work?
- What are practical first steps to working as a Christian creator?
If you've been searching for honest conversations about faith and creativity, keeping your family and relationships as your first priority, or how to build a business that honors your calling, you're in the right place. Join us every week as we help you become the creator you were created to be.
Connect with us on Instagram at https://instagram.com/godandgigs and learn more about the God and Gigs 360 community at https://godandgigs.com/membership.
Have more questions? Check out our FAQ page on The God and Gigs Show