About Marisa Donnelly

Hi, l'm Marisa Donnelly!

I'm a writer, editor, coach, teacher, tutor & small business owner and ocean lover based in Southern, California.

A bit of my story:

I started writing when I was four years old, and I immediately knew that was something I wanted to do for the rest of my life. But, my biggest dilemma has always been ‘choosing a path.’ I’m passionate about writing, teaching/coaching, and creating.

So…I decided to create my small business to support other multi-passionate people, like me, who have trouble ‘staying in one lane.’

My business + services help busy people streamline their ideas, tackle their endless to-do lists, and enjoy every step of the process along the way. 

Marisa Donnelly, Founder of Be A Light Collective

More of my background:

Almost twelve years ago, I started sharing my heart with the world. 

I wrote openly on my blog, Word & Sole, and I also submitted heartfelt thinkpieces for online magazines and literary publications. It wasn’t long before I had a few of my articles go absolutely viral (like my favorite: “I’m Not A Netflix & Chill Kind Of Girl”), catapulting me headfirst into my writing career.

Over the past decade, I’ve been a full-time Writer & Editor for Thought Catalog, Expert Writer for The Spruce, Commerce Writer for Bustle, Lead Contributor for many online and print publications, and Managing Editor/Producer to hundreds of worldwide creators.

 

I have published thousands of articles accumulating over 21.2+ million page views with bylines in Huffington Post, The Spruce, Bustle, BossBabe, Thrive Global, Medium, and more. And I’ve written content for Amazon, eBay, The Eric Chase Foundation, Taco Bell, Discover, Brita, the U.S. Air Force, Café Bustelo®, Blumhouse Tilt, The Cybersmile Foundation, Hampton, and many, many others.

 

In 2016, I left the corporate writing world and founded my small business —Be A Light Collective — a creative marketplace, online community, and writing/editing services company serving clients worldwide.

 

And this has all led me to where I am today — shamelessly oversharing  + coaching others on how to create and speak with authenticity, passion, and purpose.

More of my background:

Almost twelve years ago, I started sharing my heart with the world. 

I wrote openly on my blog, Word & Sole, and I also submitted heartfelt thinkpieces for online magazines and literary publications. It wasn’t long before I had a few of my articles go absolutely viral (like my favorite: “I’m Not A Netflix & Chill Kind Of Girl”), catapulting me headfirst into my writing career.

Over the past decade, I’ve been a full-time Writer & Editor for Thought Catalog, Expert Writer for The Spruce, Commerce Writer for Bustle, Lead Contributor for many online and print publications, and Managing Editor/Producer to hundreds of worldwide creators.

I have published thousands of articles accumulating over 21.2+ million page views with bylines in Huffington Post, The Spruce, Bustle, BossBabe, Thrive Global, Medium, and more. And I’ve written content for Amazon, eBay, The Eric Chase Foundation, Taco Bell, Discover, Brita, the U.S. Air Force, Café Bustelo®, Blumhouse Tilt, The Cybersmile Foundation, Hampton, and many, many others.

In 2016, I left the corporate writing world and founded my small business —Be A Light Collective — a creative marketplace, online community, and writing/editing services company serving clients worldwide.

And this has all led me to where I am today — shamelessly oversharing  + coaching others on how to create and speak with authenticity, passion, and purpose.

Marisa Donnelly, Founder of Be A Light Collective
Marisa Donnelly, Founder of Momish Moments

& my Family Story:

Outside of my professional career, I'm a bonus mama + self-proclaimed 'big-hearted' woman.

I’m a big believer that the world needs more vulnerability, honesty, and openness, and I’ve committed myself to ‘walking the walk’ by sharing these messages in everything I create, post, and build. 

Almost six years, ago, I crafted a piece from the heart called, “Read This If You Are Fiercely Independent But Also Ridiculously Emotional,” and it’s been my mantra ever since. (If you follow my blog or socials — you’ll know this to be true!)

In 2016 — the same year as my small business launch —I met an amazing man and his son. Stepping into their lives was the start of my motherhood journey and my fierce commitment to special needs advocacy, conscious parenting, and sharing honest (and vulnerable) parenting stories through this page. Our journey inspired me to launch Momish Moments, a vertical dedicated to empowering journeys of motherhood; and co-found Step By Step Parents, a resource platform for blended families. 

As a parent, I know how hard it can be to juggle all of the commitments, goals, and responsibilities. That’s why all my services are focused on helping people navigate the craziness of life (without sacrificing anything in the process).

Marisa Donnelly, Founder of Momish Moments

& my Family Story:

Outside of my professional career, I'm a bonus mama + self-proclaimed 'big-hearted' woman.

I’m a big believer that the world needs more vulnerability, honesty, and openness, and I’ve committed myself to ‘walking the walk’ by sharing these messages in everything I create, post, and build. 

Almost six years, ago, I crafted a piece from the heart called, “Read This If You Are Fiercely Independent But Also Ridiculously Emotional,” and it’s been my mantra ever since. (If you follow my blog or socials — you’ll know this to be true!)

In 2016 — the same year as my small business launch —I met an amazing man and his son. Stepping into their lives was the start of my motherhood journey and my fierce commitment to special needs advocacy, conscious parenting, and sharing honest (and vulnerable) parenting stories through this page. Our journey inspired me to launch Momish Moments, a vertical dedicated to empowering journeys of motherhood; and co-found Step By Step Parents, a resource platform for blended families. 

As a parent, I know how hard it can be to juggle all of the commitments, goals, and responsibilities. That’s why all my services are focused on helping people navigate the craziness of life (without sacrificing anything in the process).

Check out my recent features:

Regardless of your story, let's get in touch!

Whether you’re a parent or not, my goal is to help you realign with your heart
+ become the best and most authentic version of yourself.