How to Discover your Authentic Self as an Independent Artist with Maria Z

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.. 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 artistHow she leverages the power of relationships to find new opportunitiesHow she managed to develop several streams of income inside and outside of her musical careerHow 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 careerHow 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 EntertainmentDownload our free Checklist to radically improve your livestreaming concerts Make your LiveStream an OMG! Event with this Free ChecklistBuy 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 EasternOrder a copy of Your Art, God’s Heart - A 21 Day Devotional For CreativesSend us a message!Don't Build Your Creator Lifestyle Alone. Join the Community! In our 360 Creator Community, you get focused encouragement, guidance, and training on how to thrive as a God-centered creator. Joining gives you access to our app, workshops and community conversations, so you can stop being isolated and frustrated and start enjoying creative confidence! Join today!GodandGigs.com/membershipSupport the showDownload our FREE 7 Day Prayer Devotional for Creatorshttps://godandgigs.com/prayerFOLLOW US!  InstagramFacebook YouTubeWant to be a guest on The God and Gigs Show? Send us a message on PodMatch! © 2026 Paul Creative Solutions