Daily Inspiration: Meet Mark A. Marston

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mark A. Marston.

Hi Mark A., so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
If asked how/where I started, I will always say that I started with service. I am Marvena’s son; who used to be in church religiously (pun intended). I am a United States Marine. That discipline, comradery, and willingness to keep standing when life gets loud…it shaped me.
Life did not go in a straight line for me. I became a single father of three, doing the everyday work most people never see; school mornings, late nights, bills, homework, showing up over and over. And being transparent, I didn’t get everything right. I’ve been married twice and divorced twice…not something I brag about. However, if you ask the people who know me best, they will tell you the same thing every time.
*I don’t stay down. I always get back up!
*I don’t quit. I rebuild!
*I keep moving forward!
Along the way, I built a career as a Master Barber, HR Generalist, and an ASL Interpreter; jobs that taught me patience, empathy, and the power of giving people access to their world. And then, after all the twists and turns, I did something most people are afraid to do later in life. I chased a dream.
While at Georgia State University, I embraced acting, discovered a love for performance, and never looked back. I even launched a theatre-focused play book club; because stories matter, and community matters too.
Now, I have adults. But I am still DadAlmighty, still showing up and still their support system all while doing what I love.. I am living proof that your story doesn’t end when life knocks you down. It starts every time you decide to stand back up.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The greatest challenge I faced was not the industry, the timing, or competition. It was Me. I had to overcome my own hesitation, self-doubt, and perfectionism. Once I learned to just pursue the work, let purpose lead, and stay consistent, it allowed me to grow, create, and succeed in a way that I couldn’t before.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My work as an artist is rooted in storytelling. I create from real life. As a Marine, a father, an interpreter, and someone who has rebuilt more than once, I understand resilience and human emotion. My work as an actor is about bringing that truth to every role. I am drawn to characters who have depth and complexity, and I love connecting with people through performance; whether it’s a dramatic role, a comedy, or a story that sparks conversation.

How do you think about luck?
I don’t subscribe to the idea of “luck”. I believe preparation, faith, resilience, and hard work create the moments people call ‘lucky’. I’ve had doors close and doors open, but in both cases, the key has always been showing up, being teachable, staying consistent, and refusing to give up. So, if anything, my ‘luck’ has been the result of me not quitting.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markamarston
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564082425032

Image Credits
Josh Stringer, Chris Smith