Meet Trailblazer Maria ‘Masha’ Carter

Today we’d like to introduce you to Maria ‘Masha’ Carter.

Masha, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Thank you for having me!

Every time I am asked to talk about myself, I get lost. It is always a hard question… where to start? I prefer when people call me Masha. I am Masha from Russia.

I’ve always been very artistic and creative. My mom told me that I started dancing before I learned how to walk. So, I danced, I copied actors from the movies, I loved dressing up and posing in front of the camera. Ever since my childhood, I have enjoyed performing. At first, it was in our living room, then I moved to the stage in grade school and later in college. It wasn’t long before, I was performing with famous Russian artists on the big stage.

Although I knew that I was born to be a performer, I attended graduate school and received a Master’s degree in Marketing which has been beneficial in my journey. Growing up in a conservative country, becoming a professional actress or dancer seemed impossible and childish at times. So, I kept my performing lifestyle for my free time, and at times locked away my dream.

I left my home country four years ago. If I say, that my life turned upside down, it would be a huge understatement. My life divided into before and after. A different language, culture, food, habits, weather, people… I had to adjust to a new everything. It wasn’t easy emotionally, it still is not easy at times. I often face stereotypes and although people think it’s funny, unfortunately, there is nothing funny about them. It feels like every time people put the worst things about your country right into your face and wait for your reaction. It is not the most amusing activity. I had to get used to it. Now, I try to just laugh at them because the stereotypes seem ridiculous. Occasionally, I use stereotypes in my favor and try to have fun with it. I learned to accept differences than to fight them.

It took me a while to feel like I could belong in this country. If I didn’t have a family here, I’d most likely have gone back. My family is my biggest asset: my mom, my stepdad, and my little 4-year-old sister. Yet, I truly admire people who are able to settle down in a foreign country being on their own.

The first year was the hardest emotionally. I didn’t speak English very well, I didn’t have any friends, I couldn’t legally work, I didn’t know how to drive. Little by little, with my family’s support, it all got better. My stepdad taught me how to drive, I took some English classes, I met some friends, I started teaching dance. I even got my MBA degree along the way. Then I met my husband, and things fell right into place.

The country of free-thinking and anything-is-possible spirit gave me enough courage to finally pursue my dream I kept for so long in a closet. In 2018, I decided to pursue a creative career. So now, I can proudly introduce myself: I am Masha, I am an actor, dancer, voiceover artist, and entrepreneur. It gives me goosebumps to think about. There is no better feeling than the fulfillment which comes from doing what you are passionate about.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I wouldn’t say a majority of my road was too bumpy. I was raised by an incredibly strong woman who I can proudly call my mom. I can’t possibly complain after watching what she had to go through so I could live my life the way I do now. She worked hard for us both. I think my first advice would be – appreciation. Every single time you feel down, find at least one thing to be grateful for. That’s where my mind makes a shift to a place where there is no room for complaining.

However, I would be lying if I said that my journey was only full of rainbows and unicorns. Yes, sometimes, I feel overwhelmed, burnt out, stressed, impatient. I am that type of person who wants it all and wants it now. But I realize that the universe just doesn’t work this way, so I pick myself up, breath and start again.

Picking a career you want is not always easy, especially if it’s a creative career. It is not easy when people don’t understand your choice. When people around you keep asking when they are going to see you in a movie theater. Or when will you stop playing a ‘pretend game’? or when will they see you on the red carpet? Or why haven’t they ever heard the names of the projects you are in? My advice? Surround yourself with like-minded people. People who pursue the same dreams set similar goals and have similar aspirations. Community plays a huge role when you need help, support, advice or you just want to share your “small” accomplishments. I was fortunate enough to find people like that. And most importantly, I married my biggest fan and my best friend. 😉 My husband is the person who believes in me more than I do, and always supports me and gives constructive feedback. He’s my Spielberg!

The creative struggle is real and self-doubt has a way of sneaking up when I expect it the least. A creative career can keep you in fear of the unknown. But it’s important to keep your eyes on the prize. It is important to understand why I am doing what I am doing. When I remind myself about my ‘why’, then everything comes into place. Although a creative career is unpredictable and doesn’t have a corporate ladder, it is definitely adventurous and full of surprises. Yet, it is necessary to set the goals and work on them. Every single day. One small step at a time. I have a vision board where I can see my big picture, then I set the goals for the year, then I have monthly goals and steps I need to take weekly and daily. That’s what keeps me on track and reminds me that when I feel like I’m doing a lot but not moving anywhere, it is actually not true. I’m taking small steps along the path I’ve chosen.

Most importantly, you need to fall in love with your journey. Otherwise, it will become just a long race for you. Celebrate that you love what you are doing, and doing what you love. Your journey shouldn’t be perfect, it should just feel right for you.

We’d love to hear more about your work.
As I mentioned before, I am pursuing a creative career as an actor, dancer, and voice-over artist. I am a storyteller. Although I am at the beginning of my journey, I am sure I’m already in love with it. I dreamt about it for so long that I thought it would stay just a dream forever but then I realized that if not now, I’d regret it later. So, I basically woke up one day and decided to do it.

Besides that, I put my Marketing and Business degrees to work. My mom and I work as a team building her new business “New You Food.” My mom is extremely passionate about a healthy lifestyle, recipes and how food affects our bodies. Currently, we are creating an online course where my mom teaches how you can improve your health, mood, productivity and the way you look through healthy and delicious recipes. While mom is an expert in the health field, I lead the marketing strategy. I built and maintain the website, create and edit the video content, as well as manage all of the social media platforms.

I am an open book, and love sharing my experience, my journey, my ups and downs on Instagram. I tell my story through pictures, videos, and captions. I like to embrace different sides of me: silly, funny, sassy, goofy, sexy, serious, fierce, determined, transparent, impatient, creative and crazy. It’s all me.

I don’t know where my life takes me next but I am embracing every opportunity that comes my way. Just like this interview. Thank you for it. 😉

So much of the media coverage is focused on the challenges facing women today, but what about the opportunities? Do you feel there are any opportunities that women are particularly well positioned for?
I think that now more and more doors are opening up for women. And women themselves don’t hesitate to open those doors themselves. I want to believe that we are unstoppable, and we shouldn’t listen to those who say otherwise. Empowered women empower women!

Contact Info:

• Email: itscartermaria@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itscartermaria/
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/newyoufood/

Image Credit:
Emily Dukes

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