Rising Stars: Meet Marion Rodriguez

Today we’d like to introduce you to Marion Rodriguez. 

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
At ?MUVSU? What Moves You? every purchase supports the gifting of Bagz to formerly incarcerated women returning to our communities from jail and prison. Since 2020 I have created over 400 uniquely crafted, hand painted, and sewn Designs (no 2 are alike) for sale or to be gifted. In order to combat my depression and isolation due to the COVID19 pandemic I created ?MUVSU? as an offering to myself and to women coming home. Customers are invited to write a personalized message in the notecard that will be in the bag that is gifted with words of encouragement and support. Join The MUVSUment today! 

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I enjoy painting and sewing and gifting the bags. That part is easy and what I want to do. Insofar as moving from a hobby to a business I have struggled with social media and marketing. I met a young girl (age 16) at a vending event who said she could create my social media presence. I asked her to email me, and before I got home, I had a proposal. Needless to say – she was hired. In about a month I had an IG page and a website. www.muvsu.net. 

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Some organizations that I am aligned with provide housing and services to women who are returning home from incarceration every day. Currently, my highest priority is the work to permanently close Rikers Island jail in NYC. https://fa.urbanjustice.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2020/11/FA-onepager-v1.2-email-footnote-2.pdf   MUVSU is philanthropic social impact art. Through amazing collaborations with individual customers and organizations we are changing perceptions, building our power, encouraging those who have more to give more with each purchase of a MUVSU handmade, one of a kind bag. Women who go to prison lose their possessions – so the bag is empty for a reason and represents a fresh start. MUVSU promotes values like being a kind human to humankind. It is a beautiful and creative way to give to others.  MUVSU Bags are currently being sold in Well Grounded Coffee Co. in Garland, the Pan African Connection Bookstore in Dallas, and Tha Alkaline Hour in Dallas.

Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I do not believe in luck. definition: The chance happening of fortunate or adverse events. I believe every encounter with people (however slight) is relevant, significant, and meaningful. I believe every day is a gift/and I use as many of the 24 hours in a day to breathe magic into my life and the lives of others. 

Contact Info:

• Email: whatmuvsu@gmail.com
• Website: www.muvsu.net
• Instagram: whatmovesyou_
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marion.rodriguez.71/