Today we’d like to introduce you to Marisa & Maurio King-goodman & Goodman
Hi Marisa & Maurio, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Marisa: I grew up in NYC, the daughter of an Orthopedic Surgeon and Registered Nurse, I watched them serve people my whole life so it was inevitable that I would want to serve in some way as well. Not inclined to enter into the medical field, I studied business and since a young age have focused on building and marketing brands that serve a larger purpose.
I’ve always been passionate about helping people find happiness and fulfillment. It started with my own journey of self-discovery, where I began to realize how much of our happiness comes from intentional habits and mindset shifts. I struggled for years on my own journey and then I spent several years studying personal development, mindfulness, and emotional well-being, all while looking for ways to share what I’d learned with others. That led to the creation of my book, WTF is Happy, and later, my 30-day guide to happiness which will be out May 1st. I wanted to break down the complexities of happiness and show people how they could take small steps every day toward a more fulfilled life.
When I met my husband, I saw how much he embodied resilience and strength—especially in overcoming trauma and navigating anger. His own story of healing deeply inspired me and watching him daily inspires me further. Together, we realized that our individual paths intersected in meaningful ways, so we started working on projects that would help people create not just happier lives, but also healthier, more balanced ones. That’s when we decided to combine our skills—his culinary expertise and my focus on well-being—into books and content that empower others to take control of their health and emotions.
Maurio: For me, the kitchen has always been a place of creativity, joy, and healing. Growing up, cooking was a way to bring people together, and it became a form of self-expression. But it wasn’t just about the food—it was about the connection that food created between people. As I became more experienced as a chef, I realized that the best meals aren’t just about the ingredients—they’re about pairing flavors, textures, and emotions. I started to focus on how food can nourish not only the body but also the spirit. That’s why I began sharing my recipes and culinary techniques with others through my cookbook and classes.
When my wife and I started collaborating, it felt like a natural extension of what we were both already doing. Her work in personal development and restaurants and my passion for cooking came together in a way that felt like we could provide a holistic approach to health—focusing not only on mental well-being but also on physical nourishment. Our combined work has allowed us to create books and events that offer practical tools for people to lead happier, more fulfilling lives.
We’re both committed to helping people transform their lives which started with ourselves, whether through mental health practices, emotional healing, or food. And now, we’re merging our expertise to create content and experiences that inspire people to live at their full potential. It’s been an amazing journey so far, and we’re just getting started!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Marisa: It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, and I think that’s something people often don’t realize. When I started on my journey of writing and sharing about happiness and personal development, I faced a lot of self-doubt. I questioned if I was really the right person to speak on these topics, or if anyone would even care about what I had to say. It’s easy to get stuck in that place of ‘who am I to teach others?’ But I had to push past those fears, trusting that my experiences and the lessons I’d learned could truly help people.
From successful businesses to a failed partnership to raising 3 kids, it has been a constant flow of ups and downs.
Additionally, balancing everything—writing, working on my personal projects, and life—was a constant challenge. It took a lot of time management, trial and error, and learning how to prioritize the things that really matter. But those struggles also gave me a deeper sense of appreciation for the process and the growth that came with it. It made me realize that even though the road isn’t always smooth, the hard work and commitment are what lead to breakthroughs.
Maurio: For me, the journey has been full of highs and lows, in both my personal life and in the culinary world. Becoming a chef and building my brand hasn’t been easy, especially in such a competitive industry. I had to work through a lot of uncertainty and rejection early on, and it was tough not always knowing if I was on the right path. But one of the biggest challenges I faced was learning how to blend my passion for cooking with my desire to heal and connect with people in a more meaningful way. I had to let go of the idea that being a chef was just about the food—it had to be about the experience, the emotions, and how I could help others through my work.
Collaborating with my wife on our joint projects also had its own challenges. We both have different strengths, so at first, there was some trial and error in figuring out how to merge our visions. But what’s beautiful is that we complement each other in ways that have helped us grow and push through the tough times together. We’ve learned that the best projects are the ones where we trust each other and bring our individual strengths to the table.
We’ve both had our fair share of struggles, but they’ve also been some of the most important lessons we’ve learned. Each challenge has made us stronger and more resilient in our work and in our personal lives. We’ve learned that nothing worth having comes easy, and we’re grateful for the lessons along the way because they’ve led us to where we are today.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Marisa is an award-winning entrepreneur, dynamic speaker, sought-after business and lifestyle coach, and author of WTF is Happy, released in March 2024, with the follow-up scheduled for March 2025. Raised in Greenwich Village, NYC, she was inspired by her accomplished family to launch her career early. At just 16, she self-incorporated her first business, kicking off a career that would span industries and titles.
With a degree in Marketing, Marisa gained hands-on experience in the entertainment industry, working with top companies like Interscope and Universal Records. As a consultant, she helped launch successful campaigns for major brands like Coca-Cola and H.I.P.
She is the founder of Buzz Brand Marketing Group, where she provides strategic marketing solutions for clients across sectors, including corporate executives, athletes, and entertainers. In 2021, she co-founded Scrum-did-dly-ump-tious, a breakfast and brunch eatery, and currently co-owns Afternoons Kitchen & Catering in Dallas, TX with her husband.
Marisa’s expertise spans marketing, PR, event management and hospitality. She’s orchestrated high-profile campaigns featured in outlets like The NY Times and CNN, worked on congressional campaigns, and managed events like HBO’s NY International Film Festival and Brooklyn Fashion Weekend.
Passionate about women’s empowerment, Marisa founded the Women’s Entrepreneurial Network and launched Women Who Crush It and Intimate Conversations, a series focused on elevating women’s voices.
Named one of Atlanta’s Women of Power & Influence by The Atlantan Magazine in 2014, Marisa has earned numerous accolades, including the President’s Corporate Entrepreneur of the Year Award and a spot on The Network Journal’s 40 Under Forty list.
A proud mother of three, Mimi to two grandsons, and a New Yorker-turned-Dallas resident by way of Atlanta, Marisa is dedicated to empowering others to clarify their purpose and create the life they want.
Maurio: Maurio Goodman is a self-taught chef and motivational speaker with a passion for transforming the culinary experience. Born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and raised in the suburbs of Atlanta, Georgia, Maurio’s journey has been anything but conventional, with a few stops in between that shaped his unique approach to food and life.
Without formal culinary training, Maurio learned to cook through hands-on experience, refining his craft at several prestigious restaurants throughout his career. His dedication and creativity in the kitchen have earned him recognition as a chef who blends flavor, technique, and inspiration into every dish.
On March 9th, Maurio will release his highly anticipated cookbook, Culinary Infusions, a collection of recipes that reflect his personal journey and love for bold, innovative flavors.
As the co-owner and operator of Afternoons Kitchen & Catering, a full-service catering company based in Dallas, TX, Maurio works alongside his wife, who is also his business partner. Together, they provide clients with unforgettable culinary experiences that are as meaningful as they are delicious.
Maurio’s story is one of resilience, passion, and a relentless pursuit of excellence, both in the kitchen and in life. He lives in Dallas, TX, where he continues to inspire others through his cooking and motivational speaking.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
Marisa: My parents most definitely deserve so much credit for who I am today, my cousin Carla and my sister, Raine have been my biggest supporters, and my biggest cheerleaders and inspiration are my children.
Maurio: God
Contact Info:
- Website: www.kinggoodmangroup.com | www.marisaking.com | www.mauriogoodman.com | www.afternoonskitchen.com
- Instagram: @iammarisaking | @mauriogoodman
