Starting a new career dedicated to youth at 50 is only the beginning.
Marilyn is a freelance writer, poet, published author, passionate interviewer and public speaker. She is a poet, a food blogger and fashion writer. She started her current career as a fashion writer and editor at 50, with no previous experience, when she answered a Craigslist ad from a New York fashion magazine. That chance encounter led to her first two story ideas being published and a new career launched. In her words, “proof positive that it is never too late to embrace a new passion.”
I love the interview. I love listening to people’s stories.
What Marilyn loves is talking to people – the interview – the telling of stories. She has worked within the dynamic Vancouver Arts Scene for many years now. “Whether it was a chance encounter on the New York subways system, or an organised one-on-one with an internationally recognized artist, my goal is always the same – to share the unique journeys of inspiring people,” says Marilyn. “I’ve worked hard to be accepted in the fashion industry. It wasn’t easy. I was so much older than the kids around me.”
“After working with New York Fashion, I co-launched a successful, innovative magazine focused on professionals working in the local Vancouver fashion industry in 2007. Pairing interviews with photography and illustrations by local artists, we brought Vancouver Fashion to the world.”
The past will influence the future, what you do about it is what counts.
In today’s world Marilyn would be classified as neurodivergent, what Marilyn knew was that she didn’t fit in. She was born into a tightly knit, Christian community in rural Washington state where conformity and fitting in were terribly important. Being too loud, too energetic, too curious were not truths to be admired. “I have ADHD. I didn’t know that as a child. I was not diagnosed. I just knew that I didn’t fit in. I was always told I was too much, too loud, too bold, too in your face. I thought I was ugly and stupid. I carried those scars well into adulthood,” confided Marilyn. “When we think of ADHD, we usually see a child running amuck in the classroom, or in my case in my father’s church. As an adult, ADHD presents a little differently, but still has many of the same challenges. It’s because of these challenges that I want to tell other’s stories, to make sure all are heard.”
Everyone has a story to tell, it’s just a matter of asking the right questions.
“I have turned my experiences of exclusion into a passion for storytelling,” says Marilyn. “I love listening and then translating other’s truths into the words that people connect with.”
As you listen to our chat you’ll discover that Marilyn is also a published author with two books on Amazon’s Best Seller list. her first book titled Life Outside The Box features mini-bios of ten of her favourite interviews.In her second book, The Wisdom of Listening, she shares the many life-changing pieces of wisdom she has received during her decade of interviewing inspiring people. The most important? “We are all exactly who we are meant to be. It's time for each of us to embrace and walk our own unique path – without apology.”
Marilyn runs the fashion and lifestyle blog Olio By Marilyn based in Vancouver.
“Marilyn Wilson is passionate about people – pure and simple. Combine that passion with her insatiable curiosity, genuine interest in the human journey and a gift for storytelling and you have someone you thoroughly enjoy – be it in-person or through her gifts with the written word. She inspires as surely as she derives inspiration from others.” - Debra Walker, Author and Human Relations Specialist
“Wilson empathizes so passionately with her subjects that each exchange seems like a therapeutic chat with a lifelong friend. If only all writers could get through the bony chest plate and to the heart so effortlessly!” - Darryl Humphrey, Professional Photographer
“I admire Marilyn’s commitment to finding and sharing an individual’s life stories in a way we can all connect with and relate to. A wonderful book showcasing inspirational stories and journeys on the road less travelled.” - Tricia Romani, President, Wilhelmina Models Vancouver
“Marilyn is a true professional in the fashion industry. Further, she is a great supporter and proponent of Canadian fashion.” - Christopher Bates, Creative Director
“Through the compelling stories of individuals who have made remarkable achievements by being true to themselves, this book shows how being yourself is the key to success.” - Andy Chu, Executive Producer, FMA Entertainment
“Marilyn Wilson does everything with a full heart, this includes sharing the stories of 10 amazing individuals. Wilson’s writing makes obvious her passion for her subjects. You’ll feel the same at the end of Life Outside the Box.” - Sarah Murray, Director, Fashion Capsule
“A book that will leave you feeling energized about life! Entertaining and thought provoking, the stories profiled are all about finding a purpose and creating a life of meaning and fulfillment.” - Vladimir Markovich, Creative and Fashion Director
Website - www.marilynrwilson.com
Instagram - @MarilynRWilson_Official
Blog - www.oliobymarilyn.com
Twitter - @oilobymarilyn
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