Jacqueline Marra is the Founder of Dirty Girl Soap, an organic handmade soap company. She is definitely one of the most positive humans I've ever come across; she listed her first layoff to be one of the best things to happen to her, which is the kind of attitude I aspire to have. She shares conspiracy theories, her dating advice, and go-to hydration pick me up. Marra everybody:
1. What is your life motto right now?
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Make things happen.
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2. What's your most-played song within the past week? Why?​
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Open by Rhye it never fails to make me smile.
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3. Your Top Three Books of All Time:
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The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho - because c’mon
What I Was Doing While You Were Breeding by Kristin Newman - a fun and v. relatable read (for me)
Just about any Holocaust book - sorry this got depressing but I’m fascinated
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4. Your Approach to Health in One Sentence:
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Enjoy everything in moderation and drink lots of coconut water.
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5. Your Approach to Happiness in One Sentence:​
Life is short. Buy the plane ticket, quit your job, try a new industry, eat the entire tray of rice krispies treats, learn a new hobby and laugh with your friends.
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6. Your Approach to Dating in One Sentence:​
Find someone who you can have fun with in a grocery store.
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7. Funny/most cringe-worthy date:
It was our second date and I attended an improve show he was solo performing in. His set was first and he was dressed head to toe in a gorilla suit as he pretended to receive fellatio by a Brazilian hooker while holding a fake gun to her head. I was one of ten people in the audience and left before the show ended.
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8. Your most used word:
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I’m screaming.
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*In response to something funny.
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9. Last screenshot:
Quarantine has made me one pale chica.
10. What are 1-3 things you do when you feel blue to make yourself feel better? / or feel like you’re having an off day?
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I look through my camera roll for photos of happy times.
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I do yoga and take deep breaths. (Peep my new project @jay_mammi_flow where I will be teaching virtual vinyasa classes)
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I fantasize about my next travel adventure.
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11. Insert most used emoji:​
In 2017, I was laid off from my first job post college. Two days later I was on a flight to Bali, alone. It was my first time solo traveling and I was ecstatic for what was ahead. It was essentially my eat, pray, love and I met my boyfriend, Jan, on an island off the coast of Bali during that visit. For the record, I approached him. Most recently, in 2019, Jan and I left our jobs, apartments and lives as we knew it for a year-long trip around the world. Similar to my solo adventure years prior, I learned to lean into my spontaneity, become more open-minded, and live a little. It reinforced the idea that I have total control of my life and life is short, pursue your dreams now, not later.
12. Most inspiring quote:
“Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass. It's about learning how to dance in the rain”
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13. What was the last thing that made you laugh?
The conspiracy theory that COVID-19 was created by dogs so their owners could stay home with them all day. That one got me.
and Curb Your Enthusiasm because Larry David is life.
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14. Who’s someone who you can rely on to always make you smile? Why/what do they do?
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My mom, she is my number one cheerleader and hype lady and is definitions of positive vibes.
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15. Best advice you’ve ever gotten:
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“Don’t work in a cube farm! “ - my marketing professor at Indiana University
It was always the last question on each exam.
16. Someone/something that changed your life (for the better):
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In 2017, I was laid off from my first job post college. Two days later I was on a flight to Bali, alone. It was my first time solo traveling and I was ecstatic for what was ahead. It was essentially my eat, pray, love and I met my boyfriend, Jan, on an island off the coast of Bali during that visit. For the record, I approached him. Most recently, in 2019, Jan and I left our jobs, apartments and lives as we knew it for a year-long trip around the world. Similar to my solo adventure years prior, I learned to lean into my spontaneity, become more open-minded, and live a little. It reinforced the idea that I have total control of my life and life is short, pursue your dreams now, not later.
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17. Most overrated advice / trend right now (in your opinion):
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The Instagram push-up challenge, see 10 do 10. I’m sorry, I can’t get behind it!
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18. Something you feel like saying:
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What’s going on with the world?!
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19. Fave website / youtube video / link online at the moment:
For the past 10 years, every Sunday I go to https://postsecret.com/ and read the new submissions.
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20. Fill in the blank: I’m happiest when I: _______________________
am basking in the sun.
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21. Tag a gem who inspires you:
My sister, @jesschumarra
Images courtesy of Dirty Girl Soap