By: Le’Deana

Mariah Oliver has built a career around connection.

As founder of EMBOSS Network and owner of Behind the Screen Marketing, she creates spaces for women to build relationships while helping businesses, organizations and cultural experiences strengthen how they show up.

During Episode 29 of the Midwest Leak Podcast, Mariah shared that her own journey into community started after college, when she realized she had earned degrees without building much of a professional network. That experience eventually inspired the brunch that grew into EMBOSS Week and a larger network centered around connection, professional development and community.

The relationships she built also helped grow Behind the Screen Marketing. Mariah says getting outside, showing up in community and maintaining strong relationships have been major parts of building her business. She also talks about the importance of customer service, referrals and taking care of the clients already in front of you.

One of the most personal parts of our conversation was her decision to reposition the women’s network she had spent years building. A trademark issue forced her to consider the long-term future of the brand. She shared the tears and uncertainty that came with letting go of a familiar identity, along with the confidence that came from seeing the community continue to show up.

The new name also created room for a wider community. EMBOSS welcomes entrepreneurs, professionals and women looking for connection, growth or simply a space to be around other women.

Mariah also shared some of the less glamorous lessons of entrepreneurship, from getting caught up on years of taxes to learning when to hire people who are stronger in areas where she needs support. That same mindset carries into Creators Table, a partnership at the Madam Walker Legacy Center supporting creative entrepreneurs with business education, capital and marketing resources.

Episode 29 is a conversation about relationships, growth, making hard business decisions and having the confidence to evolve what you built when the bigger picture requires it.

Watch Mariah Oliver on Pivoting with Purpose & Building for the Bigger Picture | Episode 29 of the Midwest Leak Podcast on YouTube.