Check out our interview with podcast host and lifestyle content creator Mary Skinner who’s podcast “Prologues” lends herself to being more of the internet’s ‘big sister’ as she openly speaks on topics ranging from her mental health journey (she is bipolar and has OCD) to her current favorite beauty products. Mary is passionate about showcasing how she’s able to live her life happily and takes her followers on a beautiful journey both mentally and visually through the use of her social media and podcast mediums.
Additionally, Skinner has chosen to be outspoken on the affects social media can have on youth (young women especially) and notably quit TikTok after amassing over 1.4M followers as it was creating an unnecessary space for stress and mental health issues for her. In doing so, she has felt free and is looking forward to further travels with her Professional Rugby Player husband Matthew Gordon (the two recently spent a month in his home country of Scotland together) as well as embrace her ‘hibernation era’ as Mary is someone who LOVES to romanticize the winter season.
Follow Mary on IG @mary.cj.skinner & TikTok @mary_skinner
Hi Mary, please tell us a little about you?
I’m a 25-year-old lifestyle content creator based just outside of Washington, DC. I’m primarily on Instagram, YouTube, and my podcast, “Prologues,” where I talk about my lived experiences with bipolar disorder and OCD, my wellness and beauty routines, and my day-to-day life. I’m also a big reader, I love traveling, and I’m the absolute happiest when I get to spend time in nature!
Describe yourself in 3 words?
I cheated a bit and asked a friend – she said, “determined, radiant, generous.” I’ll take that!
How did you get started into the business?
I started social media right when the pandemic hit. I wasn’t expecting it to become a career, I was just bored and killing time in quarantine. For some reason, still not sure how or why, people decided to start following along! At the time, I was working as a writer and editor, but after just over a year of doing both, I decided to pursue content creation.
How has this changed your life?
Every imaginable way – I never considered myself to be entrepreneurial at all, but working in this industry means working for yourself, and I’ve learned a lot about myself through that. This job has also given me so many opportunities to connect with people all over the world over shared experiences, and I’m so grateful for that.
Tell us about your work as a lifestyle blogger and content creator?
I have so many topics that I love sharing about! I would say my ootds/grwms and my mental health chats are what the majority of my audience associates me with. I started sharing outfit and fashion videos back in 2021, and those really took off for me. At the same time, I started being vulnerable about my mental health, which a lot of people related to. I also love wellness, beauty, manifestation, and mindfulness, so I share about those things as well. I originally was mainly on TikTok, but I stepped back from the app earlier this year because I didn’t like how much I was consuming. My podcast is my pride and joy, and I’m hoping that becomes my main platform in the future.
Where or when did you found the love for this?
I’ve always been so grateful for my job, but I think I’ve really found a renewed passion for it this year. Leaving TikTok, even though it was scary, ended up being the best thing for my creativity and excitement to create. I honestly feel like I’m just getting started!
And about your very popular podcast “Prologues?”
Prologues is my baby! It’s becoming my favorite platform because it really allows me to dig deep and chat with my audience in a more nuanced way. No topic is off limits for Prologues – I’ve made episodes about dealing with long distance, drinking, Botox, sex, medication, bipolar and OCD, the post-graduation spiral, the list goes on. And I’m just getting started! Prologues is a place to get really comfortable with the chaos of being in your 20s.
Any advice to entrepreneurs out there?
I think you just need to start. I’m the type to get so caught up in the brainstorming and prep work and trying to make everything perfect that I feel paralyzed and don’t want to start. But you have to accept that whatever you’re trying to do might not be perfect at first, and that is okay. It’s okay to learn by doing, and starting already puts you ahead of half the competition!
What is the toughest decision you had to make in the last few months?
My husband is from Scotland, and we have talked for years about moving there together, but we just recently decided to take the plunge. We’re planning our move for mid-2024. It’s so scary! I’ve lived in Virginia my entire life, and all my family and friends are here – but I know in my soul this is the right choice, and I can’t wait to get started!
What is the most rewarding part of your work?
I think the most rewarding part is when I get a message from someone who has felt inspired by my page to go to therapy, or take a risk, or try something new. I’m still adjusting to this idea of having influence, and when someone lets me know that my influence has prompted them to do something good for themselves, it just makes me so grateful.
What advice would you give to your younger self and why?
It’s not that deep! Seriously! Everything that I thought was world-ending when I was younger…I rarely think about now. Time heals almost all wounds.
What is your favorite healthy food?
Fave vegan meal of all time – rice, seasoned tofu, roasted broccoli, all tossed in peanut sauce. It is the best!
And your favorite cheat food?
I can’t really call it a cheat food because I have them all the time, but salt & vinegar chips. I will eat the entire bag in one sitting and not even think twice about it.
How would you explain your fashion style?
Loads of denim, tartan patterns, vintage preppy pieces like Ralph Lauren sweaters, cowboy and motorcycle boots, maxi skirts with little tops, vintage designer pieces, and always lots of jewelry.
What’s next for Mary Skinner in the last months of 2023 and for 2024?
I’m getting ready to launch my first drop of podcast merch, and I have an exciting collaboration coming out at the end of the year. Next year will be all about getting ready to move to Scotland!
Where do you see yourself and your career in 5 years from now?
In five years, I’ll be living in another country. I’ll hopefully have another dog to keep my golden retriever, Fergus, company. I hope Prologues is still going strong and I’ve launched my lifestyle brand, and I hope I’m involved with more philanthropic causes!
Where we can follow you?
My podcast is called Prologues, and it streams on all major services. My Instagram is @mary.cj.skinner, and my YouTube is just under my name!
Photos: Cover Flowers and cowboy boots + a harness and green skirt: Sophia Price @sophiapricephotos
