Members Only: Taking the Leap with Maurisa Potts

We love our members, so we’re highlighting them in the ongoing series Members Only. A District Fray member since 2020, Maurisa Potts is a marketing connoisseur who lent us her expertise to achieve dreams. Become a member here.

Maurisa Potts knows how to get “spotted.” As an ace in the PR world, Potts has tackled a wide range of sectors: fashion, non-profit, culture, tourism and economic development. She is a former Board Chair for the Alexandria Small Business Development Center, and involved in organizations such as ColorComm (Women of Color in Communications), Fashion Group International, Couture Circle and the American Marketing Association DC Chapter to name a few. Potts used her vast knowledge and experience in corporate marketing to become the founder and CEO of Spotted MP (Marketing + Public Relations_. We talked with Potts about showing others she is a jack of all trades.

District Fray: How did you get into marketing, communications and event planning?
Maurisa Potts: This year marks 14 years of going out on my own and leaving corporate America. I continue doing marketing and PR as my profession because I love what I do and I’m a very creative person. I’m also very strategic and I love to tell stories. I love working with clients to share their stories through various strategic communication mediums.

What led you to jump from being a member of a corporate firm to starting Spotted MP?
When someone says I can’t do anything, my “Mamba Mentality” kicks in and say game on – challenge me. What’s important to raise as a woman of color is that when I decided to go out on my own and continue to do marketing and PR, I was told there was no chance I would succeed. Evolving myself into an entrepreneur was only going to be a “hobby”. Many individuals, especially Black women, are afraid to take that leap of faith, but they [still] take it and go for it to see where the journey takes them.

If you could advise your younger self, what would you say?
One tool you have is your voice. Don’t be silent or back down when you want to pursue your career or dream job. Many women of color or minorities are very quiet in sharing their dreams and do not stand in their power or use their voice when they want something. Do not silence yourself.

Have you faced an area in which you might not have been so well-versed? How do you tackle it?
Study up. Do your research. I have worked in various sectors, from law firms to corporate, accounting, and retail. In all of these industries, marketing communications tactics and strategies can be applied and adapted. For example, I was in a law firm for about seven years, and it was very intimidating because I did not know a lick about legal. I would review the firm’s background, review legal terminology and ask many questions to help me grow and understand the sector.  Do not be afraid to ask those questions to help you grow, learn and improve your position.

What made you become a District Fray member?
District Fray has created a wonderful space where they put a spotlight on a variety of unsung creatives, changemakers, disruptors, do-gooders and innovators who are the heartbeat of this region. Its inclusive rich, eclectic style speaks to me, and I have learned so much about people featured in District Fray. Some of them I have reached out to for collaboration.

What’s your favorite District Fray article?
I feel people know we are an art, culture and now an ever-growing foodie town, but I love anything fashion related. It’s a pet peeve when people don’t think D.C. is fashionable and just a government focused town.

Learn more about Maurisa Potts by visiting maurisapotts.com and follow her on Instagram @mtpotts.

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Anne Waldron