Meet Mariah Rountree | Model, Singer, and Actress

We had the good fortune of connecting with Mariah Rountree and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mariah, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I think my artistic side really just stemmed from my childhood and the positive feelings and memories attached to it stuck with me. Growing up pretty much as an only child, I had to find ways to entertain myself. The main things I enjoyed was playing with my dolls-by coming up with very imaginative, detailed scenarios, watching television reruns, and rushing to do my homework so afterwards I could be on the karaoke machine for the rest of the evening. A very vivid memory I think back to is the times I would have sleepovers with my cousins and friends. We would come up with dancing/ singing routines and then try to recreate scenes that stuck out to us from Disney and Nickelodeon Shows. This along with jumping around my mom’s room singing with her to the songs she would play off the CD player, were some of my most enjoyable moments as a child. I went on to be very active at my church, doing things like singing in the choir, praise dancing, plays, etc. Shortly after, I started attending performing arts schools. I attended M.D. Roberts Middle School of the Performing Arts, Mount Zion High School, and Martha Ellen Stilwell School of the Arts {for music}. I went off to college and ended up getting my Bachelor’s in Psychology at The University of West Georgia. During and after college I had to figure out if I enjoyed the arts as a form of escapism from my “shy lifestyle” and problems or if I genuinely wanted to incorporate it into my career. No matter which avenue I studied I ended up running back to creative outlets. More recently, I have been attending workshops, classes, and events as well as finding my voice. I am grateful to say that I am now signed to a SAG-AFTRA agency. I’m hoping for the best for creatives around the world during this writer’s strike and I am so excited for the future projects I will be working on soon with some very talented writers and coaches. I truly just want to do what I genuinely enjoy and hope to inspire, motivate, and bring joy to others along the way while holding on to my morals, values, and faith through this journey.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I have been an Assistant Manager in retail {Women’s Fashion} as well. Aside from me loving fashion and clothes, I think this position was actually very important in my life. Even though, I enjoy the presence of others I grew up being soft spoken and avoidant of confrontation/conflict. I think this job has given me the opportunity to meet many people from all walks of life and be able to empathize with them as well as stay calm under pressure. I think the customer service aspect of this job is a very humbling facet. I have acquired organizational skills, exhibited more effective communication, and provided effective direction to coworkers. Being a manager becomes easier over time, especially when you have a good team, even though it can have its challenging moments. These skills have helped me in most instances, whether it be professionally or outside of work.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If you’re in the Metro Atlanta area I would definitely say to check out the Fountain City Classic in Columbus, GA. This is where two HBCU’s will have a football game against each other to help with funding and giving scholarships to students. They also have different clothing vendors and great food. I would also say to hit up Ponce City Market. They have a lot of nice shops to look around in as well as an awesome rooftop area with plenty of entertainment. Then I would say to go to any of ATL’s jazz festivals. it’s always a nice vibe, and I would say the same for any of the comedy shows in the area if you want a good laugh. Two restaurants that I have enjoyed eating at is Gocha’s Breakfast Bar and The Garden Room, so I would recommend it to others. And of course, if you have never been to the Georgia Aquarium that is definitely a staple for adults and kids.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My mom is such a big reason that I have accomplished the things that I have thus far. I already know I wouldn’t be where I am now if my mom didn’t do the things she did for me and others and raised me the way she did. I truly believe that her faith and obedience to the Lord brought upon blessings that allowed her to support and care for me, and I hope to do the same. Furthermore. I also believe it takes a village. I am also shouting out my cousins, Briana and Jessica for helping me whenever I need it, along with the rest of my family- my aunts, uncles, church family, friends, coworkers, and all the organizations that have supported me.

Instagram: www.instagram.com/mariah_tiarra

Image Credits
Slingshots Photography Livi Blue Photography Brittany Na’shell