Mari Diaz: Healing After Loss, Embracing Creativity, and Building a Life of Purpose | Ep. 23

How do you rebuild when life doesn’t go according to plan?

In Episode 23 of TURTZED, Charlie sits down with Mari Diaz, a multi-talented creative at HGAB Studios in Miami, to talk about her incredible journey from professional dance to photography, art direction, and graphic design—after a life-altering diagnosis changed everything.

Mari shares her deeply personal story of growing up first-generation, navigating family expectations, finding independence after moving out, surviving kidney disease, and learning to turn hardship into resilience and purpose.

This conversation is about more than art—it’s about survival, healing, and believing you can still create a beautiful life, no matter the obstacles.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Charlie and Mari explore how early passions can evolve into new dreams, how hardship can fuel creativity, and why reclaiming your narrative is the ultimate act of healing. Mari opens up about redefining success, trusting herself through radical life changes, and finding a new creative identity after the loss of her first dream.

Key Takeaways:

Creativity Evolves with You – Dreams don’t die; they transform as you grow and change.

Resilience Comes from Letting Go – Mourning old versions of yourself is painful, but necessary for growth.

Family Support Can Be a Lifeline – Having a strong support system is critical when facing health challenges.

Healing Isn’t Linear – Grieving your old life while building a new one is messy, beautiful, and worth it.

You Are Your Own Hero – Waiting to be rescued keeps you stuck. Taking control of your story creates freedom.

Perspective Changes Everything – Life’s setbacks happen for you, not to you, if you’re willing to shift your mindset.

Looking for more stories on resilience, healing, and identity?

Subscribe now to the TURTZED podcast on your favorite platform:

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