Today we’d like to introduce you to Mari “Mayree” Edwards.
Hi Mari “Mayree”, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My professional journey began with a deep commitment to community impact and a passion for understanding how people, systems, and environments interact. I pursued a Bachelor’s degree in English with a concentration in African American Literature and a Pre-Law minor because I’ve always believed that communication, narrative, and advocacy are powerful tools for shaping change. That academic foundation sharpened my analytical thinking, writing, and problem-solving skills — all of which later became essential in my consulting work.
My career path has taken me through multiple sectors, including project management, organizational operations, and community-centered programming. Along the way, I developed a fascination with how well-designed systems can transform the way organizations function. I earned 35 PDUs in project management and expanded my experience across roles that required coordination, strategic planning, team leadership, and cross-functional collaboration.
What’s interesting is that my consulting practice started organically. I became the go-to person among peers, colleagues, and community members for strategic insight, resume development, and guidance on navigating professional transitions. When I noticed the volume and impact of the work I was doing informally, I formalized my services and built the consulting arm of my business.
Under my creative moniker, ‘Mayree,’ I’ve continued to expand my work as a business consultant, social media and community influencer, and event curator. I operate primarily online, which has allowed me to support clients across industries and geographies. My approach is solution-oriented. I look at the core challenge, identify the operational or structural gap, and create a roadmap that leads to measurable results.
Today, I partner with individuals, small businesses, community organizations, and emerging entrepreneurs to help them refine their ideas, improve their operations, and strengthen their strategic direction. Whether I’m curating events, designing systems, or helping someone position themselves for a career transition, the throughline is always the same: clarity, structure, and intentional execution.
That combination of lived experience, formal training, and a passion for elevating others has shaped where I am today and continues to guide where I’m going.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road has definitely not been smooth, but every challenge has shaped the way I operate today. One of the biggest struggles early on was learning how to navigate spaces where I had the skillset and the drive, yet didn’t always have the access or the resources. As a young professional, I often found myself overextending—giving more than I was being compensated for or stepping into roles without clear boundaries because I genuinely wanted the work to succeed.
Another challenge involved balancing corporate responsibilities with the growing demand for my consulting services. I had to build systems, refine my offerings, and learn to say “no” without guilt. That took discipline and time. I also faced situations where client engagement was inconsistent, expectations were unclear, or projects required far more effort than originally communicated. Those moments taught me the importance of defining scope, understanding value, and ensuring alignment before committing to a project.
Entrepreneurship can also be isolating, especially when you are serving as the strategist, executor, and visionary all at once. I had to learn how to ask for help, leverage my network intentionally, and protect my time and energy.
Despite the hurdles, each obstacle strengthened my business acumen. The challenges pushed me to build a consulting practice grounded in structure, clarity, and mutual accountability—lessons that directly benefit the clients I serve today.
We’ve been impressed with We Are GLFRnds—Goal Friends, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My business ecosystem lives under the name We Are GLFRnds—Goal Friends. It’s more than a brand; it’s a community-centered creative collective built on vision, accountability, and shared growth. Inside that umbrella sits my professional services brand, Thee Solutionist Agency, where I do my deepest work as a strategist, project manager, and operations consultant.
The easiest way to explain what I do is this: I help people build what they see.
Whether someone is a founder with a big idea, an executive trying to strengthen operations, or a small team navigating growth, I step in to bring clarity, structure, and strategy. I’ve spent years moving between corporate environments, nonprofit spaces, government partnerships, and entrepreneurial circles. That range gives me the ability to understand the ‘language’ of multiple worlds and translate vision into execution in a way that feels intentional and human.
I specialize in strategic project management, operational systems, and community-focused programming. I’m known for my ability to take what feels chaotic or overwhelming and turn it into an organized, actionable plan. Clients come to me when they’re stuck, stretched thin, or trying to do everything on their own. What sets me apart is that I don’t just offer strategy—I offer strategy with empathy. I’m deeply invested in people, their goals, and the communities they serve.
Brand-wise, I’m proud of the integrity behind everything I create. My work is thoughtful, thorough, and rooted in sustainability. Whether I’m designing a community event, building an operational system, consulting on a business model, or supporting a founder through a major transition, I care about the long-term impact, not just the deliverable.
And now, with my business entering the world of government contracting through the APEX Accelerator, I’ve expanded my capacity to take on larger, community-impacting initiatives with even more structure and rigor.
What I want readers to know is simple: Thee Solutionist Agency is where vision meets alignment—and where strategy meets heart. I help leaders build with excellence, purpose, and clarity, and I do it in partnership with them, not for them. If you have a mission that matters, I’m the person you call when you’re ready to make it real.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
My biggest advice for anyone just starting out is to give yourself permission to start messy, but stay committed to refining along the way. A lot of people wait until they feel ‘ready,’ and the truth is, readiness is built through action. You learn the most by doing—by testing, adjusting, and being honest about what works and what doesn’t.
I also encourage new entrepreneurs to build real relationships. Your network is one of your greatest assets, not just for opportunities, but for perspective, accountability, and shared resources. Nurture your connections with intention. The people you help today may become the people who advocate for you tomorrow.
Another thing I wish I understood earlier is the importance of boundaries, especially with your time, your energy, and your pricing. When you’re new, it’s easy to overextend yourself because you want every opportunity to work. But operating from fear leads to burnout. Operating from clarity builds sustainability.
Finally, build systems early. Even simple structures—how you track tasks, communicate with clients, or manage your finances will save you time and frustration as you grow. I say this often: consistency beats intensity. You don’t have to do everything at once, but you do have to keep showing up.
If I could tell my younger self anything, it would be this: Trust your vision, protect your capacity, and allow yourself to evolve. The business will grow as you grow.
Pricing:
- 60-minute Deep Dive Strategy Session: beginning at $155
- Project-based strategy, planning, or management support beginning at $1,200+
- Full business development and project management support ranging $3,500–$7,500
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mailchi.mp/f4ba5d437079/weareglfrnds
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayreetheesolutionist/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MayreeTheeSolutionist/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/visionarymari/?skipRedirect=true
- Other: https://mayreescalendar.as.me/schedule/3f9f581a/?categories[]=WeAreGLFrnds.%20Services
Image Credits
SxSW EDU (March 2025); The Equity Alliance-Community Engagement with Representative Maxine Waters (October 2024);HBCU Wellness Project Student Health Ambassadors with Jonaé Woods(July 2025); Main Street America and Living Cities-Breaking Barriers to Business Initiative (February 2025); HBCU Wellness Project-Community Health & Wellness EXPO Flyer (July 2025); Juneteenth 615’s Black Restaurant Week Flyer (June 2025)
