Today we’d like to introduce you to Maria Orf.
Hi Maria , it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I’ve always believed that where you start doesn’t have to determine where you end up. I was living on my own and had my own apartment by the time I was 16, so independence wasn’t really a choice, it was something I had to learn early. Looking back, I think that’s what gave me the work ethic and resilience that have carried me through every chapter of my life.
One of my favorite stories is from when I was getting my driver’s license. I had no one to take me to the exam, so I drove myself there, but parked across the street so the examiner wouldn’t realize I’d driven myself before I had my license. It still makes me laugh because it perfectly sums up my mindset back then: if no one was going to help me get somewhere, I’d figure it out myself.
I spent nine years modeling, which introduced me to incredible people and opportunities I never would have imagined. That experience opened doors into entrepreneurship, e-commerce, digital marketing, and real estate, and it taught me that relationships and experiences can be just as valuable as formal education.
I’ve also been fortunate to travel extensively and live in places like New York City, Shanghai, Amsterdam, Málaga, Spain and many more. Those experiences shaped how I see the world. I’ve met people from every walk of life, including my best friend Farrah, whom I met while living in New York, and those cities taught me that everyone has a story worth hearing.
I work hard because, for a long time, I had to. But today, my definition of success isn’t just about building multiple businesses or financial security. It’s about creating freedom, freedom for my family, the freedom to travel, to keep learning, meet inspiring people, and experience as much of this world as I possibly can.
Today, Im the founder of a digital marketing agency, Like Minded HQ, where I have the privilege of helping businesses grow their brand awareness, generate more revenue, and build companies they’re proud of. One of the most rewarding parts of what I do is watching my clients succeed. There’s nothing better than seeing someone else’s vision come to life and knowing I played a small part in helping them get there. After spending so much of my own life fighting for opportunities, being able to help create them for others feels like everything has come full circle.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road all of the time. One of my biggest challenges was simply growing up far earlier than most people my age. At 16, I was living on my own, working full-time, going to school, paying rent, buying groceries, and figuring out how to make ends meet. While many of my classmates were excited about prom, homecoming, spring break, and spending time with friends, my focus was making sure I could pay my bills and get through another week.
Those experiences shaped me in ways I didn’t fully appreciate until I was older. I had to become independent very quickly, and because of that, I’ve often found it difficult to relate to people my own age. My priorities were simply different. I wasn’t thinking about what everyone else was doing, I was thinking about how to build a life for myself.
In my early twenties, after years of working nonstop, by the grace of God, I was introduced to the modeling industry, and I finally started chasing something I’d dreamed about for a long time: seeing the world. Ive always been a free spirit, I traveled extensively, often on my own, and lived in places I never imagined I’d call home. Every city, every country, and every person I met broadened my perspective and reinforced that success isn’t measured only by what you own, but by the experiences you have and the impact you leave on others.
Looking back, I wouldn’t wish those early struggles on anyone, but I also wouldn’t trade them. They taught me to have a savage work ethic, resilience, resourcefulness, how to live a full life, a positive mindset and gratitude. They showed me that obstacles don’t have to define your future, they can become the foundation you build it on.
My journey has taught me that not everyone will cheer for your success, and that’s okay. I’ve learned that negativity often says more about someone’s own struggles than it does about you. Rather than responding with anger, I try to move forward with empathy, grace, and a focus on the things that truly matter to me.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
After spending nearly a decade modeling, I gained firsthand experience in branding, marketing, networking, and the power of storytelling. As digital marketing continued to evolve, I became passionate about the strategy behind building brands, growing businesses, and creating content that truly connects with people. Those experiences gave me the foundation and skill set to launch Like Minded HQ.
Today, we help businesses increase their brand awareness, strengthen their online presence, attract more customers, and ultimately grow their revenue through strategic social media marketing, content creation, paid advertising, and branding.
What sets us apart is that we don’t believe in “one size fits all marketing”. Every business has a unique story, and we create customized strategies that reflect who they are and where they want to go. We intentionally keep our agency boutique so we can build meaningful relationships with our clients and truly become an extension of their team.
The most rewarding part of my job isn’t the marketing itself, it’s watching our clients succeed. I know what it feels like to build something from the ground up, so seeing other entrepreneurs grow their businesses and achieve their goals is incredibly fulfilling.
At Like Minded HQ, our mission is simple: help good businesses get the visibility they deserve so they can continue making an impact in their communities. When our clients win, we win.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
I believe that luck tends to find people who keep showing up. Every long day, every setback, every risk, and every lesson created opportunities that I never could have planned for.
Today, I feel incredibly fortunate, not because life has been perfect, but because I get to wake up doing work I genuinely love. I have the freedom to travel, raise a family, try different avenues of entrepreneurship, continue learning, meet amazing people, and help other business owners build the futures they’re working so hard for. To me, that’s what luck really looks like.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.likemindedHQ.com
- Instagram: LikeMindedHQ
