Help me turn my passion for creativity into a business

I’m raising funds to help me take the next step towards building a creative videography business — something I’ve dreamed of doing for years. With the right equipment, I’ll be able to turn my passion for storytelling, photography and videography into something I can build a future around. For me, this fundraiser isn’t just about buying a camera or some equipment; it’s about creating an opportunity to build a career around something I genuinely love, while embracing the person I’ve worked so hard to become.

Hello, my name is Mariann. I’m 32 years old, late-diagnosed AuDHD, and I live with Tourette’s. I’ve always been a creative person, and creating has been a huge part of who I am for as long as I can remember.

I have a degree in Media Production, although my time at university was challenging. At the time, I was undiagnosed autistic and had ADHD, and I struggled to understand why I found it so difficult to fit in and connect with other people. Having also experienced bullying throughout school for being different, these experiences had a significant impact on my mental health and self-esteem.

Around three years ago, I was finally diagnosed with both autism and ADHD. Those diagnoses were completely life-changing. For the first time, so many things about the way I experienced the world began to make sense. Rather than seeing myself as someone who was simply struggling to fit in, I could begin to understand and accept myself for who I am.

Since then, I’ve been on a journey of self-acceptance, personal growth and improving my mental wellbeing. I’ve learned to understand myself better, embrace the things that make me different, and surround myself with people who accept and appreciate me for who I truly am.

My passion for creativity

Creativity has always been a huge part of my life. I’ve loved videography and photography for as long as I can remember — capturing beautiful moments, scenery and memories, and turning them into something that tells a story.

After university, I explored lots of different creative paths. I’ve sold artwork and jewellery at markets, created commissioned artwork, and designed professional logos and branding for businesses. I still love having all of these creative outlets, but over time, videography has become my main focus and my greatest passion.

Another huge turning point in my life was discovering burlesque.

I started performing around three years ago, and it completely changed my confidence. As someone who had once been incredibly shy and struggled with low self-esteem, the idea of standing on a stage in front of an audience would once have felt impossible.

But burlesque gave me something I didn’t know I needed: freedom, empowerment and a way to express myself without having to hide who I am. It has become a form of therapy for me and continues to bring me so much happiness.

It has also helped me realise just how powerful creativity and self-expression can be.

Turning my passion into a business

Being neurodivergent in a world that isn’t always designed with neurodivergent people in mind can be challenging. But learning to embrace my authentic self, connecting with people who understand my experiences, and expressing myself through creativity and performance have helped me become the person I am today.

Now, I want to take the next step and turn my passion for videography into a business of my own.

Unfortunately, because of my age, I’m unable to access much of the funding support that may be available to others without taking on significant loans. Taking on that level of debt isn’t something I feel comfortable doing, so I’ve been trying to find another way to make this dream possible.

A few people suggested that I set up a GoFundMe, and although I was initially quite apprehensive about asking for help, I’ve decided to take a leap of faith and give it a try.

The money raised will help me invest in the equipment I need to properly get my business up and running, including a camera, tracking tripod, lighting equipment and other essential tools.

For me, this isn’t simply about buying equipment. It’s about creating an opportunity to build something that is truly mine — something that allows me to use the skills and creativity I’ve developed over the years, while doing something that genuinely makes me happy.

Every donation, no matter how big or small, would mean so much to me and would bring me one step closer to making this dream a reality.

There is absolutely no pressure to donate. If you’re not in a position to contribute financially, simply sharing my page, telling someone about it, or supporting me along the way would mean just as much.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read my story. Thank you for listening, for believing in me, and for supporting me as I take this next step.

It genuinely means more to me than I can put into words. ❤️