Marienna Mercedes is the visionary CEO and founder of Automagic Solutions, an agency dedicated to transforming business dreams into reality through automation and passive income strategies. Known as "The Passive Income Plug," Marienna has built a reputation for helping entrepreneurs start, market, scale, and automate their businesses. Beyond her work with Automagic Solutions, Marienna is also the founder of Mission 33, a nonprofit in development that aims to build businesses for free for underprivileged individuals. With a commitment to giving back, Automagic Solutions dedicates 10% of its proceeds to support this impactful mission.
In this exclusive interview, Marienna Mercedes shares her insights on professional growth, adaptability, and the journey that led her to become a successful entrepreneur and mentor.
What does your typical day look like, and how do you make it productive?
I follow a strict routine and routine is so important to me. Especially my morning routine, it sets the tone for the days. I wake up at 5am and go to the gym and make sure I always eat a high protein breakfast. Health is wealth! If I didn't take care of my health physically and mentally I would but not successful financially. These things are crucial to success. After the gym I focus on gratitude and do my reading and journaling before starting my "work day". After my morning routine I do my "power hour", this is where I get as much done on my to do list and knock out all the easy things first in my first hour of work. Then I like to do what I call "7 before 11" and try to complete 1-3 of my 7 hardest work tasks for the week before 11am. From there I have the rest of the day to enjoy with my family, do mom things, run errands, have team meetings, zoom calls, etc. Waking up early and doing the inner work first is setting you up for a productive rest of your day ahead.
How do you stay informed about industry trends and emerging technologies?
Networking and keeping the tech gurus in my circle! I have many friends in the tech space and they always keep me informed. Our company is also partnered with a tech and software company that keeps Automagic updated on all the tech trends.
Can you recall a significant challenge or failure you faced and how you overcame it?
In Automagic's first year of business, we grew drastically overnight. Our clients referred so many of their family and friends to us it was just a pour in of a high volume of clients who joined us and it was overwhelming. It was a huge challenge for me but we overcame it but growing the Automagic team to handle that volume of clients. I had to really step into my leadership role, hire top talent QUICKLY, train them to perform up to standards, and make it happens as quickly as I could. It was hard but I made it happen and now we continue to grow our team every month.
What is your approach to starting a new project?
First by defining very clear goals and objectives, with a crystal clear road map/ plan in place to reach the goals of the new project. From there I establish the right team needed to tackle the project efficiently.
What is the toughest decision you've had to make in the last few months? What was the outcome? Would you do anything differently today?
We made the hard but strategic decision to close our doors for new clients this last quarter for full automation services. We know the holiday season will get very busy, we also give our team time off for the holidays, so we wanted to limit our work load and only focus on current client project so come the new year we can open our doors back up. This will allow us to scale current clients more efficiently and quickly and also grow our team even more before 2025 so we can eventually take on way more clients than what we can handle at this time.
What was the worst job you ever had, and what did you learn from it?
My very first job ever was at Taco Bell when I was 16, or as I like to call it, "Taco Hell." Let's just say it was far from glamorous. I remember showing up in that oversized uniform, hair net in place, ready to tackle the fast-food world with all the enthusiasm a teenager could muster. The reality hit me fast -- this was NOT what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. From dodging hot oil splashes while trying to flip tortillas to making sure I didn't mess up someone's customized order (which was surprisingly common!), it was a whirlwind of chaos. There were days I felt like I was running a marathon in a tiny kitchen, all while trying to keep up with the dinner rush and the endless line of "Can I have extra sauce?" requests. I can still remember the smell of the fryer oil that clung to my clothes long after my shift ended. It was definitely my least favorite job ever, but looking back, it was exactly what I needed. Working at Taco Hell taught me a lot about work ethic and hard work. It wasn't easy, and I often found myself daydreaming about what life could be like if I didn't have to be elbow-deep in burrito fillings every day. It was during those long shifts that I realized this wasn't the future I wanted for myself, I learned that at a young age, I think this is why it's so important to teach your kids about working hard and giving them work to do. That experience ignited a fire in me to think bigger and set larger goals for my life. It taught me the value of hard work and, more importantly, what I didn't want to do forever. So, while it may not have been the most glamorous start to my career, working there gave me the drive to aim higher, dream bigger, and create a life where I could pursue my passions -- and might I just add, (Mexican food tastes way better in Mexico) 😏
Tell us about a skill you taught yourself. How did you go about learning?
Back in 2016, when I first got started in the online business space I decided to go in with online marketing. I had no formal training, no fancy degrees in the field, but what I did have was an insatiable curiosity and a determination to figure it out on my own. I taught myself everything. YouTube became my best friend during that time -- I must have watched thousands of hours of tutorials, breakdowns, and case studies. I invested in all the books and courses I could get my hands on, devouring every piece of marketing knowledge out there. This wasn't just a casual hobby; it became a full-blown obsession. After coming home from my 9-5, while most people would unwind, I would head straight to my computer. I'd be up all night, nose-deep in learning marketing strategies, building campaigns, and absorbing anything and everything I could. Weekends? Forget relaxation -- I was glued to my desk, testing, tweaking, and mastering the art of marketing. All that hard work eventually paid off. When I started running marketing campaigns for my online business, the results were unbelievable. I remember having ads go viral -- one even hit 8 million views in a single day. I sat there, staring at the numbers in disbelief, thinking, "Is this real?" But it was real, and I had done it. I had mastered something that seemed so daunting at first and turned it into a skill that transformed my business and set me up for financial freedom. After that first ad went viral and I saw how much money I could make, I quit my 9-5 and i've been working online ever since. It just goes to show, you can do anything you set your mind to. It might take sleepless nights, weekends spent studying, and a lot of trial and error, but if you're obsessed enough to put in the work, success will follow. That self-taught marketing journey was a game-changer, and it's a reminder that sometimes the most valuable lessons come from sheer determination and the willingness to learn. The only difference between successful and unsuccessful people, is obsession.
What people in your life or career have had the greatest impact on you? How?
My kids have had the biggest impact on my career, hands down. They are my "why" -- the reason I push myself every day, the reason I refuse to settle for anything less than what I know I can achieve and what they deserve in life. Being a mother changes your whole perspective. It wasn't just about me anymore; it was about building a future for them and showing them that anything is possible if you work hard enough. It became about making sure they're taken care of even after i'm gone and building generational wealth. There are days when business gets tough, when obstacles seem endless, and it would be so easy to throw in the towel. But then, I think of my kids. I think about how I want them taken care of, I want to give them life experiences I didn't have as a kid, continue to travel the world with them, show them other cultures, make sure they never go without, be there for every milestone, to be an example for them, to show them what determination, resilience, and dreaming big look like in action. They keep me going, even on the hardest days, because they're the reason I work to create the life I envision, for us -- one where they see what's possible through dedication and a never-give-up attitude. Every milestone, every success in my career is a step toward creating a better future for them. They motivate me to keep learning, growing, and taking risks, because I want to provide not just financially, but also with the lessons and experiences that will shape their own lives. They are the driving force behind every decision, every late-night work session, and every leap of faith I take in business. My kids are the heart of my journey, and they inspire me to keep reaching higher, to be the best version of myself, not just for me, but for them.
What do you think it is that makes you successful?
Happiness is the true measure of success because it drives every meaningful aspect of our lives. When you're genuinely happy, it reflects in everything you do -- your work, your relationships, and your personal growth. It's the inner contentment that fuels motivation, creativity, and resilience, pushing you to pursue goals that align with your passions and values rather than just external markers of success. Success isn't just about achievements or the amount of money you make; it's about waking up each day excited and grateful for what you're building. When you're happy, you find joy in the journey, not just the destination. This mindset creates a positive ripple effect: you're more productive, more engaged, and more willing to overcome challenges because you're doing what you love. Happiness also attracts success. When you're passionate and fulfilled, others are naturally drawn to your energy. It creates opportunities, fosters stronger relationships, and opens doors you never thought possible. On the other hand, chasing success without happiness often leads to burnout, dissatisfaction, and a constant feeling of "never enough." Ultimately, happiness is what makes someone truly successful because it brings a sense of balance and purpose. It's the foundation that keeps you grounded and focused on what truly matters. When you're happy, success isn't just measured by external achievements; it's defined by the joy, fulfillment, and positive impact you create along the way. Being truly happy in your purpose is success to me.
What is the one book that you recommend everyone should read, and why?
One book I recommend everyone read is "The Four Agreements" by Don Miguel Ruiz. This book provides powerful insights into how our mindset and beliefs shape our happiness. It teaches four simple, yet profound principles: being impeccable with your word, not taking things personally, not making assumptions, and always doing your best. These agreements help strip away unnecessary stress, negative self-judgment, and unrealistic expectations. When you internalize these teachings, it becomes easier to cultivate genuine happiness, which in turn makes you more successful in all areas of life. I think it's just overall a great book with helpful tips and a message that would help anyone in their life and business.
Marienna Mercedes shared valuable insights on professional growth, adaptability, and the power of happiness in achieving success. Her journey from a fast-food worker to a successful entrepreneur and mentor demonstrates the impact of determination and self-improvement. We thank Marienna for her time and for sharing her experiences with our readers.
