Romi Marie, based in Austin, Texas, is a celebrated identity coach, professional makeup artist, and co-host of the "Eff It Madres" podcast. Her role as a coach is deeply intertwined with her personal journey as an openly queer public figure. She provides invaluable guidance in identity exploration, offering support not only to families of queer youth but also to individuals struggling with their sexual identities. Romi also brings a wealth of insight and experience to the "Eff It Madres" podcast, co-hosted with her best friend, Carla Zuniga. The podcast stands as a vibrant celebration of motherhood's diverse experiences, aiming to empower and unite women from various backgrounds. Alongside these roles, Romi's journey as a makeup artist, which began at the prestigious MUD makeup school, includes collaborations with renowned brands including Mac Cosmetics and Benefit.

During the interview, Romi shared a deeper perspective on her dynamic career path and the personal experiences that have shaped her work. She vividly recounted her upbringing, marked by a supportive church environment and the guidance of her two moms, which played a significant role in her early identity exploration. Romi's openness about her bisexuality, first publicly navigated on "The Real L Word," highlighted the complexities and challenges she faced in her journey. She also discussed the profound impact of motherhood on her life, a transition that not only deepened her self-understanding but also inspired her to co-host "The Eff It Madres" podcast. Romi's involvement in Kate Sinner's coaching program further ignited her passion for helping others, particularly in cultivating spaces for personal growth and exploration. Throughout the interview, Romi highlighted the interconnectedness of her roles as a makeup artist, coach, and podcast host, and how each one has contributed to the richness of her overall career.

Can you walk us through your professional journey and how you got to where you are today?

Throughout my life, I've been on an enriching journey of self-discovery. Raised in a supportive church by two loving moms, I began to find parts of my identity early on. Faith was a constant, intertwined with my queerness, making my upbringing unique and affirming. This journey of self-exploration took a public turn when I was a part of "The Real L Word" on Showtime, where I openly navigated my bisexuality. This process wasn’t always easy. I often wrestled with feeling 'not gay enough,' which highlighted the challenges and nuances of my personal journey to self-identity.

Motherhood introduced a new dimension to my identify, deepening my understanding of myself. This transition led to co-hosting the "The Eff It Madres" podcast with my best friend, Carla Zuniga, a project born from our shared experiences and insights. From there, our podcast experience inspired us to join Kate Sinner's coaching program. This helped me discover a passion for helping others while creating a space where each person I work with can embark on their own journey of self-improvement.

Alongside coaching, I've been a freelance makeup artist for over two decades, enjoying the process of helping other people discover their true selves, both inside and out. My life's path, shaped by my experiences and faith, has brought me to where I am today.

What inspired you to offer the services you provide?

As I approached my 40s, a few years ago, I put a lot of effort into therapy, navigating motherhood, divorce, and love. I also focused on my faith, sexuality, and the desire to assist others in finding a safe space to explore and work through these aspects in their own lives. Sometimes having someone who doesn't know you can be beneficial as they provide an open and safe environment to help you discover and embrace your true self and identity. It's about rewriting your story, looking at your faith, and embracing your sexual orientation and how you choose to love and identify.

What is one of your biggest challenges in your professional journey, and how did you overcome this?

I've received criticism online for helping others, based on my public struggles and eventful romantic life. This includes critiques from within the LGBTQ+ community. However, it is precisely my unique experiences that make me a good fit for helping others. My sexuality and the choices I make in life are part of who I am, but they don't fully define me. I am much more than that. I am a human being, and my experiences are complex and cannot be generalized. Our setbacks and romantic histories are not the sum total of who we are but important parts of a broader, continually unfolding narrative.

If you could give one piece of advice to future LGBTQ+ service providers within your field, what would it be?

“Discover your purpose, and the path to achieve it will become clear.”

My driving force is my daughter. She's my 'why.' Whenever I face challenges, question how to move forward, or am deciding whether to take on a struggle, I think of her. For her, I choose to persevere, leave a legacy, and pass on the values that are important to me. I refuse to be remembered as someone who didn't pursue her dreams or was merely known for being on a television show.

“Understanding your 'why' makes the 'how' of your journey much more manageable. When you know why you're doing something, especially in giving back something positive to the world through your experiences, the path forward becomes clear.”

How does being openly queer inspire or impact your business?

It provides a sense of safety to any queer individual, knowing that I have personally experienced a similar situation. This shared background fosters a deeper connection and reassurance, creating a safe space where they can feel understood and supported.

What brands or services by LGBTQ+ founders are your go-to's and why?

I go to a church where everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, is accepted and embraced. It is a place where I find solace in prayer, faith, and experiencing the love of God for every individual. I was raised in this inclusive environment, and I am raising my child in a church where everyone is welcome. I hope that more people have access to a place of faith like this and that the divisions between different communities can be eliminated. It’s important to note that faith is available to those who identify as queer. If you’re looking for an affirming church, check out this resource.

I’m also a big fan Of Nadia Boltz Weber. I recommend her podcast, The Confessional.

I also want to mention Famm for what you offer this community!

Who is your favorite LGBTQ+ celebrity, and why?

Rose Garcia and I were on The Real L Word together. We also hosted a podcast and traveled together. She is an incredibly selfless person, without judgment, and a fighter. She recently overcame cancer and continues to fight for her life. She has a strong faith and always cares about others, offering help whenever possible. She has been and always will be there for me.

Share one fun or unusual fact about yourself.

I’m the only girl of 5 brothers, and my birth name is Romi Marie Garcia.

Visit Madre Romi’s profile on Famm here. Visit Madre Romi’s website here.