Geena Matuson

10/22/2024

I’ve always leaned towards the “October Theory” before it became a trend; my birthday is on the 26th, and so a review of the year around this time has always made sense to me. Plus, this gives me a few months to figure out what I want to do so I start the new year ‘right’ for me.

I haven’t done a ‘year in review’ in many years, it seems. In the last few years, I took down all my websites for a grand revamp as I figured out what I wanted to do, and how I wanted to share it all with the world. That includes figuring things out for me and my future.

This year, I launched my company Geena Media, and I’ve taken on numerous clients at once, including a coaching client! — which is very exciting. All of my other brands will follow along, like a revamp of The Girl Mirage, and new art to go along with it! 🎉

And after dying my hair for 18 years (a variety of colors, but most often a solid red), I had decided I wanted to learn more about my ‘color season’ and to see what my own hair really looks like on its own. Two years later, here I am; as you might have noticed, my hair is almost entirely its natural color! I have two very cool silver streaks, which started in my mid-20s. I’m still adjusting to how light my hair is overall. We’ll see how long this lasts, haha.

I’ve also done more with my “health and wealth” as I like to say, as vague a comment as that is. My mom is doing the same; we took these photos together at a church pumpkin patch in my hometown of Medfield, MA. 🧡 Thanks to the new pastor for these photos!

I plan on sharing more in the future - me, videos, thoughts and ideas. I have so many plans for the new year - but now, with ongoing work (and the societal need for money) - I’m prioritizing my needs first, and then my wants. What an absolutely novel idea, haha.

Thanks for sticking around and supporting me by being there, and sending some messages ;) now you can wish me a happy birthday! 🎂

🍁

03/18/2024

I'm very excited to announce Geena Media, a full-stack media company "delivering the innovative and creative while driving data and results." See more on my new website at https://geenamedia.com! 🥳

This business will house all of my other brands, which are a mix of established, such as "The Girl Mirage," and forthcoming, such as "The Content Consultant." While my websites for each are still in development, I've shared some projects to this new site; you can see my work across marketing, design, business, creative, web development, and more. There's plenty I'll be adding in the next few months, too.

My variety of award-winning work is rooted in strategy, systems, and storytelling. Both analytical and creative, I strive to strike a balance with projects that captivate audiences while also driving goal-oriented and measurable outcomes. This is purely a game of trial and error, with data to help along the way.

You don't know until you try, and I'm really glad to be pushing ahead, trying new things, and sharing with all of you! 😁 Reach out if you want to collaborate!

03/11/2024

Here’s a few expressive photos as I read from my book “Dadalectic: Waking Dream" at the International Women's Day Celebration of CNY Authors held on March 8.

Performing my "poetic stories" gives me such energy, I was so glad other audience members felt invigorated by my reading. Several approached me afterwards and asked if I was an actor, and that they could “listen to me read a newspaper and be entertained.” Improv energy, they said, and I agree; I certainly do, haha.

Funny enough, I’ve already planned to make more videos, or funny content just using my voice. How apropos to be acknowledged for my voice amidst an event acknowledging women’s voices.

I’ll be sharing more of my work soon, and thanks to you all for following along all these years. 🥰 You can get a copy of my book "Dadalectic: Waking Dream" on Amazon via dadalectic.com.

📸 Thanks for the photos Marc Safran and Mary Jumbelic!

03/11/2024

I had such a great time at the International Women's Day Celebration of CNY Authors, produced by Mary Jumbelic, expert forensic pathologist and author.

Mary had invited me to join the event as a women author in the CNY area, sharing my 2017 book "Dadalectic: Waking Dream." I then assisted Mary with the designs and marketing for the event, and I was so happy to have a hand in helping to create a space for women to share their voices, and their stories.

Performing my "poetic stories" gave me such energy, I was so glad other audience members felt invigorated by my reading. I was also given more opportunity to share pieces of my own story, such as the time, as a child, I was almost constricted to death at the science museum by a boa constrictor—the handler had left the room.

I'm excited to share more of the work and stories I've been creating, and I thank Mary for giving me a platform to kick it off!

In continued celebration and honor of women, I wanted to take the time to share the wonderful event on Friday evening, International Women's Day Celebration of CNY Authors!

It was heartwarming to see so many new and seasoned writers share your voices and celebrate this day. 13 women authors, myself included, shared memoirs, poetry and more. Our voices were heard.

This was my first time producing this event, and I could not be happier. We filled the space, and received wonderful feedback from attendees. In fact, The Downtown Writers Center at the YMCA has indicated they would like to make this an annual event!

Much planning and preparation went into this event, and I couldn’t have done it without the expertise and professionalism of Geena Matuson–marketing, promotion, social media, brochures & more–all extremely well done. Thanks to Tim, Georgia, Phil and the YMCA of Central New York for your space and support, as well.

Let’s keep this community of women authors together, forging a path for ourselves and others.

03/11/2024

Today, March 8th, is International Women’s Day, a day of honoring women everywhere amidst Women’s History Month.

International Women’s Day (IWD) began in the early 1900s. Some say in New York City, others in Copenhagen, and one was established by the Russian Provisional Government. Whatever your origin story, the seeds were sown when female textile workers marched to protest their unfair working conditions decades before.

We are here today to thank the women who have come before and forged a path in education, the workplace, government, and relationships. We are here to support other women and ourselves on our continued journey.

Join 13 CNY women authors this evening to uphold women’s voices at the YMCA of Central New York, 7-8:30pm. We look forward to seeing you there.

03/11/2024

TOMORROW! Join me and 12 other authors for our International Women’s Day Celebration of CNY Authors at the YMCA of Central New York! We’ll be at the YMCA’s Downtown Writer’s Center from 7-8:30pm for a book reading, signing and tables to meet the authors, and more.

As a celebration of women everywhere on Int’l Women’s Day, and Women’s History Month, we honor women’s voices by hearing stories by local women authors. We all look forward to seeing you there.

For details: maryjumbelic.com/events/womensday2024

Thanks to all of the local businesses in the downtown Syracuse area for sharing the event flyers. This was a lovely display by Cake Bar, and thank you for supporting the local arts!

🖼️ Geena Matuson Cny Arts

02/28/2024

I’m so excited and feel quite honored to be included in the International Women’s Day Celebration of CNY Authors!

I’ll be reading some “poetic stories” from my late-2017 book “Dadalectic: Waking Dream,” attributed to my name The Girl Mirage. You can see more at dadalectic.com, as I work to get my new website up for ‘The Girl Mirage.’ Take that all in, haha.

It’s been a long time since I’ve done something with my more artistic work, and I’m really excited to have the opportunity to get back into events, the arts, and publicly presenting my work.

Join me and 12 other women authors on the evening of International Women’s Day, March 8, from 7-8:30pm in the YMCA of Downtown Syracuse. This event is produced and led by author and expert forensic pathologist Mary Jumbelic, and I’m so looking forward to sharing the stage with her, and these talented women.

See the link for details: https://maryjumbelic.com/events/womensday2024/

01/05/2024

Happy New Year! 🎉 Yes, I’m growing my hair out in its natural color, embracing more of all my body does for me. I’m really trying to lean into my life and live it more fully, have more fun, and create more.

I had a surgery in September, and have felt so much better since. I realized the problem that needed fixing was holding me back and preventing me from living my life. I feel physically and mentally so much freer, and am excited to actually start living. 😊

I’m finally shedding some pandemic cocooning, going out and meeting new people, doing new things. Some of those things involve art and writing and wigs and humor… 👀 Other things involve websites and business stuffs and new offerings. I’m pretty versatile, haha.

That said, many new things in the works that I’m excited to share soon! Finding a balance is the key to making it all happen! 🔑

#2024

12/20/2023

Two more images of me from that 'green outfit' shoot I did last year! 💚

11/15/2023

Gracing your eyes with me in this green outfit once more, with a series of similar poses with subtle differences in pose, distance or editing. 💚

After taking photos as headshots, the sun started to set and I took the opportunity to grab some other poses with a hint of natural light. ☀️

11/07/2023

I am back with a few more headshots I took in that green outfit, here without the laptop! I may use some, as I still have red in my hair and I like the lighting here. These will be used for my consulting work and as a speaker - any favorites? 🌺

10/31/2023

Some photos I took late last summer for new headshots and branding. I call this set 'the laptop set.' 💻 I have more from this set sans-laptop, but thought I'd post these first.

I love chartreuse, and how greens play with my hair, though I returned the outfit after the shoot, as it wasn't totally a good fit. My look is different right now, and my curls cleaner. But still, I may use some of these for my new websites. 😁 Do you have a favorite here?

10/24/2023

With my birthday in a few days, I thought I'd say hello to everyone. 👋

In 2019, I started to write a book, which gave me the impetus to learn more about life, people, and myself. The book isn't what I needed to do at the time, serving as a vehicle for my own self-exploration.

I went offline for some time, learning how to 'be.' I haven't posted much online in the last few years, as I've been organizing and offloading my brain and body. In so doing, I've been waking up into my life, and feel more and more integrated each day - and I become more visible in my own life.

I've started to let myself think through and feel things that were once not provided to me due to the limiting beliefs of those in my environment. I realized I had turned those beliefs onto myself, as so many of us do. Overcoming this behavior has helped me to see things I need to do for myself, for my happiness and fulfillment, and prosperity.

I started to really dive into my physical health and, last month, I had a surgery on my back-shoulder, and I'm already feeling so much better. ❤

I'm slowly sifting through my 'content' and photos, things I want to do and make, and share. Here's a photo from a series I took in August, 2022, a rather telling 'elusive' edit I created at that time - before putting the edits on pause. I've started to edit images from this shoot, plus other shoots, and am excited to share more of me with the world, as I do so with myself. 😄

01/31/2023

Yesterday I shared the profile from Syracuse City Ballet, and today I'm sharing a look at some of the hand-drawn illustrations I created for their 2022/2023 season performance posters! 🥳

I haven't really drawn or painted much in the last few years, and I'm glad this gave me the incentive to create something new. You can click to expand and see my work before digitization!

01/30/2023

Surprise! Over the last few months, I've been working with Syracuse City Ballet as their contracted Marketing and Communications Manager. 💬

Check out the awesome 'thanks' posted to their socials and newsletter, which also features a bit of my revamped bio! 🥳

This is a great lead-up to the new business I'm launching, now with more efficient and easy systems in place for myself to manage and grow. 😊

You might've noticed a change in our content, designs, photos, social profiles, website, increased giveaways and more over the last few months — and on our end, an update to our operations — and for good reason! In September 2022, we contracted local strategist and consultant Geena Matuson to join us as our Marketing and Communications Manager for the 2022/2023 season.

Geena is a business and brand consultant with more than 15 years experience helping organizations and executives communicate who they are and what they do, all with an eye on strategy, systems, and storytelling.

Over time, Geena has worked a variety of both creative and analytical roles across marketing, design, operations, project management, website services and business strategy for corporations and non-profits. She has worked with national and global clients in food, arts, and entertainment sectors.

Geena received her B.F.A. in Film/Video production from Massachusetts College of Art & Design in Boston, MA. While at university, she served on the MassArt Activities Council, and produced both college events and independent gallery exhibitions. Her own films and art began to appear in print, screenings and exhibitions internationally as she developed her artist brand ‘The Girl Mirage,’ now undergoing a revival.

In her early 20s, Geena was town-elected to serve with the Board of Trustees for Medfield Memorial Public Library. At the same time, she earned several Certificates of Specialization in Business Analytics with the Wharton School online, and completed the Digital Marketing Certificate Program with General Assembly in Boston, MA.

Geena went on to receive her M.A. in Arts Journalism and Communications with the Goldring Arts Journalism Program at Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications. There, she also founded her startup 'Art Inspires You,' featured in Newsweek.

From her time at S.U. through to the present, Geena teaches Adobe software to high school and college students; and military photo and video journalists. She mentors startups and sits as judge on new venture competitions, an eye for businesses with social impact.

We appreciate and thank Geena for her hard work these last few months, and are excited for the future!

11/14/2022

I had so much fun as judge for Blackstone LaunchPad at Syracuse University Impact Prize Competition, where students pitch their social impact business ideas and compete for a prize that enables them to enact their plans! 🎉

I was the only judge in my room, haha — but it went great! I loved the opportunity to hear new ideas, ask key questions, and of course, learn more, myself. As a strategist, seeing the big picture is just part of being a mentor, builder and, in this case, competition judge for investment.

👉 : As I like to say, "correlation is not causation"; you can cite global social issues in your pitch, but if your idea doesn't show how it directly and positively impacts the issue, it's easy for others with experience to see through the fluff.

🌽 In the spirit of true social impact, Ethan Tyo was awarded first prize for The AlterNative Project, investing in indigenous culture, food, education and more.

🚒 Second prize was awarded to Adya Parida and Oliver Raycroft of Scale Sense, ingenious safety aids for firefighters with a future use across other safety and rescue industries, as well.

🧢 As for me — I got a goody bag! All the other SU competitions I’ve judged have been virtual, so this was really nice. And I’m totally gonna wear this SU hat.

⭐ If you're interested in business strategy, operations, business and brand-building, design and consulting, I'd love to hear from you!

09/19/2022

In the late summer, I spent time teaching with Prof. Rafael "RC" Concepcion for the Syracuse University Boot Camp, pre-college programming for high school students! 🥳

The students came from around the country, and are interested in all different areas of study, from law to animation, IT systems management to graphic design.

While using Adobe programs to execute ideas, we spent plenty of time learning how to shift perspective; we explored new ways of seeing, thinking and storytelling, all to drive goals.

In preparation for the students' video project, just one of many projects in the program, we dove into project management, pre-production and scriptwriting, too — a passion of mine well before my own B.F.A. in Film/Video.

Teaching is pretty great for many reasons, like practicing communication, connecting to different generations, and staying current in the space. And when it comes to teaching in the digital and technology space — where things change every day — there's always something new to learn, or re-learn.

I know the students got a lot out of the program, and I did, too. Working with others in a collaborative environment, whether teacher or student, I feel motivated, and more focused on my own work. 💫

06/29/2022

I’m just “waking up,” and wanted to say hi. 👋 I’ve been quiet online… the last few years, really. I used this pandemic time to step back, and sit with me; getting to know myself. So, I’d like to re-introduce myself to you:

👉 I’m Geena! I help people gain clarity, shift perspective, and build strong internal foundations to align who they are with all they do, connecting with themselves and others to live fulfilled lives. Also, I play the handpan.

But my clarity journey began three years back, just before the pandemic hit...

In the spring of 2019, I had just graduated with my M.A. in Arts Journalism and Communications and, soon thereafter, a job. At the same time, my own forthcoming business was featured in Newsweek. I was even working on a book attached to a publisher.

And then –
🚩 I was fired with a two-minute meeting in which the HR person stated I was "like Colin Kaepernick taking a knee" with no further explanation.
🚩 I shifted book deadlines—twice—moving further from a time-based goal.
🚩 The pandemic hit, and I moved "back home" to regroup.

I rented a truck and made the trip. Then, I spent three days crying; I had realized that, due to normalized dysfunction, I had been disconnected my entire life.

The “pandemic” jolt was just one of many that year, propelling me to fully confront myself, and “wake up” into reality. And to turn ‘on,’ I went offline.

And, I moved back out. In my own space for the first time in my life, I was able to fill space with me – and my own dysfunction. I had no idea who I was, what I was doing, or why I was doing… anything, really.

❌ I was merely moving around information in order to feel productive without making progress.

As a systems builder – a reverse-engineer – examining each part of a puzzle to build a stronger construct going forward, I decided to work on my own system.

With family support, I’ve organized my entire life inside and out. I’ve spent the last three years shifting from control to management, from denial to acceptance, connecting with myself, so I can truly connect with others.

Now from a place of clarity, I'm using my internal tools in a healthy way so I'm able to use all the tools around me in a healthy way, aligning my actions and intentions. I’m integrating more fun into my life, and look forward to creating and building from a strong foundation of ‘me.’

This year so far –
✅ I gave a Talk in which I shared pieces of my journey.
✅ I rejoined the writing program.
✅ I’m preparing to launch my !

I’m always looking for to share my journey to help others shift perspective, and build from a strong foundation rooted in management, rather than control tactics.

I’m really excited to reconnect – or connect for the first time – as I get “on” with my life, and start reconnecting online.

If it sounds like our values and goals align, reach out! 🥳