Marina Belun has always been guided by creativity. From a young age, she was drawn to the world of art, painting with oils, sketching, and exploring design. Supported by her parents who encouraged her creative spirit, Marina Belun’s passion only grew stronger with time.
Following Her Heart Despite Uncertainty
Marina Belun always felt connected to design and innovation. She followed her heart and intuition even though, at the time, the creative industry was uncertain and people did not earn much. Despite the doubts around the industry, Marina Belun was determined to pursue what she loved. She enrolled in media design studies, eager to build the skills she needed for a future in creative work.
After just two years, Marina Belun landed a rare and coveted internship in Volkswagen’s design department, which was a huge milestone for someone so early in their career. She said that it was exactly what she wanted: to work as a 3D artist in the automotive industry.
Building a Career at Volkswagen
What was supposed to be a six-month internship turned into two years and eventually six years at Volkswagen AG in Wolfsburg, Germany. The digital design department was just being built, and Marina Belun was one of only three team members at the start.
During those years, the department grew, and Marina Belun became an important part of it. Still, deep inside, she felt she was meant for more, even though working there was a dream come true.
Marina Belun’s passion for innovation extended beyond her daily work. She completed her bachelor thesis in collaboration with Volkswagen, focusing on the future of in-car security systems for intelligent driving. This allowed her to blend education with real-world technology in a way few students get to experience.
Taking the Leap to Something New
Even with a stable and prestigious role at Volkswagen, Marina Belun felt the need for a new challenge. She made a bold decision to quit her safe job and become head of design for a jewelry startup.
She said that it was amazing to build her own team from scratch and shape the creative direction of the brand. This new role tested her leadership and creative skills in fresh ways.
But Marina Belun’s biggest leap was yet to come when she moved to Dubai, a completely new country filled with unknown challenges, to start her own business.Leaving everything behind was scary, but Dubai’s dynamic environment pushed Marina Belun to grow and evolve as a creative entrepreneur.
She also spent five years as the Head of Design for a then-emerging jewelry startup, Moon Magic, which has since grown into a million-dollar global brand.
She left Volkswagen to pursue remote work and travel, teaching herself videography, freelancing, and exploring new business models. This led to Moon Magic, where she spent five years as Head of Design, building the creative team, directing content, and creating the brand’s full visual identity as the company grew into a million-dollar business. She has always taken calculated risks, moving forward when the next path became clear—just as she did when she left Moon Magic to run her own company, Baylun Marketing, which now offers social media, content, and AI services.
Also, One year ago, she and her business partner launched a creative stock platform to help brands manage the challenge of producing daily content. It operates on a subscription model, offering fresh monthly material for ads and social media, focused on raw, UGC-style visuals rather than polished ones.
Lessons Learned as an Entrepreneur
Marina Belun’s journey as a business owner has been rewarding but also full of challenges. She admits that competition is tough in creative industries and you have to stand out and truly know your worth, especially when it comes to pricing and negotiations.
She describes entrepreneurship as a rollercoaster with moments of doubt and triumph. One of her most important lessons has been about self-care.
Taking breaks is essential for creativity. When you are burned out, anxiety takes over, and creative thinking disappears. She also learned the power of saying no to projects and clients that do not align with her values or goals.
Embracing Innovation with AI
Marina Belun is always eager to learn and grow. Today, she is incorporating AI-generated visuals into her services, blending technology with her creative expertise.
Even though she could hire someone to do the AI work, Marina Belun loves staying hands-on because the creative process fuels her. This drive to embrace new tools and innovation keeps her at the forefront of her field.
Sharing Knowledge and Inspiring Others
Looking forward, Marina Belun wants to give back by teaching others what she has learned.
She wants to inspire more people to follow their passion and have the courage to start over. Her message is clear: hard work will pay off, and things will eventually align.
Marina Belun’s story is a powerful reminder that creativity, courage, and continuous learning can lead to extraordinary success, no matter the challenges along the way.
Key Takeaways from Belun’s Journey
Marina Belun believes in following your passion even when the path feels uncertain. She advises seeking opportunities that blend education with real-world experience. She encourages being brave enough to leave comfort zones for bigger dreams.
She emphasizes the importance of knowing your worth and never undercharging for your creative work. Taking breaks to protect creativity and mental health is vital. Saying no to projects that do not fit your vision or values is necessary.
Marina Belun stays curious and embraces new innovations like AI. She also encourages sharing your journey to inspire others to pursue their dreams.
Marina Belun in Brief
Marina Belun had an early passion for art and design, which was supported by her family. She studied media design in Germany and spent six years as a 3D artist at Volkswagen’s digital design department.
She became head of design at a jewelry startup, building a team from scratch. Later, she moved to Dubai to start her own creative business. Currently, Marina Belun is expanding into AI-driven design and teaching.
Do follow her on Instagram
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