About Marilee Nies – Creativity Coach, Entrepreneur & Encourager of Purpose

Marilee is a successful entrepreneur who knows first-hand the role of creating something meaningful out of nothing but passion, faith, and a vision, in other words, starting a business from the ground up.

Paving her way as a clothing designer & boutique owner, alongside her favorite rolls, wife & mom, she now empowers women to believe and turn their passion into purpose-driven success—without losing heart or humor.

Express Light is not just self-help fluff, or hustle culture hype it is a heart-centered, faith-filled space for women who crave real talk, uplifting encouragement, and creative inspiration.

How to get started?

Marilee believes that you can have purpose and peace, faith and success, creativity and clarity—and live a life that’s both joy-filled and deeply fulfilling.

If you've ever thought, "What if I fail and everyone sees it?"...

Or feel like you don't enough time to focus on your dream right now...

If you think someone else is already doing it better...

Or that you don't know enough to get started and you'e embarrased to ask for help...

If you've ever just needed someone to understand the struggles you're facing in life...

Then you are in the right place, my friend.

Marilee's entrepreneurial journey began as a young mom.

Marilee Nies has spent decades building more than a business—she’s built a life rooted in purpose, fueled by creativity, and anchored in the belief that hope can carry you through anything. From sewing children’s clothes as a young mom in the 1990s to mentoring women and running a boutique in Monterey, California, Marilee’s journey proves that you don’t have to have it all figured out to take the first step—you just need to believe in what’s possible.

What started in the 1990s as a creative outlet for a young mom in her craft room using a table her dad built for her, soon became a full-blown brand known as Tizzyfits—a spunky, bold children’s clothing line with the tagline “adorable with an attitude.” Armed with a sewing machine, grit, and vision, Marilee didn’t wait for permission. She learned how to build a website, knocked on boutique doors, sold in vendor markets, and even built a small team of women to help her sew and ship. Her designs made their way into children’s boutiques nationwide.

After moving their family across country in support of her husband 's career, Marilee transitioned into custom fashion and eventually opened a brick-and-mortar boutique, empowering women through style, encouragement, and authentic connection. Her sweet Dachshund pups, Mocha and Maisy were favorite shop greeters amongst visitors. James & Marilee are avid supporters of each other's ventures. Now, having sold the boutique and shifted her focus online, she continues to design inspiring fashion while helping others build meaningful businesses of their own, encouraging women to live with boldness, creativity, and clarity.

Today, Marilee is a creativity coach, podcast host of Express Light, and mentor to women navigating life’s in-between seasons. Whether you're starting a business, stepping out of a rut, or simply craving more joy and confidence, Marilee brings real-talk encouragement, proven strategy, and the kind of contagious hope that helps you take the next right step. Her mission? To help women live intentionally, pursue purpose with boldness, and express their light—because life’s too short to hide your brilliance. Her podcast and mentorship help women go from overthinking to taking action, from hiding their light to sharing it fully. Marilee coaches women who are just getting started, stuck in the middle, or ready to rise again—with practical steps, biblical encouragement, and a whole lot of heart.

Her life and message are centered around the belief that creativity is limitless, hope is a strategy, and you don’t need permission to live boldly. Through every pivot, passion project, and purpose-filled risk, Marilee’s journey proves that success doesn’t come from perfection—it comes from staying in motion and choosing joy in the process.

Whether she’s speaking on stage, selling a sweatshirt with a smile, or guiding a woman through the first step of her business dream, Marilee shows up with humor, humility, and the message that you are never too late, too lost, or too stuck to live a life that lights you up. She believes every woman has a story worth sharing, a light worth expressing, and a dream worth chasing—and she’s here to remind you of yours.

As a creativity coach and speaker, Marilee helps women activate their God-given gifts and boldly express their light—in business, in life, and in every moment in between. She believes confidence isn’t something you wait for—it’s something you build. And business doesn’t have to be overwhelming when you’ve got faith, strategy, and a little humor along the way. Her message is simple but powerful: You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to be willing. You’re not too late, too lost, or too stuck to begin again.

Marilee is here to remind you that your story matters, your light is needed, and your dream is still possible.