L-r: Marisa Quinn, Vivian Dominguez and Jessica Parker
We’ve talked about Sweet Mary and Jane before. It’s one of the best (and therefore most rare) web-based comedic series created by and featuring Latinos–right up there with East Willy B. Created by three dynamic young women–Vivian Dominguez, Jessica Parker, and Marisa Quinn–this is a great example of just how good original content on the web can be on a non-existent budget…and there’s a surprising behind-the-scene story of courage and personal growth behind as well.
As for the show, we’ll let it speak for itself: “Set in the hip Eastside of Los Angeles,” the YouTube notes say, “Sweet Mary and Jane is the comic quest of three dynamic young women as they set their sights on breaking into LA’s hottest new market: Gourmet Pot Edibles. Surrounded in vintage fashion, dating mishaps, & intoxicated adventures…hilarity ensues as they fight to make their mark in this wild new frontier.”
What they don’t say is just how well-produced, smart and visually rich SM&J is. See for yourself in the newest episode:
What we didn’t know until recently is that one of the stars and co-creators, Vivian Dominguez, has been facing the challenge of breast cancer for the last few months. She talks about it openly and with remarkable courage in her own blog, Viva Vivian, a powerfully positive look at an all-too-common occurrence.
“My getting breast cancer at 30 saved my life,” she says in her remarkably revealing blog. “My diagnosis seems to be the only thing that was able to stop me in my tracks. I worked too hard, strived to accomplish everything and loved it. Cancer was the only thing that could stop me, and it saved my life because I listened to it and took action.”
Read more about her diagnosis, her diet, and her hope for the future here.
You can even donate to her and get a tote bag for your generosity (made from 100% hemp–of course!).
We wish the very best to Vivian and to Sweet Mary and Jane, and of course we’ll be keeping an eye on both of them.
