Life, Values & Legacy: Our Chat with Mariel Méndez of California

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Mariel Méndez. Check out our conversation below.

Hi Mariel, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
“I lose track of time when I allow myself quiet, uninterrupted moments—time to breathe, reflect, and reconnect with my inner self. I find myself again when I step away from everything else around me and give myself the gift of presence and stillness. Time disappears when I immerse in moments that are just for me—moments where I can listen, feel, and simply be.”

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
⸻

“Hi, I’m Mariel Méndez, the creative heart behind MARALOVE—a space where art, fashion, and emotion intertwine. MARALOVE is about creating moments and objects that spark beauty, calm, and inspiration in everyday life. Each piece, whether a photograph, a painting, a styling project, or a visual story, is meant to connect on a deeper, almost poetic level. Right now, I’m exploring new ways to bring art and fashion together through collaborations, limited editions, and immersive visual experiences that invite people to pause, feel, and reconnect with their own creativity.”

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who taught you the most about work?
“I’ve learned the most about work from the people I’ve collaborated with—colleagues, fellow creatives, and mentors along my journey. Each collaboration has taught me the value of patience, openness, and connecting deeply with both the process and the people I work with. These experiences continue to shape how I approach MARALOVE, blending art, fashion, and emotion in meaningful ways.”

When did you stop hiding your pain and start using it as power?
“I stopped hiding my pain when I realized it could become a source of inspiration and strength. Embracing it allowed me to be vulnerable, to transform those emotions into creativity, and to connect more deeply with myself and others through my work.”

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
“Not really—the public version of me is quite the opposite. I tend to dress differently and present myself more introvertedly, while my inner self is colorful, expressive, and full of energy. MARALOVE is my way of sharing that inner world with others.”

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. If immortality were real, what would you build?
“I would create a sanctuary for self-discovery, a space where people could grow, evolve, and embrace their truest selves without fear of judgment.”

Contact Info:

Image Credits
MARALOVE

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