Meet Mariel Méndez

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Mariel Méndez. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Mariel below.

Hi Mariel, we’re so appreciative of you taking the time to share your nuggets of wisdom with our community. One of the topics we think is most important for folks looking to level up their lives is building up their self-confidence and self-esteem. Can you share how you developed your confidence?

My confidence grew the moment I stopped chasing perfection and started honoring my individuality. I built my self-esteem through creativity—by showing up for my art, trusting my intuition, and allowing myself to evolve. Confidence, for me, has been a practice of self-love, presence, and choosing authenticity over approval.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I’m Mariel Méndez, the creative director and artist behind MARALOVE.
I create visual stories through art, photography, and fashion — pieces that invite people to slow down, feel, and reconnect with beauty and presence.

MARALOVE blends creative direction, illustration, editorial writing, and conscious style into one universe. What makes my work special is the emotional depth behind every project; everything I create holds a sense of poetry and intention.

This year I’m expanding MARALOVE with a new coffee-table book, international art exhibitions, and collaborations with hotels and lifestyle brands.
My mission is simple: to turn everyday moments into art and create work that inspires others to honor their own creativity.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

The three qualities that shaped my journey the most were: intuition, resilience, and creative discipline.

1. Intuition
Trusting my inner voice has guided every major decision — from collaborations to artistic direction. It’s the compass behind MARALOVE.
Advice: Spend time alone with your ideas. Listen to what feels expansive, not what looks impressive.

2. Resilience
The creative path is beautiful, but it’s not linear. I learned to keep showing up even when things felt uncertain.
Advice: Don’t be afraid of slow seasons; they’re where your style and identity deepen the most.

3. Creative Discipline
Inspiration is magic, but routine is what makes the magic real. Consistency helped me transform visions into actual work, projects, and collections.
Advice: Create often, even in small ways. Treat your creativity like a muscle — the more you use it, the more it grows.

Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?

The person who has helped me the most is my dad.
Even though he’s no longer here physically, his guidance shaped my work ethic, my sensitivity, and the way I see the world. He taught me to trust my creativity, stay grounded, and move with purpose.

In every challenge, I still hear his voice reminding me to believe in myself — and that inner strength has been the foundation of my growth as an artist and creator.

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