Artistic journeys often emerge from deeply personal challenges, and for Mariel Méndez, the founder of MARALOVE, this was undoubtedly the case. MARALOVE began during a tumultuous phase of Mariel’s life. Yet, it was also during this time that her creativity found its most authentic expression, setting her on a path of artistic exploration and self-discovery.

Growing up, Mariel watched her mother transform flowers into home décor masterpieces, an influence that sparked Mariel’s own artistic curiosity. As a child, she immersed herself in art classes, further solidifying her connection to creativity. Her early fascination with colors, shapes, and the transformative power of art became the foundation for what would eventually evolve into MARALOVE.

In 2014, she took a leap of faith, launching MARALOVE—a bold step into the unknown, inspired by her desire to create something deeply personal. This leap wasn’t without its challenges. Overcoming self-doubt and societal expectations, Mariel embraced her artistic instincts, guided by a belief that persistence and passion would carry her through.

Central to MARALOVE’s identity are the “Moody Girls,” a series of sketches that reflect Mariel’s emotions during their creation. These characters, each with distinct personalities, became an extension of her artistic voice. What started as casual sketches on her sister’s balcony evolved into a celebrated collection that resonates with audiences for its authenticity and emotional depth. Today, MARALOVE is more than an artistic brand—it’s a story of inspiration. Through her art, she reminds others of the power of persistence, creativity, and the importance of embracing one’s unique path.

Q&A with Mariel Méndez

Q: What are your greatest inspirations or influences

Influence and inspiration for my art come from my daily life. Every day, I experience creative influences that arise from my emotions—they come from a deeply personal place. I could spend every day drawing or painting what I feel in each moment.

Of course, I’ve also been influenced and inspired by other artists. One of my favorites is Henri Matisse. Without intending to imitate his style, I’ve realized that my work has some similarities to his. This wasn’t a deliberate choice; rather, it’s something I discovered over time. You don’t set out to interpret someone else’s work—it simply happens as your own style takes shape. I’m also deeply inspired by fashion. The freedom to combine textures and colors creates a satisfaction that’s hard to explain. I love mixing elements and experimenting, and this passion often finds its way back into my artistic creations.

Q: Tell us about your creative process

My mind constantly captures themes, colors, experiences, emotions, combinations, and styles—along with other aspects of daily life. Once I have enough content in my mind—whether written down or captured in photographs—I bring it to life on canvas or paper, depending on what inspires me at the moment. After gathering the material, I focus on the story I want to tell. My creations always tell a story, because they genuinely hold one.

Once the content and the story are complete, I craft the visual narrative. I decide on the styling that will complement the work for its presentation, whether through editorial or urban photography. My younger sister, Ileana, serves as my muse, embodying the vision behind the creation. Finally, I share it with the world. I don’t follow a set schedule for releasing new collections—they emerge naturally as my inspiration leads me to explore and create more.

Q: Your work is a combination of different mediums and styles ( fashion, painting, etc) tell us about how these worlds collide for you.

For me, combining mediums when creating and sharing my collections is an extension of who I am. This is how I fully satisfy my desire to create art. The integration of painting, photography, and fashion is what defines MARALOVE.

Q: What do you think the role of a creative person, or artist plays in today's world.

I believe the role of a creative is incredibly valuable, especially when approached with authenticity. For me, it has been challenging to turn MARALOVE into a business because “producing” goes against my conviction. I prefer to create out of passion and inspiration, rather than obligation.

Every creative carries an important and significant responsibility: to truly express what’s in their mind—what they feel, perceive, and how they translate these emotions into something tangible.

Q: Anything else you would like to share with our audience?

I would love to encourage fellow creatives to believe that nothing is impossible. Everything we imagine in our minds can be brought to life in a physical and tangible form. However, it’s essential to work at your own pace, taking the time to truly enjoy the process. There’s no need to rush to meet external expectations or publish within specific time frames dictated by life. That kind of pressure doesn’t represent your true self. For me, the greatest freedom has been feeling liberated to create without urgency.

Mara Love