Today we’d like to introduce you to Marielena Gomes.
Marielena, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I have over twelve years in the Fashion/Retail Industry in Miami. My dream was always to have my own boutique, but with a purpose- something unique, so far I have my Instagram and an Etsy account. I am originally from Venezuela and I am always looking for a way to help my people, so I started three years ago with a vision of helping talented people that can make unique merchandise by hand. I was able to get in contact with a few artists from my country that were really in need -and that’s how I started.
My goal is to be able to help more artisans from Central American and South America and sell their products. As of right now, I have artists from Venezuela and Mexico every item that I have in my inventory is handmade. One of the main reasons I like to focus on handmade is because every item that is make by hand is unique, one of a kind, it has a meaning and more value. My focus is to find people that are rural with low income and very talented. Some of these people don’t know how to sell or how to reach bigger companies to be able to sell their products. People won’t be able to find any of my pieces anywhere else and my other goal is to be able to have a brick store or a showroom where people can see all the pieces and help and support more artists.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
No, it has not been a smooth road. The two big factors Time & Money. I work full time as a Manager for a Retail Store and I am a mother so sometimes I struggle with time for my own store. You also need cash in order for you to have more inventory, so I just started with a few items from a few artists. A positive sight of this, it’s that working with artists, some of them do not require you to have a minimum order – they just want you to help them and be able to sell their products fast so you can go and buy more from them.
Time is a big factor because I would like to be able to participate in more markets so people can actually get to know my products and my purpose. Also, when your time is limited – it is hard to take pictures and update your Instagram and Etsy every day. Hopefully one day, I can have my showroom and just dedicate my time to my own store and my family.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
My business is to be able to help others in a way that when people see my inventory they can remember my store. I am the owner and director of my store, so when I get in contact with the artists, I get a connection and sometimes I give them ideas and they customize their pieces the way I suggest due to the client I have.
I am proud of my company because I know I can help others in a way that they can use their tools and talent to make something. I am giving them work to do in something that they are really passionate about, so when someone is passionate about their work they even work harder and happy. My goal is to get more artists and bring them happiness, stability and more work.
What were you like growing up?
I always had an entrepreneur’s mind. Since I was little I was always finding ways to sell something. At one point, I was making necklaces, bracelets, etc. and selling them to my friends.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.etsy.com/shop/TheFariaBoutique
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/thefariaboutique?igshid=g5anqm99awbs
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thefariaboutique/
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