Today we’d like to introduce you to Marislay Mota.
Hi Marislay, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I was born in Cuba and graduated from the Cuban National Ballet School in Havana, one of the most prestigious ballet institutions in the world. Ballet taught me discipline, resilience, and a deep appreciation for artistry—qualities that have guided me throughout my entire life.
In 2004, I moved to Los Angeles with a dream of building a new life and embracing new opportunities. Like many immigrants, I started from the ground up. My first job in the United States was folding clothes in retail, but I saw every position as an opportunity to learn. Over the next 15 years, I worked my way through some of the most recognized retailers in the country, including Target, Sears, Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s, Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Neiman Marcus. Those years were incredibly formative. I learned not only about fashion and merchandising, but about people—how style can influence confidence, presence, and the way someone carries themselves in the world.
During that time, I also had the opportunity to work alongside renowned luxury designers and participate in major fragrance and beauty launches, including campaigns connected to artists like Rihanna and Khloé Kardashian. Those experiences gave me valuable insight into brand storytelling, image, and the power of presentation.
Over time, I realized that fashion was never just about clothing for me. I saw how the right outfit could completely transform how a woman felt about herself—how she walked into a room, how she spoke, and how the world responded to her.
That realization eventually led me to create Elegance By Marislay. Today, I work as an image strategist and fashion entrepreneur, helping women—from executives and professionals to public figures—create powerful first impressions through their wardrobe.
In addition to my work with my brand, I am also a fashion contributor on several Univision programs, including Despierta América, La Voz de la Mañana on VIX, and El News Café, where I share style advice and fashion insights with a broad audience.
At the heart of everything I do is a simple belief: when a woman dresses with intention and elegance, it doesn’t just elevate her style—it elevates her confidence, her energy, and often the opportunities that come into her life.
My journey has been one of resilience, growth, and gratitude. From ballet studios in Havana to fashion segments on national television, every step has reinforced my purpose: helping women feel confident, respected, and powerful through the way they present themselves to the world.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No, it definitely has not been a smooth road. Like many immigrants, my journey has come with its share of challenges, and one of the biggest in the beginning was the language barrier. When I first arrived in Los Angeles, I didn’t speak English at all. I spoke Spanish and French because the language of ballet is French, but English was completely new to me.
Those first three years were very difficult. I had to learn English out of necessity because I was living in a city where I needed it to survive and grow. It was a humbling experience, but it also taught me resilience and determination.
Years later, I remember having a moment that made me pause and reflect. I was working for one of the major retail corporations where I had grown in my career, and part of my role was interviewing candidates in English and deciding who would be hired. I remember thinking to myself, “How incredible is this?” I had arrived in this country unable to speak the language, and now I was conducting interviews in English with Americans and helping make hiring decisions. It was a moment that filled me with gratitude and pride, but also humility.
Along the way, like everyone, I encountered people who made the journey harder, but I was also blessed with incredible mentors and kind individuals who believed in me and supported my growth. I truly believe that every challenge carries a lesson. The difficult moments make us stronger, and if we choose to see them that way, they become the fuel that pushes us forward.
Success rarely comes easily. It takes discipline, consistency, and faith in yourself. My journey has been built step by step, with hard work and perseverance, and I’m still growing and learning every day.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am the founder of Elegance By Marislay and an image strategist dedicated to helping women feel confident through the way they dress. My work focuses on helping women create strong first impressions and present themselves with elegance in every aspect of their lives—whether it’s for a business meeting, a conference, a special event, or even a day at the beach.
What sets my work apart is that I’m not just a clothing brand. Through my television segments on Univision and my YouTube channel, I focus on educating and empowering women with practical style guidance so they can show up with confidence in every stage of life—as professionals, mothers, and leaders.
For me, fashion is not just about clothing. It’s about helping women feel confident, respected, and prepared for every opportunity that comes their way.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
Something that might surprise people about me is that although I work in fashion and people often see me as very feminine and polished, I actually love doing hands-on projects at home. I enjoy things like gardening, planting flowers, painting, and small home improvement projects. I love going to Home Depot and finding things to fix, build, or improve around my house. It’s something that relaxes me and lets me express my creativity in a completely different way.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://elegancebymarislay.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marislay_cm
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@elegancebymarislay
