Today we’d like to introduce you to Maridalia Hernandez.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I am a 31-year-old first-generation American Afro-Latina! My parents both migrated to the United States from Dominican Republic in the 70s and 80s and resided in Queens, NY where they met each other. I grew up between NY, NJ and spent a good amount of time at the motherland growing up. Because of this I was always in touch with our culture! Ever since I was a young kid, I always loved fashion. I could play dress up with my barbies’ for HOURS! I can sketch, I can style, but have never had the courage to pick up a needle and learn how to sew. I wanted to attend FIT but my mom’s traditional mindset through the tuition was too high for an industry where she believes it’s hard to land a job. I decided to go for journalism, though I didn’t finish. I had to start working a full time and my bills outweighed my studies. Through my love for fashion, I first started reaching out to stylists and fashion industry people through social media in my early 20s. Eventually, I started working for free some weekends. Steaming at photoshoots, assisting stylists at projects, this was a great way to add fashion to my resume and make connections, Eventually I landed at the secondary market and worked a combined five-plus years at The RealReal, and then at Fashionphile. I gained my expertise in authenticating luxury fashion goods in the secondary market and the sustainable industry. I began posting about fashion content because I craved that creativity! I get inspired to play with clothes or even lifestyle content here and there. And little by little, I built a little community. My goal is to eventually have my own brand of accessories, as well as build a community where fashion kids can create amazing pop-up shops throughout the country to highlight small independent designers and minorities!
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
The road has definitely been all smooth and rosy; just like anything we do in life there will always be obstacles. Some days I wonder if my content will ever lead to a place where I’m successful enough that it could be my main source of income as I invest it into other business. But I do question myself. But thankfully I have friends, family, and a boyfriend who constantly remind me that I have health to hustle, food, and a roof over my head. I also have endless support from them! They remind me to stay grateful for what I have and constantly motivate me to continue pushing.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My specialty is authentication and consignment. I know my bags, my zippers, and my transitions better than my mother’s home phone number LOL!!! I recently just this past fall moved from New Jersey to Florida, and I am seeking opportunities in this new city! I am also a social media guru which has landed me several freelance opportunities at local businesses.
What does success mean to you?
Success is what happens when the challenges you were facing get resolved. Success is enjoying the fruits of your hard work. Success can also be the small wins that come with life! Success is what you make it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linkr.bio/Thestyledmaridher
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestyledmaridher/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maridalia-hernandez-50b59b124/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/Maridher26?app=desktop
Image Credits
Lizbeth Garcia
Karim Sinclair
Emily Hill
