Mexican American artist Mariel Mendez (MARALOVE) views art as a way to understand the world around her. She uses painting, photography, and styling as different forms of expression. For her, inspiration can be found within emotion and intuition.
Growing up, Mariel watched her mother transform flowers into beautiful pieces of home decor, an influence that sparked her own artistic curiosity. As a child, she immersed herself in art classes, further strengthening 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 and launched 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 learned to trust her artistic instincts, guided by the belief that persistence, passion, and authenticity would carry her forward.
Central to MARALOVE’s identity are the Moody Girls, a series of sketches that reflect Mariel’s emotions during their creation. Each character, with her own distinct personality, became an extension of Mariel’s artistic voice. What started as casual sketches on her sister’s balcony evolved into a celebrated collection that resonates with audiences through its authenticity and emotional depth.
Today, MARALOVE is more than an artistic brand – it is a story of inspiration, identity, and
self-expression. Through her art, Mariel reminds others of the power of persistence and creativity, and of the importance of embracing one’s unique path.
For Mariel, being a Mexican American artist also means honoring where she comes from while creating her own path. She believes that art can become a bridge between identity, emotion, and community – a reminder that our roots do not limit where we can go; they give us something meaningful to carry with us.
“I believe that when we create from who we truly are, our story can inspire someone else to
believe in their own.”– Mariel Mendez
To learn more about MARALOVE and to shop, visit maraloveshop.com.
Happy Hispanic Heritage Month!
