We had the good fortune of connecting with Maria Mejia and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Maria, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
I am from Mexico. I believe being Hispanic has definitely made a huge impact in who I am today. The Mexican beliefs and values my parents instilled in me growing up have also shaped my worldview. To mention a few values that have always lived within me have been: Integrity, Respect, Kindness, Loyalty, Humility and Honesty. I live up to those and will always thank my parents for guiding me through the right path.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’ve been in the fashion industry for over 10 years. I started out as a fashion stylist. But before I made that dream come true, a lot of hard work and perseverance took place. I worked in Corporate America during college, but my dream of being in fashion never faded. I knew eventually I would leave Corporate America and do everything possible to get into the fashion industry. I interned for years in San Diego after school and in LA on my days off. I would send out endless emails during lunch and after work/school. After a lot of effort and not giving up, I worked with some of the biggest celebrity stylists in Hollywood. I learned from that and went on to start my own wardrobe styling business. My clients and I would always get compliments on our outfits so I decided to start a fashion blog to be able to share clothes/products I genuinely loved and used myself. And also, just to share a little more about me. So grateful for my Style & Amor community!

Then, from styling clients I discovered that a hat is what completed and elevated an outfit. But I was always a hat girl growing up so it was only natural to make my dream come true of starting my own hat company. MARME launched Sept 2021 and I couldn’t be more proud of myself for going for it! I’m not going to lie that I wasn’t scared to start my own business, but my dreams were bigger than my fears. And I also wasn’t ready in some ways, but if I would have waited until I was ready I would have never done it. There was sleepless nights, lots of research, lots of doubts, lots of risks, and ALOT of sacrifices. But I told myself I wouldn’t give up until I made my dream happen. I believed in myself and that’s when all the magic happened. Two things I could say I learned along the way, were that once you keep going, put in the work and BELIEVE in yourself, YOUR DREAMS WILL COME TRUE no matter what!!!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Well, I would first take them for a workout and maybe a beach run or hike.

Then of course after a good workout, we deserve a good healthy and protein packed meal, and maybe a… cocktail or two! Hehe.

With that said, gosh this is hard question. I have so many favorite spots in San Diego so it’s hard to choose only a few. Plus, I feel like there is a new restaurant or a new place opening every week. But ok, let’s see.

I love Javier’s in La Jolla for good food and a yummy cocktail. Skydeck in Del Mar for lunch or even a cocktail too. UTC in La Jolla and One Paseo in Del Mar for a good day of shopping. Then Camino Riviera for a girls night out! I could sit here and name more, but that should do for now hehe.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Nonetheless, my parents! They have been my everything since day one. Not only are we best friends (the 3 amigos) but they have been my biggest supporters and cheerleaders!

And of course my friends, my business mentor, my community and customers.

Without any of them, my life wouldn’t be what it is today! Forever grateful for each and one of them.

Website: www.marmehats.com

Instagram: @marmehats & @styleandamor

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariamejia1

Facebook: www.Facebook.com/marmehats

Image Credits
L’OFFICIEL Magazine Girl Up Foundation Krissy Saleh Melissa Madden

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutSocal is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.