Today we’d like to introduce you to Maria Lopez
Hi Maria, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I launched Marybon in October 2021 with just 13 carefully curated statement pieces. My site officially opened to customers on October 13, and I remember seeing my live site visitors that day; mostly Facebook friends and family. My heart raced with excitement because this was something I had always dreamed about but feared starting. For years, my dreams of owning a clothing shop were just words, never actions. I constantly said, “I want to do this, I want to do that,” but I never took the leap—until then.
My love for fashion was sparked by my passion for creating fun, intentional outfits. I’ve always been energized by the process of putting a look together and not just throwing on whatever was in the closet but styling pieces that made me feel vibrant and alive. Walking out the door felt like stepping onto a stage, with “One More Time” by Daft Punk playing in the background—or sometimes, a whole playlist making my day. Fashion, for me, has always been a form of artistic self-expression.
In December 2021, I signed up for my first vendor market. That experience turned out to be my best market ever. Looking back, it’s funny because I had no idea how to run a business—I just knew I wanted to share my handpicked styles with others. The positive feedback I received, along with the sales I made, completely shocked me and gave me the motivation to keep going.
From that moment on, I signed up for as many markets as I could while keeping my website updated with new arrivals. I managed my own marketing and photography, using nothing more than an iPhone and my husband’s help. When budget allows, I seek professional photography. To this day, I still take my own product photos, modeling the outfits myself to keep it real and relatable.
At the time, I was working part-time as a Transportation Security Officer at Houston-Hobby and McAllen International airports. Balancing my job and Marybon was a challenge, but I made it work. There were countless days when I’d change out of my uniform and go straight into “entrepreneur mode,” pouring my energy into my shop.
In November 2023, I finally took the leap to dedicate myself to Marybon full-time. This decision brought new challenges, but it also opened doors to growth. I invested in a heat press machine so I could design my own t-shirts, creating graphics that spoke to the vibrant Hispanic community and shared uplifting messages for women with big dreams and creative passions.
By August 2024, I took another big step and purchased a cargo van. This gave me the space I needed to transport my shop essentials. It’s been a journey filled with challenges and growth, but every step has brought me closer to my vision for Marybon and the community I hope to inspire.
I also operated my shop from a mall cart in Lake Jackson for three months. This was a dream come true for me. It was incredible to see my name displayed on the cart and to have my business set up inside a mall. It felt like such a huge milestone for Marybon and a moment I’ll always cherish.
I currently operate my shop entirely online while also participating in markets across Brownsville, Brazoria County, and Houston. This year, my focus will be creating small collections that combine my original t-shirt designs with my hand-picked styles. Each collection will carry a meaningful message, inspiring others to embrace fashion in a fun and expressive way.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Running a business is anything but easy. I’m constantly battling against time, but I always do my best to make it work. I juggle many responsibilities all at once, and with no employees. I’m still managing everything on my own. I also try to not let myself get overwhelmed and focus on enjoying the journey while remembering why it all began.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At Marybon, we bring fun, bold, and hand-picked styles for the girl who isn’t afraid to express herself. We enjoy curating timeless pieces that can be worn year-round, with a special focus on outerwear; an essential addition to any wardrobe. While we don’t design the clothing, we take pride in investing time to carefully select each piece with a purpose.
Our mission is to find trendy yet timeless outfits that never go out of style. We like to select unique pieces but also basic wardrobe essentials and our customers often tell us they love our picks.
It’s affordable fashion for all ages:
Marybon makes bold fashion accessible with budget-friendly prices ranging from $15 to $70. We believe in delivering high-quality pieces at prices that won’t break the bank. We also offer Afterpay and Shop Pay, third party services for customers to shop in installments. Our customer base is diverse, ranging from teens as young as 15 to women in their 60s and beyond. Many retired women have shared how much they love our picks, proving that style knows no age!
We’re proud to stay true to our original vision: keeping collections small and unique to ensure our customers stand out. Every item we select reflects our commitment to bold, expressive fashion, and we communicate that message consistently across all platforms.
Join the Marybon Community
We invite new customers to explore our hand-picked styles and wear them their way! This year, at Marybon, we’re creating a space where customers can share their OOTDs (Outfits of the Day) and celebrate their personal style. Fashion is your stage, no matter your age—because at Marybon, we believe: “Style is not determined by age!”
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
God and prayer! I like to pray often and ask God for guidance.
Your World Within, Podcast by Eddie Pinero
Contact Info:
- Website: https://marybonboutique.com
- Instagram: @shopmarybon
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shopmarybon
Image Credits
Project Social, Edinburg, TX
FotoLab Studio, Houston, TX
