Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Mariel Garcia. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Mariel thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

After working a 9-5 all of my adulthood, I decided to take a risk, and become a freelance “Wardrobe Stylist”. Becoming a freelancer in LA as a 35 yr old, newly divorced, single mother of two has been the best decision/ risk I had to make.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I have always heard people talk about the importance of networking, or one of my good friend’s favorite quotes. “ a closed mouth doesn’t get fed”, it is so true !!! If you don’t speak out or talk about what you want, no one will ever know.
My brother and I have a great appreciation for tv and films. One day while watching a movie I remember I had mentioned to my brother how much I would love to be a “Wardrobe stylist / Costumer. One day my brother visited a friend and it so happened on that very same day my brother met his friend’s girlfriend , (Jasmine) To my brother’s surprise Jasmine ( who will later turn into my best friend) was a fashion stylist. My brother told her how much she reminded her of me and how much we had in common. Instantly, my brother connected us and rest is history …. About a month later after becoming “social media friends”, Jasmine referred me to Cici (who would also become my best friend ) was looking for an intern to work on a new project with the costume dept. Luckily, I was more than available and joined Cici as an intern for the duration of the project.
As an intern on my first project, I knew nothing, I was scared but mostly excited. I was finally in and learning .
I learned so much on that project , how to prep a room for talent fittings,
how to prep the wardrobe, what to shop/source looks , how to organize wardrobe that didn’t make the cut for returns, getting familiar with costume houses and so much more . So many details that go into being a costume designer and learning to be part of a team.
Fast forward to now , I’m happy to say I’m no longer an intern . I am a key stylist working on tv commercials, prints, music videos, brands, advertising campaigns and tv.
I work closely with production companies, creative teams to develop
the theme or direction the client wants to achieve for their brand.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

What I believe has helped me build my reputation is my work ethic . Back in my intern, assistant days and now as a key stylist , I have always worked hard . I always arrive early to work,l, last to leave . I put in 100% into my work. I like my clients to feel they can depend on me in getting the job done.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

In my line of work there are always pivoting moments. Sometimes clients have an idea of what they like but it won’t necessarily work out. For example , sometimes I’m required to source a look for talent and during fittings the client may want to go a different direction . My job is to accommodate and execute the look the client wants to achieve .

Contact Info:

• Website: https://styledbymarielg.com/
• Instagram: @styledbymarielg