Meet Marueny Alvarez | Business owner of Made By Mars <3
We had the good fortune of connecting with Marueny Alvarez and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Marueny, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I graduated from Georgia State University with a degree in Computer Information Systems and Managerial Science, ready to embark on a corporate career. At the time, I viewed my business as nothing more than a “fun hobby.” However, I soon found myself juggling three roles: working as a server, managing a corporate job, and running my business. Despite the stress of balancing it all, I realized my business never felt like work—it was something I truly enjoyed. Before long, I discovered just how much I loved it, and to my surprise, it began to sustain me just as much as my corporate job.
While working in corporate, I began to feel confined, especially under a micromanager, and I knew it wasn’t the path for me. In March 2024, I made the life-changing decision to leave my corporate job and focus on my business full-time. It’s been the best choice I’ve ever made. I’m finally doing something I love, and every day I wake up grateful for the opportunity to turn my passion into a career.
This journey has taught me to believe in myself and to embrace the ‘perfect moment’—which is now—to follow your dreams, as long as you take the necessary precautions along the way! Pursuing a career in the creative field feels like a daily blessing. While many view it as a risky path, for me, it has been nothing but rewarding.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I started Made By Mars for funzies at first, but it quickly evolved into a true representation of who I am. My store feels like a reflection of myself—a space that stays authentic to my personality, creativity, and heritage. I always say my items are made with amor because they genuinely are! Every piece in my shop is handmade, sourced, or altered by me to create something unique and meaningful.
I specialize in cutesy, trendy, and Latinx-inspired products, offering everything from handmade phone charms, credit card covers, stickers, earrings, and beaded jewelry to Tajín-on-the-go keychains, shirts, and more. I even provide on-the-spot jewelry engraving for my clients, making my shop a one-stop destination for personalized, affordable items. I love to say my store has a little bit of everything—each piece designed to bring joy while staying true to my vision.
My business is a reflection of myself, and through Made By Mars, I aim to showcase my Latin heritage while inspiring future Latino and minority entrepreneurs. I want people to feel a glimpse of who I am when they step into my shop, while also feeling seen and represented.
Of course, running a business comes with its challenges, but I rarely let hardships stand in my way. I refuse to let myself fail and will always do whatever it takes to ensure Made By Mars flourishes. My goal is simple: to put a smile on someone’s face with something I’ve created or personalized just for them.
One of my proudest moments so far has been opening my new store in Little Five Points, located inside the Bazaar at 1132 Euclid Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30307. It’s the first pink store in Atlanta, and I couldn’t be more excited or proud of what I’ve built!
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Our first stop would, of course, be Made By Mars in Little Five Points, located inside the Bazaar at 1132 Euclid Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30307. There, I’d create a personalized charm necklace just for her and engrave “BFF” on one of the charms! Afterward, we’d head to Vintage Land right down the street at 1083 Euclid Ave to browse for cute retro jackets or a stylish vintage purse.
After all that shopping, we’d definitely work up an appetite, so our next stop would be El Ponce for some delicious elotes, tacos, and refreshing Mexican Coke. Fun fact: El Ponce has a store downstairs filled with items from Latina small business owners—including some from yours truly! To end the day, we’d hop on scooters on the Beltline, wrapping up what I would say is a perfect day.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My support system, made up of my incredible friends and family, has been instrumental in the growth of my business. Over the years, they’ve witnessed my journey and stood by me, offering help in every way possible. My sister Ariana has been invaluable in managing my social media presence, while my older sister Karina has become a pro at helping me sell at markets. My friend Angel has been a tremendous help with my recent store opening and market pop-ups, and my friend Zauria pitched in to set up the store with me. My friend Dao designed my very first logo, and my cousins Henrry and Ivette helped paint the store. My cousin Idenia has become my go-to partner, helping me create and sell my products. Truly, the list of people who have supported me goes on and on.
Every single person in my support system has played a role in my business’s growth, whether by offering their time, skills, or unwavering belief in me. My mom, Franci, has been one of my biggest cheerleaders—she wholeheartedly supported my decision to leave my corporate job and pursue my business full-time. She never doubted me and always believed I would make it work.
My support system has even grown to include my loyal customers! I felt the love and encouragement deeply during my recent grand opening on December 14, 2024 from my whole support system. Their unwavering support created a strong and heartwarming presence that I’ll always cherish.
A heartfelt shoutout to Franci, Jose, Karina, Ariana, Edwin, Jason, Madelyn, Lucy, Ken, Henrry, Ivette, Angel, Dao, Zauria, Leo, Ale, Perreo404, my Alpfamilia and so many more! Your support means the world to me, and I couldn’t have done this without you.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madebymarsllc/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maruenyalvarez
Youtube: https://youtube.com/@madebymarsshop?si=5Qq_sUNJr5KWG-KY
Image Credits
Marueny Alvarez, Ariana Alvarez, and Daya Lora
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