Meet Lya Mariella | Lifestyle Blogger & CaribumSwim Owner

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

Hi Lya, what’s the most difficult decision you’ve ever had to make?
It was the simultaneous realization and decision that I wanted to make a full time career out of blogging and growing my swimwear brand. It meant leaving behind the safety of my high paying finance job and risking it all for some “dream”. It was tough because I genuinely didn’t know whether or not I was making the right decision but I could feel it in my gut that I’d seriously regret it if I didn’t give it a try.

I’d be lying if I told you I didn’t feel consumed by the fear of failure at times – I consider myself a pretty rational person and I knew that even putting in the work wouldn’t guarantee the outcome I desired-. However, I didn’t let that fear stop me back then and I still haven’t to this day.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
As a digital creator, I believe what sets me apart is I truly am my content. To me, there’s no separation between the person that I am when I’m at home with my husband/family and who I am in my social channels. By nature, I have a positive, glass half full kind of personality and at the same time I am brutally transparent. I believe its in the combination of those traits that the real value to others lies.

As a small business owner, what sets CaribumSwim apart is our mission: we are an eco-conscious, sustainable lifestyle brand focused on bringing people from all over the world a product that represents the soul and spirit of our beloved Caribbean culture – as all three owners were born and raised in Puerto Rico.

How I got to where I am? I can answer with one simple quote: “dreams don’t work unless you do”. I had dreams and aspirations and I dedicated whatever time off I had to move the needle forward even if that meant making a tiny baby step every day. I wouldn’t say it was incredibly difficult because I truly love what I do and have certainly enjoyed the process; but I think the greatest challenge has been overcoming the doubt, fear of failure in my own head. The mental aspect of knowing you’re all on your own and whether there’s progress or regression depends almost entirely on you.

One important lesson I learned this year is you don’t need a huge audience to make a huge impact. Just because you don’t have millions or even hundreds of thousands of people following you doesn’t mean your content isn’t valuable enough to influence people’s lives or instill change.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Definitely dinner at Meridian in The Village first and foremost (its my favorite restaurant in Dallas). Anise which is right next door is also great for sunset drinks and dinner. For lunch, I’d take them to Highland Park Village’s Bistro 31 followed by some window shopping. For Sunday brunch I’d take them to Bishop Arts’ Paradiso or Casablanca and would spend the rest of the day checking out the local shops in the area and enjoying the live music.

A few other food & drinks spots I love are:
– Catbird
– Nick & Sams
– Restoration Hardware Rooftop
– Toulouse
– Georgie’s
– La La Land Kind Cafe
– HG Supply
– Leela’s Wine Bar

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Without a doubt I have to dedicate this shoutout to my husband, Nicky. I might sound cliche but this man has supported me and my business ventures from the moment I brought them up as merely ideas, almost 5 years ago. Without having any knowledge of photography, blogging or even a social media account he took it upon himself to assist in any way he could. He learned how to take my photos and videos (now he’s the only person I ever want shooting my content), he researched social media strategy, books and start-up advice and even offered to assist financially with bills when I was on the cusp of leaving my corporate job. There is no doubt in my mind that my businesses would not be where they are today if it wasn’t for him and his encouragement.

Website: https://www.lyamariellablog.com/

Instagram: @lyamariella

Other: @lyamariella on Pinterest / TikTok / LTK @caribumofficial on Instagram https://caribum.com/