Mommy and Me? More like Maria Et Mia
Written by Eden
I was so excited to document and interview Maria Covarrubias for her new ‘mummy and me’ clothing line: Maria et Mia. I first met Maria (commonly known as Mafer) when I moved to Puerto Vallarta in 2017 and she was such a wonderful aura to be around. Her charm, geniality and charisma were authentic and fun, and I was so ready to have a catch up and learn all about Maria et Mia, what it represents and the inspiration behind it. I knew I was in for a good time.
As soon as we met Maria at Select Showroom, where her items are displayed, we were greeted with a warm hug, a shower of compliments and enthusiasm. Accompanying Maria was Mia, her 3-year old daughter who plays a huge role in the drive behind and success of the clothing line, which Maria talks about in depth during the interview. Mia’s little friend, Maddie, also joined us.
Documenting Maria and Mia modeling the ‘mummy and me’ outfits for the photoshoot was enchanting and so adorable! I quite literally wanted to purchase every outfit so that I could match with my daughter! Maria et Mia also has a ‘daddy and me’ element, in which there are some matching outfits for father and son, which are incredibly endearing and sleek. The clothes, all of which are made from linen, exude elegance, class and comfortability. They’re timelessly fashionable. All of the styles have been carefully designed and thought-out, with different body shapes and sizes in mind, ensuring that every woman wearing Maria et Mia feels great in any occasion. Linen is also such a lightweight and comfortable material, which makes it ideal for child’s wear. Mia was running around, jumping, and playing with her friend without any restrictions or discomfort.
Shortly after the photoshoot, Maria and I settled down and began to chat. I soon learned about how much value and importance she puts on wanting to make others feel beautiful and comfortable, and how much that influences her clothing line. I also learned that she is a master at communication. She communicates and shares her ideas and thoughts through her radio channel, through presenting on television, and now through her very own clothing line.
Maria et Mia isn’t just Maria’s dream. It’s also a platform that gives her the opportunity to communicate the importance of feeling beautiful and strong. She especially wants mothers to feel that way. As a mother myself, I’ve experienced and understand how much you and your life can change when you have a child. It’s very normal to feel like you’ve lost your identity and all that you represent is being a mother. Maria reminds us mothers that we are SO much more than that. At one point during early motherhood, she felt the same way. She had always dreamt of having her own clothing line so one day, she decided to put her doubts and worries to one side and just do it! On top of being a mum, a wife, a friend, working at other jobs and facing the dreaded feeling of doubt. She wants to show moms that you haven’t lost your identity. You are still you and If you have a dream, you should chase it! Whether you’re a mother or not.
What Maria et Mia represents is something powerful. It’s about embracing your true self, embracing motherhood, being strong, being beautiful and uniting with your child and your dreams to accomplish your wildest desires in life! All while looking incredibly fashionable!
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Eden: What inspired you to start Maria et Mia?
Mafer: Mia, my daughter. She inspired Maria et Mia and the ‘mummy and me’ concept and collection. I have always loved fashion. I love to go to the clothes store and look at the new fashion styles and pick out what I like and don’t like, thinking about the idea behind the clothes. When I became a mum, it was so exciting for me because now I could coordinate outfits with my daughter! It’s so fun! I feel like a lot of mums love to have ‘mummy and me’ outfits, and that’s what also inspired Maria et Mia.
Also, communicating and sharing is my passion and by having a clothing range, I can communicate through clothes. I can make people feel beautiful, comfortable and strong. It makes me so happy to share.
E: What inspired your color choice and style in this collection?
M: Fresh, innocent and free. I represent that in my clothing collection. It’s also the lifestyle that we’re having here in Puerto Vallarta, be pretty, be free and be neutral. That is also represented in the colors that I chose for this collection. Fresh, clean and earthy. I want people to feel comfortable and pretty. The styles are basic but timeless and classy and can be used in all different occasions, such as weddings or down the beach.
I was also inspired by motherhood. I know that when you have a baby your body changes and you may not feel as comfortable as you did before. I chose styles that will make you feel comfortable and pretty. Just because you’re a mum doesn’t mean you can dress nice and feel amazing. It’s important to me that every size of woman feels comfortable and beautiful.
E: Why did you choose linen?
M: I decided to have my collection in linen because I thought about the fast fashion problem. I used to use a lot of fast fashion and then I learned how harmful it is. People use fast fashion without even realizing how much harm it does to the planet and people. It also harms us! It puts pressure on us and makes us feel like we have to keep buying new clothes to keep up with the fashion. It’s pressure. So, that’s why I thought in a fabric that’s minimal and timeless. Linen is something you can wear in 10 years-time and still look fashionable. You don’t have to keep buying and buying new clothes. Linen is classy, elegant, good quality and lasts for a long time if you look after it well.
E: Will you use other materials?
M: I’d like to do a cotton collection and a manta one. I’m excited to use any natural material that is timeless and good quality.
E: What was the moment you decided to create this brand and collection?
M: Well, my whole motivation is Mia and motherhood. Everything changes when you become a mum. Your body and your mind. Sometimes you think that you can’t accomplish your dreams because all of your focus should be on the baby - but that’s not true. You can do whatever you dream of! I’ve always wanted my own clothing line and one day during the quarantine, I was just like… I’m going to do this! And Mia has to be part of it because I am not me without her.
That’s what makes it special and that’s why it’s a mummy and me collection. With Mia, I am stronger. Together we are stronger and we’re in this together. We can be the strength. I didn’t lose myself, I found myself and now I have this clothing range with my daughter. I was inspired by the change that motherhood makes and It’s a good feeling! I want to inspire other mums that they can do whatever they dream of!
E: Linen seems to be a prestige material that’s usually expensive. How is Maria et Mia challenging that?
M: I’ve always loved linen as it is such a beautiful and comfortable material. I’ve been to some linen stores in Tulum and Cabo san Lucas, for example, and all of the clothes are so beautiful but so expensive! You end up leaving the store with only one item of clothing when you wanted ten! So, it was important to me to make this collection available to everyone and that’s why it’s reasonably priced.
E: How does it make you feel to own your own clothing range?
M: I feel so happy! I could burst with excitement. It’s my passion and I’m doing something that I truly love, and also doing something that I’ve always dreamed about! I feel like if my clothes make me happy then they can make other people happy, and that’s the outcome that I want.
E: How does it feel when you see customers wearing your clothes?
M: Amazing! I can’t even explain it, I get goosebumps! I’ve had clients ring and message me telling me that they love the clothes and it’s such a good feeling. I love knowing that I make women feel pretty and it’s good to know that my hard work is paying off! Especially when they notice the little details that I put so much effort into. For example, the style of stitching or the exact length or flare of the pants.
E: Are you going to collaborate with other brands?
M: Yes, for sure. I am very open. I have recently considered collaborating and adding sandals to my collection. I don’t want to turn Maria et Mia into a sandal business but to add a few pairs that match the clothes therefore, customers can create a whole outfit from Maria et Mia. But yes, I love collaborations. I think together we are stronger. I believe in collaborations and sharing!
E: Have you got plans of growth for Maria et Mia?
M: Yes! I have more things in mind. I have already ordered new tester fabrics for new items! I’m very excited. I have two new dresses in mind, which will be part of the mummy and me collection. I also want to grow my boy/man section and I have some styles in mind for that too. I’d also like to do a baby section, where I’ll have baby grows and rompers.
I don’t however, want to lose sight of the pieces I already have as I love them and want to focus on making them successful – but I will have new items soon! Maybe two months maximum!
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A huge thank you to Maria for allowing us to interview her and learn more about Maria et Mia. We truly had fun and were so inspired! I can’t wait to rock some of the outfits!
Follow Maria et Mia on Instagram @mariatetmia to stay tuned on new collections and Maria’s personal account @mafercovarrubiasp !
