At just 20 years old, Mariah Magana is already a seasoned entrepreneur, with almost four years of business ownership under her belt. Her journey began at the age of 16 when she started her boutique business in her own bedroom. Mariah is determined to keep pushing forward and achieving even greater success.
In the summer of 2019, Mariah’s uncle served as her inspiration, encouraging her to delve into the world of custom shirt-making. The idea of creating her own brand and seeing people proudly wear her creations fascinated her. She kick-started her venture by designing shirts for various causes, using her platform to raise awareness. In 2021, Mariah dedicated her designs to the Black Lives Matter protests, donating a remarkable 75% of the proceeds to a charity supporting the cause. She reinvested the remaining funds to purchase materials for creating more shirts aimed at different causes.
Seizing Opportunities in Quarantine
During the quarantine period, Mariah found herself with ample time to devote to her business. With all her classes transitioning online, she seized the opportunity to focus on her passion. Encouraged by her teachers to pursue projects she cared deeply about, Mariah used social media as a powerful tool to expand her customer base. As the world gradually reopened, she embraced the chance to participate in pop-up shops and interact with fellow business owners, learning invaluable lessons along the way.
For Mariah, her mission extends far beyond selling clothes. She seeks to transform how people perceive themselves, placing great emphasis on self-confidence.
Support and Growth
Mariah’s unwavering dedication has not gone unnoticed, as she has been fortunate to receive abundant support throughout her journey. Her family, teachers, and other entrepreneurs have played crucial roles in her growth. Currently serving on the Downtown Vision Board, Mariah’s unique insights and experiences are highly valued, allowing her to contribute meaningfully to her community. She continues to engage in pop-up shop events and champions causes close to her heart.
Evolving Strategies
Transitioning from a brick and mortar store to an online boutique, Mariah has expanded her reach and diversified her offerings. She now focuses on custom orders and even provides social media and marketing consulting services to fellow businesses. As she expands her horizons, Mariah has also made it a priority to connect more deeply with her community. This year, she organized Garden City’s first-ever Pride Fest, an event that garnered overwhelming support and demonstrated the community’s embrace of her efforts.
As she navigates her entrepreneurial journey, Mariah remains resolute in her commitment to her hometown of Garden City. She envisions her business reaching new heights, leaving room for further growth and development. With passion, resilience, and a strong sense of purpose, Mariah Magana continues to forge her path, inspiring others and making a lasting impact along the way.
