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

Hi Mariel, do you have any habits that you feel contribute to your effectiveness?
Establishing a routine that will keep you motivated, know your challenges, goals, and set dates so you complete them on time. Knowing that if you don’t do it no one will, that motivates me every day.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My career is not a traditional artist career. I have always been interested in fashion and accessories, but I was still nervous about pursuing that career when applying to school. I did study a relatively creative major (Urban Studies), but it wasn’t my passion. It wasn’t until I decided to start my business that I knew in my heart it had to be fashion related. I learned on the job and used a lot of intuition to move forward. My point is, don’t let school stop you from doing what you love, there are always so many paths.

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.
First off, I have a huge list of where to eat 🙂 My top 5 would be: Nancy’s Hustle, Nobie’s, Bludorn, Pondicheri, and Local Foods (for a simpler meal).

I would visit the Bayou Park for a Bike Ride, Memorial Park and the Eastern Glades for a picnic, and Hermann Park for a nice walk.

We would go visit the Menil Collection, Rothko Chapel, CW Building, and eat at Bistro Menil. For an adventurous meal, we would go further out to Bori for an amazing Korean BBQ.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
As cliche as it may sound, I have to say my mom. I have been balancing my business with other projects and roles, and if it weren’t for my mother’s full support, we wouldn’t be where we are now. She is my right hand, my partner, and is constantly in sync with my ideas as well. We work well together.

Website: https://puravidaswim.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/puravidamx/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/puravidamts/

Other: https://www.pinterest.com/puravidapura/ https://vimeo.com/user42450877

Image Credits
Crystal Flores Photographer

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutHTX is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.