About MARA

Hola! My name is Marangelys — you can call me Mara.
I am the creator and designer of MARA AMAR, an eco-conscious fashion and educational brand rooted in purpose, culture, and amor.

Born in Puerto Rico (Borikén) and raised in Alabama, my designs are deeply inspired by the connection between these two worlds. The spirit of the island, its ties to African heritage, and the beauty of community and storytelling all blossom through my work. Through fashion, I am returning to my roots, sowing seeds in my community, creating with intention, and building something meaningful through repurposed art.

Now, as a new mom, my purpose has deepened even more. Motherhood has opened my heart in new ways and continues to inspire the legacy I am building—not just for myself, but for my child and future generations. It has reminded me how important it is to create, nurture, and protect what we pass down.

Every piece I create carries meaning. Everything I do is with purpose. I am created with a purpose—just like you.

I am also a graduate of The University of Alabama, where I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Human Environmental Sciences with a concentration in Apparel and Textile Design. It was there that I discovered the truth behind the fashion industry—learning about fast fashion, sustainability, and the urgent need for change. Watching The True Cost shifted my perspective and planted a seed that grew into MARA AMAR. That seed became a mission rooted in intention, education, sustainability, and love.

MARA AMAR stands for: Make Art, Repurpose All, To Love.
It is more than a brand—it is a movement.

My mission is to help shift the fashion industry toward a more sustainable, circular future. One that honors both people and the planet. Fast fashion contributes to pollution and harms garment workers, especially within marginalized communities. Through my work, I aim to reduce waste, uplift awareness, and create change.

I transform secondhand clothing, fabric scraps, and unconventional materials into unique, wearable art—giving new life to what was once discarded.

Beyond design, I am passionate about education and community. I host creative workshops and events that teach others how to repurpose with purpose. This includes my “Mommy & Me” workshops, where mothers and children come together to create, connect, and celebrate the women and maternal figures in our lives. These spaces are filled with creativity, storytelling, and love—honoring both motherhood and community.

Part of my calling is to:

• Teach others the art of upcycling fashion, while creating space to learn both English and Spanish
• Empower women, mothers, and young girls to create, express, and grow with confidence
• Inspire and guide youth through creativity, hands-on learning, and meaningful connection
• Care for our planet by reducing fashion waste and keeping it out of landfills
• Uplift and support small businesses and fellow entrepreneurs
• Pour back into my community—from the Chattahoochee Valley to Puerto Rico 
• Spark a Fashion Revolution rooted in purpose, sustainability, and love
• Recycle, ReLOVE, and repurpose everything I can
• And keep going—again and again

I can’t transform the fashion industry or my community alone—but together, we can create real change.

This is just the beginning.
I am here to create, to teach, and to inspire.

Relearn. Reduce. Reuse. Recycle. Repair. ReLOVE. Repurpose.
Join me on this journey—and shop MARA AMAR ♥




Photographers:

Storm Jackson, IG: @eyeofstormj (black&white photos)

Mr. Craig Graves, The University of Alabama, CHES @ua_hes | Fashion for Life fashion show pictures

Models: Chloe S., IG: @atlantaamira

T’nya Owens, IG: @nyabaddaxs

Yetunde Damilola, IG: @nottherealye

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