Mariela Zapata Designs
by Mariela Zapata
I have always believed in limitless creativity with color and style. And it is this passion, that drove me to cross continents and overcome countless obstacles to create an exciting unique collection of handbags and Jewelry that I believe will have a global presence.
I was born in the Washington Heights section of New York City, and I credit my mom and dad’s entrepreneurial spirit and the support of my close knit Dominican Family as the bedrock for my success. In my family, the women are encouraged to follow their passion and to make their dreams come true. It’s with this support, that I attended The Fashion Institute of Technology.
As a young designer, I believe I bring a freshness and passion to the world of accessories. I start everything from scratch. I buy my wood in various lumber yards. I travel all over the world for my fabrics. I would climb over mountains and cross oceans to get the best materials and details for my bags. I want my customers not to have a handbag but an experience.
What began with creating handbags on my living room floor has evolved into my own company. I think all of us at one point have a fear of the unknown, but I have to tell myself I have this talent, this gift, this art. I‘m going to do this! I love it… I love it. This is my passion. This is my life.
-Mariela
