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This took a positive turn when she moved to\u00a0MAST during her sophomore year of high school. During this time, Gomez\u2019s love for designing and fashion began to flourish. She had gotten the idea to turn Mare Jouel into more than just a jewelry brand and instead, turn it into a swimwear company.<\/p>\n
Inspired by the vibrant community of Key Biscayne, and her Latin American background, Gomez took these components and developed designs that both empower and celebrate women, making them feel like the best version of themselves. Within a year, Gomez crafted, designed and manufactured all the pieces in her collection.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor a year, I did a business plan and created all my designs,\u201d Gomez said. \u201cI wanted to make sure that all the products were handmade by women artisans in Colombia, so they were high quality and made from sustainable fabrics.\u201d<\/p>\n
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After six months of production, and a full year of planning, Mare Jouel and its Di Mare collection, which includes bikinis, one-pieces, cover-ups, t-shirts and hats, was launched. The unique pieces in the collection that resemble the ocean, femininity and elegance have not only thrived in sales but they have also contributed to giving back.<\/p>\n
Gomez\u2019s business made an incredible impact on children by giving 100% of the proceeds made from the shirts sold to orphanages in Colombia. Through Gomez\u2019s nonprofit, Semilla Brillante, children in need are not only getting the education they deserve but also the emotional support and necessities one should be provided with.<\/p>\n
Although the brand is based in the U.S., Gomez has taken the Mare Jouel brand international, as she has launched a branch in Guatemala.<\/p>\n
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\u201cI sell in Guatemala and a few other places that ship from there,\u201d said Gomez. \u201cIn the U.S., I sell the collection online, and on Saturdays I sell my stuff at the Key Biscayne Farmer\u2019s Market.\u201d<\/p>\n
As Paulina Gomez\u2019s business continues to grow, her dream of being an entrepreneur and having her own business has been nothing less than a success.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve been so happy pursuing this because it\u2019s something that I\u2019m truly passionate about,\u201d said Gomez. \u201cMy favorite thing has been being able to build something that I had dreamt about doing.\u201d<\/p>\n
Marien Gamez-Ibarra is a senior at MAST Academy and a member of the Key Biscayne Youth Council, the Chief Marketing Officer and a volunteer at Miami Tutoring, and part of the Varsity rowing team at Miami Rowing Club. She is an Islander News intern.<\/p>\n