Growing up, Maria Torrez recalls fond memories of helping her mother with sewing and crafts at their home in El Salvador. She was captivated by the world of fashion and beauty and dreamed of designing her own clothes someday.
She immigrated to the United States at an early age in 1995 with the hopes of bringing her dreams to reality. Maria received her first break when she came across a designer boutique near her son’s daycare center and went in to see if they needed any help. The owner was very impressed with her and hired her the same day.
“That job sparked my passion for fashion and entrepreneurship and eventually led me to open my own hair salon, followed by a leap into the world of radio broadcasting and media,” says Maria. In 2005, she started Media One Communications, an advertising agency specializing in radio and TV ads for local and national businesses. Seeing a need for more Latino centric business representation and entertainment in the DMV, she launched Radio La Nueva 87.7 FM in 2009, where she served as managing director, focusing on public relations and operations of the business.
During her media career, she helped promote some of the industry’s most prestigious events, including Super Bowl LVI, the Latin Grammys, Billboard Awards, Premio Lo Nuestro, and Premio Juventud.
Maria eventually left broadcasting to pursue her dream of owning her own boutique to offer runway-level fashions for everyday professionals. She opened Marian Style in Rockville in 2021, offering personal styling and shopping services to women looking to find clothes to make them feel beautiful and confident.
Her signature “closet-therapy” sessions help clients find seasonal looks for all occasions, whether it’s casual clothes to wear around the house, outfits for a special occasion, business attire, or accessories to pull an outfit together.
“I try to simplify life for my clients,” says Maria. “We’re able to put together a whole wardrobe of clothes with trendy colors and styles that can get them through the whole year.”
Maria has participated in Fashion Week in Palm Springs, California, and Latin Fashion Week in Washington, D.C., and most recently held her first official fashion show in Tyson’s Corner.
When she’s not busy on the runway or offering styling advice, you can find her mentoring other Latina entrepreneurs and donating unsold pieces to local job-training nonprofits.
“So many women are afraid to start their own businesses because they’re scared things might not work out,” says Maria. “They’re encouraged by my success, and I urge them to pursue their passion. My story is a testament that life is a daily learning process, and with determination and hard work, we can overcome obstacles and achieve our dreams.”