Today we’d like to introduce you to Mariah Zurita.
Hi Mariah, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I’ve always been an avid lover of markets and community-based events that bring people together. Anytime I would travel, my favorite part would be shopping at local small businesses and visiting their local farmers’ and artisan markets to experience the authenticity of the area and find unique products that I couldn’t find back home. Slowly but surely, local markets started popping up in DFW, but still never within the neighborhood I was born, raised and still currently live in. It was until after volunteering and helping organize the vendor market for a concert series in my neighborhood this past summer that I knew I wanted to continue the positive benefits of providing a thriving, inclusive, and genuine space for creators and producers within my community. There have been countless times that people, both vendors and shoppers, have told me how they’ve never felt comfortable or accepted at other markets until they’ve been to one of our markets. My goal is to help local artists, artisans, creators, small businesses, and organizations thrive. I am also very particular about where I host my markets & events because I want every part of my business to be true to form; therefore, all of the small businesses we have partnered with have been local, Latin-owned small businesses. But don’t be mistaken; “Cultura” is meant to emphasize and highlight all cultures. We welcome and cherish anyone and everyone who wants to join and support us.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It’s not been a walk in the park. Starting what was simply supposed to be a singular, small pop-up market quickly turned into an overnight business. The warm reception that our first event received was beyond what I could have dreamed of. At our very first market this past July, I already had everyone asking for future markets while congratulating me on starting a long-overdue venture for our community. However, the immediate success came with a lot of pressure to continue with more creativity and tenacity while having to maintain the momentum. To this day, I work full-time from home at my long-standing job and manage Cultura Markets & Events in my available time, so time management is crucial for me. I do all of the day-to-day work behind all of the coordinating, but I wouldn’t be able to do all of the day-of-event requirements if it weren’t for my amazing and supportive husband, mother, and stepfather, who have been at every single event. They are my 2rd, 3rd, and 4th pair of hands when I need them. They are rockstars and my biggest supporters and cheerleaders!
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about Cultura Markets & Events, LLC?
Cutura Markets & Events specializes in creating an inclusive and thriving space for local artists, creatives, small businesses, and organizations, all while celebrating culture and community. Cultura (culture) is a hugely diverse yet personal part of each and everybody’s life. Culture is intertwined within art, literature, cuisine, family, community, and so much more. When the idea for my business and its name merged together, it was like an audible click in my head, and I knew I was on the right track. As a Latina, I knew I wanted to focus on and emphasize the inclusivity of vendors and supporters who don’t just speak English, are affluent, are a specific race, or live a certain lifestyle. We heavily encourage and promote diversity within our business. We want to empower and uplift those that might think there isn’t a market for them.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
I am an only child raised by a single mother, so funnily enough, I was a pretty shy and introverted kid growing up. Especially with all of my closest cousins being 2+ years older than me, I’ve always been the “youngin” trying to keep up and prove myself. In my childhood, I spent a lot of time with my grandparents while my mom worked to support us, so I have quite an old soul. I would love to ask my paternal grandparents and maternal great-grandparents about “back in the day” and listen to their stories about how they met, what they did as kids, what their parents were like, etc. I love to connect and learn about others. I also had a slew of random obsessions like chopsticks, cameos, paper fans, cups, tea sets, pearls, and more. Those obsessions likely stemmed from family influences, movies, culture, and more.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/culturamarkets/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093498157826
Image Credits
Cultura Markets & Events, LLC
Mariah Zurita
