We recently had the chance to connect with Mari Brown and have shared our conversation below.
Mari, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What is a normal day like for you right now?
A normal day for me begins with checking my website new data, sales, and needed updates. Each day I also check to see what inventory needs to be processed and reordered. Afterwards I usually check local news to stay updated with current events. The next priority is checking voicemail and returning phone calls. Since I work from home and also have children who attend home school, the majority of the remainder of the day is dedicated to the kids meals and also helping with homework.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am Mari Brown, Owner of Route 12 Lingerie and Boutique. My online store is available at route12lingerie.com
Route 12 was named after the neighborhood where I grew up. It began as an online store, but within two months of launching we opened a brick and mortar shop in a local DFW mall. After two years we decided to return to the online store. We also do pop up shops and specialty events as well.
Additionally I am currently studying to be a clinical counselor. My expected graduation date is next year, January 2026.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
People often expect you to show up small, to shrink yourself so that they feel comfortable. Many people don’t have the courage to be themselves, do what they love, so often times they project those feelings onto others. Before I understood that my triggers aren’t the same as others I would be affected by those projections. The opinions of others would somehow become a factor in my decision making. I have learned that the only opinion that matters is mine. My destiny is controlled by me. My life decisions are my own.
I have owned businesses, done acting, modeling, worked in various fields and have mentored. My life is always changing, evolving. My interests are always changing. I’ve found that this is what makes me happy and if someone chooses to misunderstand that it’s okay. We don’t live our lives for the sake of others or their understanding. Our lives should be made up of moments that make us feel good.
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
In August 2019 my mother passed away. This was a devastating loss for me and my family. Her death was soon followed by the death of my brother in 2020. My father died in 2022 and another unfortunate death took place in 2024; my grandmother passed at the age of 100. This was a long period of mourning and grief which took me to a dark place where I had to dig myself out of. I went to therapy and counseling prior to my mom’s passing and without this I am not sure how I would have survived. I sought therapy after the fact as well. The experience I had with therapy gave me tools to use in everyday situations. The impact on my life was so profound that I am now studying to be a counselor to be able to help people in the same way that has changed my life.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
Hearing that my friends and family are proud of me is what matters to me in reference to their feedback on my life and journey. They make me proud and I can only hope to return the favor.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What do you think people will most misunderstand about your legacy?
My interests are ever changing and evolving. One year I may be exploring one hobby and the next year I’m on to a new one. Sometimes people assume that things didn’t work out because they don’t see my interest in that particular hobby anymore. I move on to the next thing when I’m ready, Never based on someone else’s opinion. I am multifaceted, with many different interests. My legacy is that of my many interests, many layers, and multiple paths. I would like to be remembered as a woman who was never afraid to explore and live life, on my own terms.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Route12lingerie.com
- Instagram: Route12Box480
Image Credits
Leroy Evan’s Jr
@leroyevansjr Instagram
Past Vision Production
