Founder Arianna Ajtar shares insights on building her fashion brand Mars the Label, emphasizing creativity, resilience, and growth.
Arianna Ajtar, the founder of Mars the Label, has shared insights into her journey and the fashion brand she started in 2015 from her parents’ garage. Her brand focuses on impeccable tailoring, charitable practices, sustainability, and a fashionable aesthetic that promotes individuality. In an interview with Emirates Woman, she elaborated on her career path, daily routines, and challenges as she scaled her business into a global multi-million-dollar brand.
Reflecting on her school years, Ajtar cited drama, dance, music, and English literature as her favorite subjects. She believes these disciplines contributed to her development, enhancing her confidence, writing skills, and emotional intelligence, all of which have been valuable in her business endeavors.
Ajtar’s career commenced when she took on two jobs at a jewelry shop and a fragrance store while pursuing her university studies. However, she quickly found herself overwhelmed as she launched Mars the Label, which gained immediate traction. At 19, she identified a gap in the market for luxury womenswear at an accessible price point, leading her to create designs that contour and emphasize the female physique. Initially based out of her family home in Manchester, Ajtar’s designs received an enthusiastic response, propelling her brand into a global market.
As Mars the Label grew, Ajtar’s role evolved substantially. Initially deeply involved in the creative process, she now focuses more on larger business strategies while still overseeing design elements and collaborating with different departments. She expressed gratitude for her supportive team, emphasizing their shared vision and collaborative efforts as key components of the brand’s success.
Ajtar’s daily routine reflects her busy lifestyle. She begins each day with affirmations and communication with overseas suppliers, followed by workouts or walks with her dogs before heading to the office. Her workdays are filled with meetings, production discussions, and campaign strategy development. By the end of the day, she returns home in Manchester to unwind with her pets.
In her interview, Ajtar shared her advice for aspiring entrepreneurs: “Stay true to yourself and your vision. Don’t sacrifice your morals to accommodate others and never underestimate yourself.” She emphasized learning from mistakes and documenting experiences, as they contribute to personal growth and success. She also noted the importance of ignoring negativity and criticism, which can detract from one’s focus and energy.
Despite her accomplishments, Ajtar faced skepticism before launching Mars, with some doubting her ambitious plans due to her lack of business experience. She encourages others to remain committed to their dreams despite external doubts.
Mars the Label distinguishes itself with designs that utilize innovative sculpting technology and flattering silhouettes. Ajtar highlighted a recent collection featuring pastel colors and lace, aiming to celebrate femininity while providing a chic alternative to traditional streetwear. One of her anticipated pieces for the upcoming season is set to launch in April, showcasing the brand’s vibrant character.
The rapid growth of Mars posed challenges for Ajtar, particularly with relinquishing control over various aspects of the business. She learned the importance of delegation and valuing her talented team members.
Looking ahead, Ajtar expressed excitement for Mars’s global expansion and the prospect of welcoming more loyal customers, affectionately referred to as “Mars Girls.” She is dedicated to creating high-quality clothing that empowers individuals and fosters self-confidence. Additionally, she aims to grow her team with like-minded professionals and support her existing colleagues in their professional development within the company.
Source: Noah Wire Services
