Today we’d like to introduce you to Maria Donley.
Maria, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Hi! Thank you so much for having me.
Like many other small businesses, The Urban Mav started during the COVID-19 pandemic. I was a first-time mom, working as an EMT on a 911 ambulance for the city of San Diego trying desperately to think of ways to help support my family while also feeding my desire to be creative. With the NICU bills adding up and my fiancé picking up endless overtime to combat San Diego’s ever-rising rental prices, finally, enough was enough. I knew I had to do something, and with the help of a friend the appropriate forms were submitted and that was just the beginning.
Opening my own boutique has always been a dream of mine; my earliest memory of entrepreneurship started way back to when I was in elementary school walking around the neighborhood with my friends selling old toys and books. In high school I would sell second-hand clothing & thrift finds through Instagram, Poshmark, Facebook, and dream of one day having my own website and space to hold inventory.
In October of 2021, I finally brought my dreams to reality and launched my website! I would go from working a twelve-hour shift on the ambulance to coming home and working tirelessly on marketing, packing, inventory, etc. while caring for my toddler. It wasn’t easy and still isn’t but I’m so grateful that I started when I did. Since then, we’ve slowly grown our social media presence through Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest sharing styling tips, outfit of the weeks, trendy accessories, and more.
As of June 2022, we’ve been open eight months, have attended four pop-up events throughout San Diego and Los Angeles, and we would not be where we are without the continuous outpour of love and support from small business supporters. We hope to connect and continue to build connections with other small business owners and entrepreneurs in the following years!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I wouldn’t say it’s been a completely smooth road for me, the ideas and the dreams come easy but the execution can sometimes be overwhelming or discouraging. Although the journey wasn’t smooth, I wouldn’t go to say it was for nothing, I’ve learned so much from the obstacles and road bumps along the way that has helped me become a better business owner and that’s something to be proud of, knowing you learned something through the tough times you endured.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
As a new mom in an unfamiliar body, shopping became difficult and oftentimes a hassle. It felt like once I entered motherhood fashion became bland. That sounds so harsh but I found it nearly impossible to find a cute trendy blouse with a high neckline that was long enough to be breastfeeding-friendly; I was already feeling self-critical and self-conscious, all I wanted was to feel pretty again in clothes that wasn’t advertised for maternity.
The Urban Mav offers a curated collection of modern + chic styles for any girl on the go! Find the perfect outfit for any occasion whether it’s a girl’s night out or a cozy day in – one of our girls are happy to help you with recommendations and styling help. I launched The Urban Mav in hopes to offer a shopping experience for those of all aesthetics, whether you dress colorful, neutral, modest, sporty, or more we will always have something for you.
We currently offer shopping online, as well as one of our many in-person shopping experiences through community pop-ups and markets. Our pop schedule can be found on online on our website and is updated daily. We hope to meet you at one soon!
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
In the next 5-10 years I would love to see The Urban Mav become my full-time job. Just the thought of getting to do what I love every day is so exciting! I currently still work as an EMT and recently finished real estate school in hopes to obtains my real estate license. I would also love to expand out of my tiny two-bedroom apartment into a warehouse and office space if I’m dreaming big opening a storefront is the end goal. I am just so grateful for how far we’ve come in such a short period of time, at this point, I’m just so excited to see what the future holds for The Urban Mav.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.theurbanmav.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/theurbanmav
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/theurbanmav
- Other: www.facebook.com/shushgirlmaria
Image Credits
Maria Donley
Shelby Preston
Sandra Yvette Photography
