We had the good fortune of connecting with Carlos Marrero and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Carlos, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Well, necessity is the mother of invention! I graduated as a fashion illustrator from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. As an illustrator, I worked with some of the top fashion magazines, such as Vogue, InStyle, Glamour, Harper’s Bazaar, and others. With the advent of the internet, however, a lot of the magazine business dried up. So I decided to transfer my illustration work into beautiful silks, and that’s how the Marrero Collection was born!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
After graduating from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago in 1989, I landed a full-time gig working for a fashion house that specialized in hospitality garments. I illustrated for some of the top casinos in Las Vegas, such as Treasure Island, MGM Grand, and the Mirage. But after a few years I wanted more people to see my work, so with portfolio in hand I went to New York, where I ended up drawing fruits for an editorial piece in Cosmopolitan – yes, I said fruits because I had to do whatever it took to get my foot in the door. Thankfully my gambit worked and I was able to parlay this gig into many more. Magazines led to commercial work like Clairol, L’OREAL, Bloomingdales, Neiman Marcus and others. I believe that in this industry you have to keep knocking on doors because this industry is always changing.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
*** I don’t live in Denver so I don’t know how to answer this one Extra question you might want to use:

Q.— We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?

answer–OMG Ups and downs when the internet was born and magazines were folding or cutting budgets, Illustrators like me had to figure out how to make a living.

A friend of mine suggested that I should probably add my art info fashion pieces. That is how the lines of silk scarves were born!

Challenges never stop but after working as a fashion illustrator for over 25 years you realize that every single challenge ends up as a new direction and you end up doing things like you never thought you do.
I’m loving it all. Life is good!

Q. —So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Marrero Collection story. Tell us more about the business.

Answer—The Marrero Collection silk scarves are designed for the fashionista looking for conversation pieces. I want people to look at my customer and ask, Where did she get that? Unique designs, rare and limited edition. You know that only a few pieces of each design were released. I want my customer to feel like they are wearing a piece of art, not a scarf… like you are a “Mona Lisa” or a “Picasso” wrapped around you.

Q– Is there anything else you’d like to add? Feel free to share with us!

Answer— I believe that women get a little bit intimidated about the whole “how do I tie a scarf”. Just have fun! I believe that a gorgeous scarf can elevate your look. Sometimes women play too safe with the jewelry, when a scarf can take your look to a whole different level.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My grandmother “Mama Fina” played a large role in my growth as an artist. She would take care of me and my siblings while our mother worked, and I used to sit next to her copying the illustrations on the cover of the patterns that she would use for her sewing. I used to love to draw these fashionable Barbie-like drawings from McCall’s and Butterick. What’s funny is that a few years after her passing I did some work for McCall’s patterns and it was like a real full circle moment.

Website: marrerocollection.com

Instagram: camarrero

Facebook: Marrero Collection

Image Credits
Photos: Xavier Maranon Model: Marisa Blake

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutColorado is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.