Age: 31
Neighborhood: Tijuana and Mission Valley
Current Job: Entrepreneur
Background: A boss babe through and through, Cuervo’s had her feet on both sides of the border for as long as she can remember. She grew up in Tijuana and calls San Diego home today, while her entrepreneurial pursuits are based in Baja. The first of those was her “side hustle,” LMNTEE, an online T-shirt shop that offers custom embroidery. After that took off, she left her marketing 9-to-5 to take Tijuana’s Estación Federal collective by storm. She and her husband founded Nativo Coffee Community there—and its pour-over to-go product, Fastdrip—as well as Cereus Bar just this year. Next up: Opening Nativo in SD. How does she do it all and still look fresh? She thanks her binational upbringing. “I’ve incorporated the relaxed Cali vibe with the more stylish influence we get from my Mexican background.” Muy bien!
Fashion Philosophy: “Wear what makes you not only look good but feel good. I stick to timeless styles as opposed to following trends.”
Personal Style: “I call it elevated basic. My go-to uniform is a white tee, pair of jeans, leather jacket, and booties. Make it simple, but significant.”
Her Picks:
Mariel Cuervo tastemaker picks
“I love essential oils, and this Vitruvi Stone Diffuser, with its matte shell, is a chic way to scent up your office or bedroom. I usually go for uplifting citrus scents in the morning and calming lavender and mint to wind down in the evenings.” $119 for the diffuser, $13–$18 for the oil
Mariel Cuervo tastemaker picks
“My friend started Parpala Jewelry in San Diego a couple years ago, and now it’s everywhere. The Claria Necklace instantly dresses up an outfit and adds some edge.” $120, Downtown (appointments only at showroom)
Mariel Cuervo tastemaker picks
“I’m an AÄsop cult follower. Their Reverence Aromatique Hand Wash is something I always have in my bathroom. Your guests, too, will appreciate the gesture (and smell).” $39, Fashion Valley and UTC
Shop like a Tastemaker: Mariel Cuervo’s Stylish Must-Haves
“Everyone should read and practice The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday. It puts me in the right mentality to tackle the negative and difficult situations that life throws at you. We can’t control the things around us, but we can control how we react to them.” $25, Run for Cover, Ocean Beach; Warwick’s, La Jolla
Shop like a Tastemaker: Mariel Cuervo’s Stylish Must-Haves
“After always looking for the perfect white tee, I decided to make my own! LMNTEE’s custom women’s tee in the crewneck fit is my favorite. I love anything customizable, so I added my initials in red to my own.” $50
Shop like a Tastemaker: Mariel Cuervo’s Stylish Must-Haves
“Everybody needs a good black leather jacket. AllSaints’ Balfern Leather Biker Jacket is an investment piece that will stand the test of time and trends.” $498, Fashion Valley
Shop like a Tastemaker: Mariel Cuervo’s Stylish Must-Haves
“Moon Juice’s Beauty Shroom Exfoliating Acid Potion is the best alternative to Biologique Recherche’s Lotion P50… at a fraction of the price.” $39, Sephora
Shop like a Tastemaker: Mariel Cuervo’s Stylish Must-Haves
“This Australian staple, Lucas’ Papaw Ointment, is that product that fixes everything—chapped lips, mosquito bites, cuticles, rashes, and small cuts. I have one in my office, my bag, and my toiletry case.” $6, Target
Shop like a Tastemaker: Mariel Cuervo’s Stylish Must-Haves
“Boy Smells’ Kush candle smells of floral, with a hint of amber and suede, and also looks cool.” $32
Shop like a Tastemaker: Mariel Cuervo’s Stylish Must-Haves
“I’m going on my second pair of Superga Platform Sneakers—that’s how much I wear them! They’re perfect for jeans and a tee or with a flowy dress, plus super comfortable.” $80
Shop like a Tastemaker: Mariel Cuervo’s Stylish Must-Haves
