Growing up with a single mother and her grandparents, Mareen’s early life was deeply rooted in love, tradition, and simplicity. Her grandparents lived a modest life but possessed hearts full of kindness, values that Mareen carries with her to this day. These early experiences shaped not only her character but also her outlook on life, fueling her gratitude for all she has achieved in her career and inspiring her to stay loyal to her own values.
Mareen’s mother, despite the challenges of raising a child alone, made efforts to travel whenever possible during Mareen’s childhood. These experiences ignited a passion for exploration in Mareen that remains strong today. Now, as her career flourishes, Mareen enjoys giving back by taking her mother on trips.
The Early Days of a Social Media Career
Mareen began her social media journey over ten years ago, long before the terms influencer and content creator became common. Instagram was then a simple platform for creativity, a place where users shared their passions without expecting fame or fortune.
Having studied hospitality at a hotel university, Mareen found Instagram to be the perfect outlet to combine her love for photography and the hospitality industry. Her posts captured the beauty of travel and hospitality experiences, slowly attracting an audience that appreciated her authentic voice.
As Instagram evolved into a global powerhouse, so did Mareen’s career. She grew alongside the platform, continuously adapting and expanding her reach. For her, the biggest achievement has been building a career and a life she genuinely enjoys. She says that since we spend so much of our time working, loving what you do is everything.
Overcoming Setbacks: From Corporate Rejection to Entrepreneurial Success
Mareen’s path was not without obstacles. Early in her professional life, she worked in a corporate job where her colorful dresses were considered inappropriate, leading to her being fired. While initially a setback, this event became a turning point.
Refusing to be discouraged, Mareen took this rejection as a sign that she was meant for something different, something more vibrant and true to herself. Today, she owns a successful resort wear label featuring handmade, colorful dresses that sell in seventeen countries.
She often reflects on this chapter with humor and gratitude. She jokes that maybe she should send her former boss a dress and a thank you postcard. She believes her former boss was smarter than she was because she saw Mareen was in the wrong place. A flower can only bloom in the right environment, she says.
Building a Luxury Travel Brand
Alongside her work as a travel influencer, Mareen offers exclusive travel booking services for select high-end clients seeking ultra-luxury hospitality experiences. Over the past decade, she has built strong relationships with top hospitality brands, which allows her to craft unique and unforgettable trips for her clients.
This combination of creativity, expertise, and personal connections sets Mareen apart in the luxury travel market. Her social media presence not only promotes beautiful destinations but also serves as inspiration for her audience to dream about their own adventures.
Staying True to Yourself
Mareen’s story is also a message about the power of intuition and authenticity. She advises those chasing their dreams to trust themselves, stay true to their values, and avoid the trap of constantly comparing themselves to others. She encourages everyone to follow their own magic.
Her experience shows that success is not about fitting into a mold but about embracing what makes you unique and turning that into your strength. Mareen’s life is proof that with passion and perseverance, you can create a fulfilling career that reflects who you really are.
Spreading Inspiration and Joy
Mareen’s goal goes beyond personal success. Through her social media channels, she shares light doses of happiness and travel inspiration, hoping to motivate people to explore the world and follow their dreams.
Her journey demonstrates that challenges and setbacks are only part of the process and should never discourage anyone from believing in their value. Mareen’s life encourages everyone to keep pushing forward, even when things do not go perfectly.
A Life of Passion and Purpose
Mareen’s story, from a colorful dress rejected in a corporate office to a thriving global brand and luxury travel expert, is a powerful reminder that success comes from authenticity and passion. She has built a career that allows her to share the beauty of the world while staying grounded in the values she grew up with.
Her love for hospitality, photography, and travel has created not only a business but a lifestyle that many aspire to. She proves that it is possible to turn your passions into a career that brings joy and purpose every day.
Do follow her on Instagram
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