This week, Emirates Woman talks to Arianna Ajtar, who founded Mars the Label. Established in 2015 within her parents' garage, this modern clothing line takes pride in offering exceptional craftsmanship, engaging in philanthropy and sustainability efforts, and adopting an elegant and refined style that encourages personal expression and empowerment.
Welcome to the Emirates Woman In our weekly series 'How I Got My Job As...', we talk with remarkable entrepreneurs and successful women from around the globe, including many who are established here in the UAE. We explore how their professional journeys have shaped their current positions, delve into their day-to-day activities, share insights for beginners stepping into these fields, and discuss challenges they've encountered along the way.
In this, Arianna discusses the insights gained from growing her enterprise into an international multi-million dollar company and outlines what lies ahead for her venture.
Which subject did you enjoy the most during your time at school?
Acting, drama, dancing, and music stood out during my school days since performing was originally the path I aimed for professionally. Additionally, I developed a strong passion for English literature because I have always enjoyed delving into texts and uncovering deeper meanings within them. These subjects played an essential role in shaping my professional journey—be it through boosting self-assurance, improving my writing skills, or enhancing my emotional acumen. Ultimately, they guided me towards establishing a thriving enterprise, which fills me with gratitude.
What did you do for your first job?
When I began Mars the Label, I actually held down two positions simultaneously: one at an jewelry boutique and another at a perfume emporium. Both roles intrigued me greatly, particularly because of how much joy interacting with clients brought into my life. Nonetheless, this quickly became quite challenging when you consider that I was also juggling studies alongside launching what would become a rapidly successful venture called Mars the Label.
What motivated you to venture into the fashion industry and start Mars the Label?
When I was 19 years old, I started Mars because I saw a void in the market for high-end women’s clothing available at affordable prices. I believed that looking good could boost a woman’s confidence, which led me to focus on designing outfits that would enhance and highlight the feminine form. Therefore, within my parents' house in Manchester, I crafted styles that I personally desired but couldn’t find elsewhere. The feedback from customers was overwhelmingly positive right from the start, leading to rapid growth. Now, I am delighted to announce that our company has expanded globally, complete with plans for a new facility covering 60,000 square feet, along with having assembled a fantastic group of employees and cultivating a nurturing network of 'Mars Girls' across the globe.
Could you please clarify what specific role you're referring to? The phrase "key elements" can vary widely depending on the position or responsibility being discussed.
When launching a clothing line, you're heavily immersed in the creative aspect since you must define the aesthetic and messaging intended for your audience. As Mars expanded, however, my duties increased accordingly. Although I manage all operations, much of my recent focus has been on broader business strategies. It would be ideal if I could divide myself to handle multiple tasks simultaneously; instead, I work closely with each division right from the inception of new collections or projects. Regular progress meetings ensure I stay informed, plus I continue to design many items currently showcased. My team aligns perfectly with my perspective and forms the core support system behind Mars. Their unwavering dedication fosters our strong partnership—indeed, like-minded individuals create remarkable synergy!
Walk us through your typical day.
From the moment my alarm rings, I don’t stop. My morning routine is the most important part of my day and I like to spend the first 20 minutes of my day with affirmations playing on YouTube whilst I catch up with suppliers who are overseas. I either go to the gym or go on a walk with my sausage dogs. I then head into the office and spend most of my days in meetings, on production sets, or ideating the next campaign strategy and having fun with the team. If you were to catch me at the Mars headquarters, I’d probably have a mix of colour swatches, fabric materials, photos, and ideation decks in my hands – as well as a coffee . By 6pm, I’m at home in Manchester, cuddled up with the pups.
What advice do you have for anyone looking to follow in the same footsteps?
Stay true to yourself and your vision. Don’t sacrifice your morals to accommodate others and never underestimate yourself. Take time to learn about the industry and your craft and I urge you to make as many mistakes as you need to grow. Everyone starts somewhere. I remind myself that the legends didn’t become great without some hiccups along the way and when I stumble, the best thing I can do is dust myself off and continue on. The best lessons you learn are in your hard times so embrace them, and document every moment, whether you share it to socials or not. I regret not documenting the early days of Mars, however I never imagined it would be what it is today and during the time I launched I didn’t anticipate needing or wanting to look back at the times when it was just me at home, alone.
What’s the finest piece of guidance you’ve ever been given?
Don’t underestimate the impact of a passionate endeavor! I launched Mars from my parents' house in Manchester equipped with a clear idea for the brand and £3,000 (Dhs14,266). Leveraging determination, along with encouragement from loved ones and plenty of caffeine, I grew this label into a worldwide success worth multiple millions.
Additionally, there’s no necessity to tackle each piece of negative feedback. Where your focus goes, your energy flows, so giving excessive attention to critiques or negativity can cause them to amplify.
So, what is considered the worst?
Before starting out, I faced doubt from individuals who believed my ambitions were unrealistic due to my lack of business background. Only you truly understand your aspirations and vision, so stay focused and disregard those who criticize you.
Could you share more details about the collections available at Mars the Label and which items have caught your eye this season?
The label Mars combines cutting-edge sculpting technology with stylish cuts to make sure every Mars Girl feels confident and looks her best regardless of her activities. Their newest line includes soft pastel colors and delicate lacework, emphasizing feminine strength. While we're proud of our refined approach to contemporary women’s streetwear, this new capsule collection really highlights Mars' adaptability. There's one particular item from this season that has not been unveiled yet—it will launch in April—and it embodies all that Mars represents: bold, lively, and attractive.
What was the most significant obstacle you have had to face?
Having expanded Mars so rapidly, I struggled with letting go of control. I loved having my hand in every pot, so to say, but as Mars got bigger and bigger, my availability during the day severely decreased. In this moment, I learned how to delegate and defer to others on my team, who are amazing might I add.
Where do you see yourself heading in the coming years?
I am excited about Mars' worldwide expansion and the opportunity to welcome additional 'Mars Girls' into our dedicated community. These remarkable women are central to my concept for the brand, and I aim to keep crafting top-notch clothing that makes them feel empowered, beautiful, and truly themselves. Within the company, I anticipate growing our team with passionate and motivated experts who share our values, as well as aiding my present teammates so they can thrive professionally here at Mars the Label.
— To stay updated about the finer aspects of luxurious living including lifestyle, current events, fashion, and beauty, follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram.
Images: Supplied
