Today we’d like to introduce you to Marylou Gallego-Diaz.
Hi Marylou, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
It has been an amazing journey. We are about to open our 3rd store in Cocoa Beach, FL. The Funky Mermaid stores were founded by myself, Marylou Gallego-Diaz and my partner, Kim McMillan. Our first store was opened three years ago, in Indian Harbour Beach. Our second store has been open for four short months and is thriving! The Funky mermaid is a collaborative of all local artists, creators, designers, makers and vendors. In these covid times with so much uncertainty and businesses closing, we have been very lucky to be so successful.
Our concept allows our vendors to promote and show off their wares with a high rate of success because they can be a small business within our business.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
It has been a great experience overall! My partner and I call each other “work wifes” because it has been like a marriage, I think the biggest challenge is getting in sync with each other. It takes time to “learn” each other. Partners are not always easy but we have the same vision for our concept and can honestly say we would not choose anybody else to continue on this journey!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
You might label us as a ‘gift shop” where if you’re looking for a unique or rare gift, you will surely find it within our stores. However, it is much more than that. Our stores are a venue for so much local talent and fascinating creativity. Our customers love us upon their first visit! 90% of everything is handmade so our customers fall in love with their purchases because they are indeed one of a kind! Our collaboration of vendors are so imaginative and refreshing, it is truly a joy to be amidst so much creativity.
Another thing that we love is where we live! We are proud of our beachside community and although each store is in line with the same concept, they all have their own coastal personality.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
I don’t know that Luck has had anything to do with us! Covid has been unlucky for a lot of businesses, but we have pushed through and come out on top!
Contact Info:
- Email: funkymermaid321@gmail.com
- Website: http://ww1.thefunkymermaidmarket.com/
- Instagram: thefunkymermaidmarket
- Facebook: The Funky Mermaid Market
