Mode Around the Globe: Lya Mariella

Mode Around The Globe: Aruba
Lya Mariella
@lyamariella

Photography by Aubrie Danae
@aubriedanaee

Location: Radisson Blu Aruba
www.bluaruba.com

You’ve had such an incredible journey so far — what’s one defining moment that shaped who you are today?
Moving to LA in my early twenties with no safety net. I didn’t have family nearby, no partner, and no financial cushion. I worked a job in finance that paid the bills and spent every free moment outside of work being creative and building something I didn’t even know how to name yet. That season taught me self-trust. I learned that I can figure things out on my own, even when it’s uncomfortable, lonely, and slow. That belief still anchors everything I do.

Fans love your confidence and presence. What’s something about your personality people may not know but you wish they did?
I’m honestly very dorky — my husband and best friends can confirm. Showing up confidently on camera did not come naturally to me at all. I love what I do, but I had to work really hard at it. For a long time, that made me feel like I wasn’t as talented as people who seemed to have it naturally. Over the years, I’ve learned to appreciate my quirks and embrace the fact that confidence is something I get to build, rather than something I’m born with.

What has been the biggest lesson you’ve learned in the past year, both personally and professionally?
Two things can be true at once. You can be grateful and still want more. You can love a chapter and still outgrow it. Professionally, I learned that growth sometimes means choosing structure and sustainability over chasing every exciting opportunity.

You’re constantly evolving and reinventing yourself. What inspires your creativity and drive the most right now?
Depth and meaning. I’m less interested in doing more and more, and more interested in doing things with intention. I’m inspired by storytelling that feels lived-in, by beauty and fashion that feel slow and meaningful rather than forced or rushed, and by building something that lasts instead of something that just performs well for a moment.

When you think about your dream life, where do you see yourself in the next five years?
Living a steadier, more grounded version of the life I’m building now. Still creating and traveling, but with more ownership over my time. Raising a family. Expanding beyond lifestyle and travel content into projects that feel meaningful and long-term. Most importantly, feeling at peace with my life and relationships — not just proud of my accomplishments.

What’s one project or passion you’re currently working on that you’re most excited for fans to see?
Building something of my own — something that reflects my taste, my values, and my journey. I’m excited about moving from being the face of brands to also being a creator of them.

Your travel schedule is incredible — what destination has inspired you the most recently, and why?
Chile, specifically Patagonia and Santiago. I was excited going into it, but it exceeded all my expectations. It felt like a mix of Europe, Latin America, and the outdoors all at once. Being able to connect with nature while also spending time with friends and family took the experience to another level.

What does a perfect, slow, restful day look like for you?
Waking up early without an alarm. Hot tea followed by journaling, then a shot of espresso on the balcony. A long walk or time by the water. Reading. A home-cooked meal by my husband, Nicky. Movies on the couch and in bed by 10:30. Nothing scheduled. No stress to perform — just peace, reflection, relaxation, and quality time with my love.

Fashion-wise, how would you describe your style in three words?
Classic. Feminine. Sexy.

What’s one beauty or self-care ritual you never skip, no matter how busy life gets?
Lately, hair care. Hair oiling the night before a blowout, one weekly hair mask, a blowout at my favorite salon, and being gentle with brushing and slick styles the rest of the week. It’s become a happy ritual for me.

Fans love your authenticity. How do you stay grounded amidst such a fast-paced career?
By keeping my inner circle small and honest. By reminding myself that my worth is not tied to metrics, visibility, or productivity. And by intentionally taking time off to disconnect.

What’s a misconception people have about you, and what’s the truth?
Some people assume everything came easily to me, or that I’m just a lucky, rich housewife. The truth is my husband and I both come from humble backgrounds and have been building our dream lives through consistent work for a long time. It hasn’t been linear, and social media doesn’t always show the full picture — but I try to be honest about the challenges while staying focused on growth, not victimhood.

What’s one piece of advice you wish you could give your younger self?
You don’t need to rush. You’re not behind. Trust your instincts sooner and stop overexplaining yourself to people who don’t need to understand.

You’ve become such an inspiration to many. Who inspires you the most?
Working women who live with integrity. My grandmother. My best friends, who are all incredibly hardworking. Creators I’ve followed for years who have evolved publicly without losing themselves and who consistently choose alignment over approval.

What’s your current go-to outfit when you want to feel confident and empowered?
Tailored, dry-cleaned basics with timeless silhouettes — trousers, blazers, tees, and loafers. Great hair, blushy makeup, and statement accessories like a bag or jewelry.

What’s something fans would be totally surprised to learn about you?
I’m incredibly hard on myself. Whatever confidence people see is something I’ve built through constant revision and growth, not something I was born with.

What’s a personal mantra or quote you live by?
“Don’t confuse a moment of your life with the rest of your life.”

What did you love most about your stay at the Radisson Blu Aruba?
It felt elevated but relaxed. I loved spending time at the rooftop infinity pool with the Modeliste girls, and the food up there was incredible. It was the perfect balance of rest and inspiration.

What exciting projects or career moments do you have coming up that you’d love to share?
I’m stepping into a season of more intentional collaborations, deeper storytelling, and laying the groundwork for what’s next beyond content. It feels like a pivot toward longevity, and I’m really excited and proud of that.