Meet Mariel

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mariel.

Hi Mariel, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I didn’t like hiking at first. I’d gone on hikes before but it wasn’t until I was taking my parents (who were visiting from my home state) on hikes in Boulder that a switch flipped on.

It was a random start but that passion has stayed constant. I usually get bored of hobbies but not with hiking. At that time, I also changed jobs and had a new schedule that allowed me to hike in my free time.

But I moved to CO during the pandemic so I didn’t know many people. I downloaded the Meetup app and looked for hiking groups. They were all during times I couldn’t make, so I decided to make my own Meetup group with hikes that were what I wanted – during the afternoons or later on a weekend day. I’m introverted so it’s still shocking even to myself that I did this, haha. But hiking is within my comfort zone!

I remember seeing people slowly sign up for my group, to the point where it was 20 people, and I was so excited about that. Now 11 months later, the group has grown to over 1,000 people!

A couple of months after sharing my Meetup group, I decided to start an Instagram hiking page. All I was posting on my personal page was my hikes and I thought it’d be fun to have an Instagram devoted just to hiking! I wanted to include my identity (Latina) so I incorporated that into my page and have built my community with that intention. I’m excited to continue my journey as @latinahiking!

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Some of my struggles have been being comfortable in my own skin. I’ve tried to follow some trends to reach a larger audience, but that isn’t true to who I am. I’ve learned to do what I want, share what I want, and be someone that is authentic. I’ve become more comfortable with sharing my identity with my audience. At first I wasn’t sure how to share my Latina heritage on a public platform, but I’m comfortable now.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I work in the food science field. I love food and I’m happy that I’ve made it my career path! I’m glad I can hike on the side while still working full-time.

Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Be consistent with what you’re doing. It’s ok to take breaks but get back on the grind after your breaks. And follow your passions and do what makes you happy – not what you think you should be doing.

It’s ok to do things for others and to share your life with others, but remember that in the end, it’s your life and only yours. Nourish yourself how you need to. And take up all the space, be unapologetically you.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Latinahiking