Rising Stars: Meet Natalia Marrero of Metro Denver

Today we’d like to introduce you to Natalia Marrero

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Started in 2013 painting & printing DIY punk band patches on thrifted fabric in my bedroom. I quickly taught myself how to screen print shirts, totebags, & vintage doilies. I’ve combined my love of graphic design, screen printing, & sewing to create Destruya. Creating & making things with my hands keeps me sane.

What kick started my business was when I created the “I Owe You Nothing” design in response to stories & personal experiences of dealing with cis straight men who feel entitled to your attention or body to the point of threatening or taking your life. It was an F you to the patriarchy & over the years it took on many different meanings to marginalized people. Customers would share photos of themselves with my patch, stickers, & shirts that spread quickly on social media, which created a great community of supporters, as well as, rip offs unfortunately. To this day my designs have been inspired by everything soft & femme mixed with tough & angry.

I moved from south Florida in 2018 to the Denver area where I started focusing more on handmade, small batch designs. I’m a life long thrifter who loves to screen print on anything to give it new life. I got a sewing machine about 2 years ago & now I’m hand making my own bags & decor using secondhand materials.

Currently, I participate at various maker’s markets, mostly in Denver, where I’ve connected with so many fellow artists. The maker community is so strong & supportive here, it’s been very welcoming.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
When the pandemic hit my online sales suffered & local markets were definitely not happening. I contemplated closing up shop but when I shifted to hand made products I was inspired again. Online sales are still slow unfortunately but vending at local markets has been way more successful in comparison. Navigating markets is still a hit or miss for me & most artists but I’ve had continued support from people who knew about me before I even moved to Colorado!

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m most proud of my “I Owe You Nothing” design since it had such a powerful message & touched alot of people. Now I specialize in handmade bags & decor using secondhand items. My shop went by the name “Upcycled Patches” the first few years & I still believe in giving things new life despite the name change. As another hobby I shoot film photography & I have recently incorporated that into my screen printing & graphic design, as well as, selling original photo prints. I definitely get inspiration from many different mediums.

Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
I’m a very introverted person & enjoy spending alot of time alone. Doing my crafts is almost like a meditation for me. I’ve never had a mentor but when I network I like to connect with other artists’ who have similar values. Even if someone’s art is not for me I can appreciate someone’s process or technique & I make sure to let them know.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Shop-Destruya.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/shopdestruya
• Other: https://destruya.darkroom.com/

Image Credits
Natalia Marrero