Mari Latorre Helps Brands Create Beautiful, Meaningful Design

Please share a brief introduction about yourself and your business:

Hi, I’m Mari, mama to Lucca and co-founder of Lucca Lily Design Collective. Grace and I launched our boutique creative studio in South Florida with the vision of helping small businesses shine through intentional, impactful design. From branding and custom websites to unique illustrations and product designs, we’re all about creating work that truly reflects each client’s story.

For me, design has always been more than just work—it’s a passion that fuels creativity and connection. Building this business has been an incredible journey, from the creative challenges to the rewarding collaborations with clients. I’m excited to be part of the Entreprenista community and look forward to learning, sharing, and growing alongside all of you.

Who are your customers?

Our clients range from passionate small business owners launching their dreams to established companies looking to refresh their brand and stay ahead of the curve. What I love most is the diversity of the projects we take on—it keeps us inspired and constantly thinking outside the box. Whether it’s creating a visual identity for a new business or reimagining the look and feel of a legacy brand, we approach every project with the same goal: to deliver designs that are not only beautiful but also meaningful and tailored to each client’s vision.

What was your background prior to starting your own business?

Before starting Lucca Lily Design Collective, I spent over 12 years working in corporate environments, advertising agencies, and in real estate marketing and design. I gained a wealth of experience in graphic design, branding, and digital experiences, collaborating on a diverse range of projects. My time in corporate and agency settings taught me how to think strategically and manage complex projects, while my work in real estate marketing allowed me to develop a keen eye for visuals that speak to both businesses and consumers. All of this has shaped the way I approach design and entrepreneurship today, making starting my own business a natural next step.

What made you take the leap to start your own business?

I took the leap into entrepreneurship because I wanted more freedom and the opportunity to step away from the constraints of the corporate environment. When Grace and I took on leadership roles in our own creative agency, we reflected on our past experiences—the inspiring ones and the challenging ones. We thought about how we wanted to be treated and used those reflections to guide us in shaping the environment at Lucca Lily Design Collective. We wanted to build a business where creativity thrives, collaboration is valued, and we could create meaningful work that aligns with our values.

Did you always know you wanted to be an entrepreneur?

Yes, I’ve always known I wanted to build something of my own. From an early age, I felt a strong pull to create and bring ideas to life in a way that reflected my passions and values. Entrepreneurship has always been the goal, and starting Lucca Lily Design Collective was the natural next step in turning that vision into reality.

Take us back to when you first launched your business; what was your marketing strategy to get the word out and did it go as planned?

When Grace and I decided to launch Lucca Lily Design Collective, we made sure our branding, website, and social media were fully polished before introducing ourselves as a team. Having both freelanced for years, we relied on our existing clients to help spread the word, framing our partnership as a way to offer even more value. By combining our expertise, we gained credibility and trust, which allowed us to merge our client bases and strengthen relationships. Our strategy went as planned, mostly because we leaned so heavily on client referrals—and that continues to be our most effective source of lead generation. While Instagram and LinkedIn were helpful for visibility and keeping people updated, referrals brought us the kind of genuine, high-quality connections we needed to grow.

What is the biggest challenge you have encountered along the way so far and what have you learned from it?

The biggest challenge we've encountered so far has been delegating. We both love being hands-on with our work, and it can be tough to let go of certain tasks. However, we’ve learned that in order to grow, we need to trust others and delegate more effectively. It’s also been a challenge to build a consistent lead generation strategy. We’ve had to push ourselves to learn from our experiences and stay proactive in creating opportunities. Both challenges have taught us the importance of balance, learning as we go, and knowing when to trust others to help carry the load.

What accomplishment are the most proud of to date in your business?

The accomplishment I’m most proud of to date is building a business that truly reflects our values and allows us to create meaningful work for our clients. We’ve grown steadily, established a strong client base, and built long-term relationships that have helped us get where we are today. It’s incredibly rewarding to see how far we’ve come, especially considering the challenges we've faced along the way. I’m proud of the way we’ve created a space where creativity thrives, and we’ve been able to make a positive impact for businesses of all sizes.

Do you have any recent wins from the last year that you'd like to celebrate with our community?

This past year has been full of ups and downs, but one of our biggest wins was hitting a major milestone: we brought in more revenue in a single month than we ever did in our corporate jobs. That moment was a huge celebration for us—it was such a rewarding feeling to see all the hard work, dedication, and risks we’ve taken finally pay off in a tangible way. It reaffirmed that we’re on the right path and gave us the motivation to keep pushing forward.

What's next for your business? What can we expect to see over the next few years?

We’re focused on growing our team and scaling our operations. As we continue to expand, we’re looking forward to bringing in more talented individuals who share our passion for design and creativity. In the next few years, we hope to take on even more exciting projects, streamline our processes, and continue to build lasting relationships with our clients. Our goal is to keep growing sustainably while maintaining the high-quality, hands-on service that has been at the heart of everything we do.‍

What is your top productivity tip?

Protect your time, always! It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and take on too many things, but staying focused on what truly matters and setting boundaries is key. Prioritize your most important tasks, block out distractions, and don’t be afraid to say no when necessary. Managing your time wisely is the best way to stay productive and avoid burnout.

On the flip side, how do you avoid burnout?

To avoid burnout, it’s all about finding balance and listening to my body and mind. I make time for self-care, whether it's taking a walk, spending quality time with my family, or simply unplugging from work. Setting clear boundaries and scheduling breaks throughout the day helps me stay refreshed. I’ve also learned to delegate when needed and trust my team, which allows me to step back and focus on the bigger picture. Taking care of myself ensures that I can show up with my best energy for both work and life.

What is your approach to work-life balance / integration?

My approach to work-life balance is really more about integration. I don’t see work and personal life as separate entities but rather as areas that should complement each other. I prioritize flexibility, allowing me to adapt when family or personal time needs to take precedence. At the same time, I remain committed to my business and the work that drives me. It's about being intentional with my time—whether it's dedicating hours to a project or stepping away to recharge. Creating a flow between the two helps me stay present and fulfilled in both my personal and professional life.

What is one thing you wish you had known when you started your Entreprenista journey?

One thing I wish I had known when I started my Entreprenista journey is how valuable a community like this can be. I really wish I’d joined this network a long time ago. Connecting with like-minded entrepreneurs, sharing experiences, and learning from others has been incredibly inspiring and helpful in navigating the challenges of running a business. It’s a reminder that we’re all in this together, and having that support system can make all the difference.

When hiring, what is your go-to interview question?

When hiring, my go-to interview question is: "What drives you?" I believe passion is key to success, so I like to understand what motivates people and what excites them about the work they do. It helps me gauge if their values and energy align with our team and the kind of projects we take on. Passion fuels creativity and dedication, and that’s something I look for in every potential hire.

Are you a Mamaprenista? If so, please share your best advice for simultaneously managing a business and a family:

Yes, I’m a proud Mamaprenista and mom to Lucca! Balancing a business and family can be challenging, but my best advice is to embrace flexibility and plan ahead. Prioritize the things that matter most—whether it's work or family time—and be okay with shifting gears when necessary. Set boundaries for yourself, and don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Having a support system in place, both personally and professionally, makes all the difference. And, above all, be kind to yourself. It’s okay to not be perfect every day—just focus on what you can control and keep moving forward!

Do you have a co-founder? If so, how did you find the right one for you and what are your best partnership tips?

Yes, I have a co-founder—Grace! We met while working together in a corporate role, and from the moment we started collaborating, we knew we had a great dynamic. We shared similar work styles and values, which made it easy to build a strong partnership.

As for partnership tips, first and foremost, communication is key. It’s important to be open and honest about your needs and expectations from the beginning. Trusting each other and knowing when to lean on one another is also crucial. Additionally, setting clear boundaries and defining each person’s role helps ensure you’re both contributing in ways that make the most sense for your strengths. Finally, remember to celebrate each other’s wins—it strengthens the bond and keeps the momentum going.

What's the one app on your phone you absolutely cannot live without and why?

The one app on my phone I absolutely cannot live without is ChatGPT. It’s like my right hand! Whether I’m brainstorming ideas, drafting emails, or simplifying complex concepts, it helps me express my thoughts more clearly and effectively. It’s a huge time-saver and always there to lend a helping hand when I need it most.

What is your favorite business tool or solution and why?

My favorite business tools are a tie between Figma and Jira. Figma is my go-to for design collaboration; it’s incredibly intuitive and allows me to create and iterate designs in real-time with my team. Jira, on the other hand, keeps our projects organized and running smoothly. It helps us manage tasks, track progress, and stay on top of deadlines—vital for keeping everything moving forward in a creative and efficient way.

What advice do you have for aspiring Entreprenistas?

My advice for aspiring Entreprenistas is to trust your instincts and take the leap, even when it feels intimidating. Building a business takes time and dedication, but remember that every setback is a learning opportunity. Surround yourself with a supportive community, stay adaptable, and don’t be afraid to ask for help when needed. Above all, stay true to your vision and what you’re passionate about—this is what will keep you going even through the tough moments. Keep pushing forward, and always celebrate the small wins along the way!

Learn more about the Entreprenista League and join today!

‍