SHEENA: What inspired you to create the abstract the I love you sign? Many people do it the most common way. Yours is abstract. What started that?

MARA: The abstract sign of I love you happened back then during the college years. I remember that the teacher gave me an assignment. It said, “Imagine you setting up your own business. What would your logo look like? Ohh, I thought to myself, what to do with the logo? So, I need to see who I am, my identity. Here it came up – I am deaf. What is popular among people is the I love you sign. To add to that, I love my name Mara. Together, I assembled and designed. Pah, it had a modern look to it, 21st Century and add my name at the bottom. That was my real logo. Since then, on graduation day I had a fashion show. I decided to use that logo called “Handshapes” which means a fashion word. Behind, it really means I love you. Made t-shirts and put the logo on top. It was a gift for my brother, my boyfriend at that time, and dad to wear on the day of fashion show. It happened that many people really the shirts. That is how it got started.

SHEENA: I heard a rumor. Later on, in 2012 there will be a fashion show. Tell me more!

MARA: Yes, I am really really looking forward to having a fashion show – coming out in 2012. We will make new design and clothes. Really looking forward to it.

SHEENA: In Los Angeles, right?

MARA: Yes.

SHEENA: How do you juggle between being a worker at HM and a business owner? How do you manage?

MARA: This is really hard, pretty overwhelming, but time management is really important as well as commitment. How? At HM, their schedule is a priority so I work there and whenever I have availability, I take advantage of that time for my business. If I know there is an event coming up, I have to request a day off ahead of time. To take turns is a load, but time management is the key. However, I am very lucky to have my husband who always help me as well as an assistant Rachel Tan who works with me, too. I feel relieved, but still, its tough to do all. But I am committed because I want my business to be successful.

SHEENA: You work at HM. Do you mind explaining what your role is and how do you apply to your business?
MARA: While working at HM, before I was at the bottom – sales department. Did all the folding, working in the fitting room, and being the cashier. Then, I got promoted and am now working as the visual Merchandiser. We set up everything, coordinate the clothes and colors, decorate. I learn a lot from that. It taught me the importance of customer service, business operation, and more. With that, I use that and apply to my business. It will become successful the same as H&M. It will become a bigger success.

SHEENA: What if we do a second round of The Pearls Affair, who would you nominate and explain why?

MARA:Yes, we should have a second time around for The Pearls. Honestly, I grew up and had no Deaf role models. Nothing. I am hoping right now that the current Pearls will inspire Deaf women to look up as well as set up their own dreams, goals.

SHEENA: Out of twenty Pearls, who do you admire the most? Well… I researched all and all the different Pearls are amazing. There is one who impacted and noticed the most. Her name is Ashley Fiolek. Wow, she is a young woman already an expert, tough woman, who can ride. Imagine she won the X Games championship! Wow, I am really impressed.

MARA: What does the word Pearl mean to you?
A Pearl means 1) Unique 2) Talent 3) Commitment and 4) Hard-working. All combined, they become successful.