Life & Work with Marlena Jean of Los Angeles

Today we’d like to introduce you to Marlena Jean.

Hi Marlena, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
The idea of Marmalade Dreams came around in 2021. I was pretty deep into my 70s phase. By that point, I was already sewing my own clothes and, of course, sharing them on social media and wearing them out. I wore my clothes out to concerts, going roller skating, discos, dive bars, wherever I could. My clothing was always something to express myself with and the response to wearing my pieces out made me realize other people share the same kind of expression.

One of my best response pieces prior to Marmalade Dreams, was my animal print fringe flares. Which is now my best selling item.

I’m a self-taught designer and seamstress. My biggest influence was my mom, who passed away in 2008. She used to sew costumes for my brother and me, along with aprons and little things around the house. I always thought it was so magical. After she passed, her sewing machine just sat there, and eventually, I decided to start messing around with it.

As much as Marmalade Dreams is a solo project, I could never have done it alone. I’ve had so much help from friends along the way. The roller skate community, my waitressing jobs, the TikTok community, and my childhood influences have all supported me and pushed me to get where I am now.

Funny enough, this is just the beginning. Moving to Los Angeles, I knew this was the place for me. I’ve now revamped my old collections and officially launched a brand new one: the Personal Anthem collection—filled with little Easter eggs about what makes me…me. More things are coming, and I’m excited that the brand is growing in the way that it is.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Starting your own business is no easy task, If you really want it, it will happen. As I mentioned, I started the brand in 2021. I moved around a few times and, in between those moves, I definitely lost some motivation. Moving to Los Angeles was always my dream, it’s where I knew I could finally pursue Marmalade Dreams full-time.

The hardest challenges have been time and funding. I’m not backed by anyone. I was raised by a single parent who did his absolute best and taught me that hard work and drive will get you everything you need. Having a father who also ran his own business and is a touring musician he taught me anything is possible.

I’ve been so blessed that, in under a year since reviving Marmalade Dreams, it’s now able to fully fund its own operations. That alone feels like such a win.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Right now, I’m everything behind Marmalade Dreams. I built the website, run the socials, handle the marketing and, of course, I design and make all the clothes. Every single piece is made and designed by me in my home studio here in Los Angeles. I create 70s-meets-90s-inspired clothing for feminine-presenting folks.

What I’m most proud of is my size range. While I’m proud of all the work I do, I take a lot of pride in creating pieces that allow more people to feel represented. My size range definitely sets me apart from others; both smaller indie brands and larger companies. I currently offer up to 4XL and am always looking for ways to expand on both ends of the size spectrum.

Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
As for what quality has been most important to my success? Keeping true to myself, the brand has always been a tangible part of my creativity. The clothes are all designed around things I love, love to wear, feel good in, I wouldn’t make something I wouldn’t wear. Fashion is constantly shifting, trends come in and out, but I will just follow my own path.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://marmalade-dreams.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marmalade_dreams/
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@marmalade.dreams

Image Credits
Javi Perez – Lilac Film Studios
Personal Photo only – Austin Massirman