MGLA X Mariana Areal: Beauty, Courage and a Fiery Soul

Entrepreneur, content creator and owner of a Leo glow that’s uniquely hers, Mariana Areal is pure sunshine with deep roots. Her journey includes intense challenges, from a heart attack to bariatric surgery and a powerful transformation in health and emotional well-being. Today, she inspires thousands with authenticity, beauty and lightness. In partnership with MGLA, she shares her story of reinvention and purpose, showing us that true success starts from within.

Image is a courtesy of Mariana Areal 2025

MGLA: Mari, your journey so far has involved a lot of overcoming. How do you see the woman you are today?

It was a difficult time, but full of growth. Facing pain head-on isn’t easy, but life goes on, you know. Just in a different way. I had bariatric surgery, lost a lot of weight, improved my health and energy… but the most important part was how it affected me emotionally. Today I value life and my well-being much more.

MGLA: Your content feels very authentic. Where does your inspiration come from?

I get inspired by profiles that share real tips, self-care, things that work. Sometimes I even buy something just to try it and share with my audience. I like doing things as if I’m living my life normally and I can’t create content around something that doesn’t feel real to me.

MGLA: Can you tell us a bit about your store and how do you choose the products and style of it?

Femi Store it’s a mix of my personal taste with what I think is timeless and basic, but still trendy. I like to blend simplicity with what’s in. My store is basically me, in the form of a display window.

MGLA: And on days when things feel off-track?

That’s when things get tricky! [laughs] I get really anxious and end up taking it out on people. I’ll admit I don’t have the most controlled emotions. When something gets out of my control, I get mad! Classic Leo.

MGLA: What does living with purpose mean to you?

Everything! If I don’t set a purpose, I won’t go anywhere. I know you don’t reach your dreams overnight, but every step brings me closer. Today I feel fulfilled, married, happy at home, but I want to grow my store a lot and open a physical space. I’ve always known I wanted to be an entrepreneur, and even though I studied law, it was never my path.

MGLA: What advice would you give to someone going through a hard time?

Don’t give up. Everyone goes through difficult phases, like grief, financial issues, family problems… but life continues. The only thing without a solution is death. Everything else, with strength and focus, we can get through.

MGLA: What’s your current dream?

To have a physical store and move from my apartment to a bigger house. I’m working hard for it, always creating content, ordering new products… Making it happen!

MGLA: If you were a dish, what would you be?

Definitely a burger! [laughs] Because everyone loves it, it exists all over the world, and you can make it however you want: indulgent or healthy, classic or creative. It has layers and just like me, it’s intense, versatile and always evolving.

🌍 MGLA Lightning Round: Cities with Areal

Paris or London? Paris.
Istanbul or Rio? Istanbul.
Tokyo or New York? Tokyo.
Lisbon or São Paulo? Lisbon.
Los Angeles or Bali? Bali.
Amsterdã ou Marrakesh? Marrakesh.
Big city or small town? Big city!
Airport or home? Airport. But it depends where I’m going to!

MGLA: One word that defines Mariana today?

Courage. I want to show the world that we should never give up on our purpose. Sometimes we’re at the bottom, sometimes we’re on top… but what matters is to keep moving forward.

MGLA: Thank you very much, Mari! We wish you all the best and may your dreams bloom and come into reality sooner than you think!

Find Mariana online:

Instagram @marianaareal

Femi Store @femi.storebsb

All images are a courtesy of Mariana Areal.

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