Arianna Ajtar is the visionary leader behind the global fashion phenomenon Mars the Label. From launching the brand out of her parents’ house at just 19 to revolutionising the fashion industry with her forward-thinking designs, Ajtar has made a significant mark on contemporary fashion across the UK, US and beyond.

Her mission with Mars is to create an inclusive community and a diverse product range that celebrates women of all shapes and sizes. We sat down with Arianna to delve into her inspiring journey, explore her vision for the future of Mars, and discuss how she continues to challenge the norms of the fashion world while fostering a culture of empowerment and authenticity. Ajtar’s story is a compelling blend of passion, innovation, and commitment, making her a standout figure in the fashion landscape.

Read the interview…

Hi Arianna! Can you introduce yourself and share the story behind Mars the Label? What inspired you to create the brand?

Hi! I’m Arianna Ajtar, a 28-year-old from Manchester with a deep passion for women’s fashion. I founded Mars the Label at 19, driven by a vision to fill a gap in the market for inclusive, affordable, high-quality, and effortlessly cool clothing. Without a formal business plan, I simply started creating the pieces I wanted to see in the world. The response was incredible, and sales took off immediately – the rest is history. Today, I’m proud to say we’ve grown into a global brand with a 60,000-square-foot warehouse in the works, an amazing team, and the most supportive community of ‘Mars girls’ worldwide

Starting Mars the Label at just 19 is an impressive feat. How do you feel the brand has evolved alongside your personal journey?

Oh my goodness, the brand has evolved massively since the start! When I launched, I had no formal qualifications in business or fashion—I was actually studying acting at university. A year later, I decided to drop out and pursue Mars full-time. It was by far the biggest risk I’ve ever taken, but also the most rewarding. ‘No risk, no reward’ is something I stand by to this day. Over the years, both the brand and I have grown in ways I never imagined possible. I’ve had to learn the ins and outs of running a business on the fly. It certainly hasn’t been easy and I couldn’t have done it alone. I’m incredibly grateful for the support of my amazing team. Mars has taught me some of my biggest life lessons, including growing up quickly and handling massive responsibilities like having employees, ethically manufacturing products, building an inclusive community, and more. When I first started, I was really into raves and festivals, which really influenced the styles I created. OG fans will remember the days of leather, bondage, and sequins in each collection! Now, the clothing reflects who I am today while also catering to what others want in a fashion brand. It’s an ever-evolving journey. I’ve had Mars the Label for nearly nine years now—it’s been a longer commitment than any relationship I’ve had. The brand grows with me, and I couldn’t be more excited for what’s next.

You and your team are currently going around the UK, hosting exclusive events for your customers. What inspired this initiative, and how has it influenced your connection with your audience?

This initiative actually came about from a casual chat in the office. I’m often lucky enough to meet some of our customers in person, and sometimes I even spot them wearing Mars, which is such a special moment! That inspired the idea to take things a step further and travel from city to city, hosting exclusive events for our top customers. We wanted to create an evening where they could relax, enjoy good food, cocktails, and most importantly, have fun with us. It’s our way of saying thank you and treating them to the experience they truly deserve. For me personally, while influencer events are valuable and important to the brand, there’s nothing quite like connecting directly with the people who support Mars on a daily basis. Running an online brand means a lot of our interactions are digital, so these events are a fantastic way to bridge that gap and create real-life connections with our customers. It’s been an amazing experience getting to chat face-to-face with the very people who shop with us and make Mars what it is.

Mars the Label made its debut at Miami Swim Week this year, a significant milestone for any swimwear brand. How would you describe that experience, and what did it mean for you and the team?

Miami Swim Week was always a major goal of mine since the very beginning of Mars the Label. It always felt like a far-off dream, especially being a small brand from the UK trying to break into such a significant event in the US. So, when we finally reached the point where we could make it happen, the entire experience felt surreal from start to finish! We were determined not to do things halfway; if we were going to show at Miami Swim Week, we wanted to go all out. That’s why we debuted over 40 looks, opened the show, and had the incredible model, Sofia Jamora, kick things off for us. I still get emotional thinking about it—it truly was everything I could have wished for and more!

In today’s business landscape, how vital do you think it is for a founder to cultivate a strong personal brand? How has your personal brand influenced Mars the Label?

I have mixed feelings about this. On one hand, the founder’s story and the reason behind a brand’s creation are incredibly important—they’re the heart of the business. However, I do feel there’s a lot of pressure online for founders to put themselves out there and share their journey. That approach isn’t for everyone, especially for those who are more private or introverted. It can create a lot of stress. For me personally, Mars has become an extension of who I am, so it feels natural to share all aspects of the brand in my life. My personal brand has had a huge influence on Mars the Label. As I’ve grown, the style of clothing we release has evolved with me, and my audience has followed that journey. It has allowed me to form a strong connection with many of my customers, which is something I’m endlessly grateful for.

A cornerstone of Mars the Label is your commitment to social and environmental causes. Can you share some specific initiatives you’ve undertaken to make a positive impact?

I firmly believe that in today’s world, everyone should contribute to making a positive impact, whether in small or big ways. As Mars the Label has grown, we’ve been able to extend our efforts to support not just our community but also wider causes. Being able to make a larger impact on the world has always been a core value as I’ve scaled the brand. One initiative that is particularly close to my heart was raising funds for the hospice that cared for my mum before she passed away—it was incredibly rewarding on a personal level. We’ve also raised money for Women’s Aid to support their vital work. Recently, we implemented Switch 2 Zero, a program to plant a tree for every order placed online, which was something we had been planning for a long time. It’s a small gesture, but one that aligns with our values. It’s nice to be nice!

You affectionately refer to your community as “Mars Girls.” What are the defining qualities of a Mars Girl, and how do they embody the brand’s ethos?

A Mars Girl isn’t defined by a specific look, aesthetic, or style— being a Mars Girl is an energy and a state of mind. She’s confident, fun, stylish, and kind. Our goal is to create clothes that make you feel amazing in your own skin, no matter your shape, size, age, etc.. Being a brand that’s mostly run by women, with an all-female product and design team, we understand exactly what makes a great fit, from the contour to the perfect waist cinch. A Mars Girl embodies the spirit of empowerment and individuality, and that’s at the heart of everything we do.

As a successful young entrepreneur, what are the most important lessons you’ve learned, and what advice would you offer to other aspiring female entrepreneurs?

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is to always be kind and graceful, no matter the situation. Whether it’s dealing with negativity on social media or in private, it’s crucial to rise above it. Another lesson is to savor every moment—take lots of pictures! I didn’t capture enough in the early days of Mars, and I regret not having those memories to look back on now. Lastly, remember that success and failure can come just as quickly as each other. Embrace both the highs and the lows, and be grateful for every lesson and blessing you encounter along the way. Your journey won’t be linear, but that’s what makes it so rewarding. For aspiring female entrepreneurs, my advice is to stay true to yourself and keep pushing forward, no matter the challenges.

How do you maintain a balance between your personal life and the demands of running a rapidly growing brand? What do you do to stay grounded?

I try to blend both my personal life and work rather than separating them completely. I’m not one of those entrepreneurs who believes in the ‘eat, sleep, and breathe your business’ mentality. Life is for living, and we never know what tomorrow will bring, so I’m all about enjoying it to the fullest. I travel a lot for both work and pleasure because the world is meant to be seen and experienced.

I work extremely hard, but I also make sure to enjoy life just as much—everyone should! Sometimes, I’ll dive into intense work mode, and when I’m in that flow, I just go with it because I love it. But I also have amazing friends who keep my calendar filled with social breaks, so I’m never short of time to unwind. To stay grounded, I love reading, yoga, cooking, and hitting the gym—those are my go-to pastimes.

Looking ahead,what are your future goals for Mars the Label? Are there any upcoming projects or collaborations that you’re particularly excited about?

Looking ahead, my goal for Mars the Label is to continue growing and refining itself while maintaining a happy, healthy workplace environment. I want us to keep thriving and building on what we’ve already accomplished. We have some exciting plans in the pipeline for 2025, but I can’t reveal too much just yet! Stay tuned!