Hello, I'm Yolimar Maresca, and I am thrilled to introduce myself as the founder of Palmeras Shop. At thirty-four years old, I wear many hats - I'm a proud mother, devoted wife, loving daughter, caring sister, doting granddaughter, fun-loving aunt, and loyal friend. My journey began on the enchanting island of Caguas, Puerto Rico, where I was born and raised in a middle-class family, as the youngest of three sisters.

Growing up on a tropical island was a dream come true. I have such fond memories of spending holidays and summers in Lajas, La Parguera, on the stunning southwestern coast. It was there, at my grandparents' beach house, that my deep love for coastal scenes was born. But that's not all; I was lucky enough to have a beautiful maternal grandmother, lovingly called "Abuelin," who played an incredible role in shaping my life. She showed me the true meaning of resilience and determination in so many ways. Despite facing financial constraints, she pursued her dreams and became the only woman among men in her Public Health Master's degree program back 65 years ago. She use to tell me stories on how she made her own clothes from scratch to go to university. I was amaze of her sewing skills and her ability to bring her own visions to life. From watching her and my aunt sew dresses to witnessing the power of clothing to instill self-confidence and positive energy, I realized that fashion could be so much more than just fabric and simple clothing attire. I am a truly believer that a wardrobe can tell a story.

During my college years, I delved into the fashion retail industry, immersing myself in its vibrant world for seven exciting years. My passion for the arts had been with me since a young age, and I gained valuable experience in visual merchandising and the broader fashion industry. While studying accounting and finance during my undergraduate years, I pursued my love for fashion design by taking part-time classes at the prestigious Lisa Thon Fashion Design School in San Juan, Puerto Rico. It was there that I started learning everything from patterns, textiles, sewing, to sketching, with an ultimate goal of creating a standout portfolio and pursuing an arts degree in New York City.

Life, however, took an unexpected turn after graduation. I had to put my dreams on hold and focus on my career in the fashion retail industry, all while meeting the demands of my academic responsibilities. I accepted a position in the public accounting professional services sector at one of the renowned Big Four accounting firms, where I experienced tremendous professional growth over the past decade. My journey led me to explore the realms of public accounting and real estate investment, with a particular focus on the insurance sector in the vibrant city of New York.

But as we all know, life has a way of surprising us. The year 2020 brought about unprecedented changes, and it was during this time that I rediscovered my true passions. My husband and I made the decision to relocate from New Jersey to Connecticut, seeking a fresh start and embracing new beginnings. The joy of becoming parents ignited a profound reflection within me, urging me to reevaluate my goals and aspirations. It was then that Palmeras Shop came to life, after much contemplation and soul-searching.

Through Palmeras Shop, my mission is to support and empower women in their pursuit of goals, dreams, and accomplishments. I want to be a part of their journey, providing them with curated wardrobes that exude self-confidence and uplift them in both their professional and personal lives. Whether it's finding the perfect outfit for the office or creating a stylish ensemble for a coastal vacation, I am here to make women feel their best.

As I embark on this new and exciting chapter of my life, pursuing my passions and raising my beautiful family along the breathtaking New England coast, I invite you to join me. Let us embark on this journey together, embracing the endless possibilities that lie ahead.

With love,

Yoli Maresca