Faces of Fairfax City is celebrating Women’s History Month through the month of March. As part of the Women’s History Month edition, Faces of Fairfax City will highlight women-owned and women-managed businesses in the city. The series is part of a larger month-long social campaign, “Celebrating Women in Business” by the EDA and the Commission for Women that spotlights Fairfax City’s woman entrepreneurs.
For our second Faces of Fairfax City – Women’s History Month edition, we are featuring Mode on Main by Mara. Mode on Main by Mara initially began as, “Mode Studio” within Mara Hair thus creating a lifestyle boutique that offered salon services with a collection of thoughtfully curated gifts and apparel that were not only stylish but also fun. Mode Studio evolved from a micro boutique in one of the most popular salons in Fairfax City to Mode on Main by Mara with an even larger collection of gifts and effortlessly beautiful apparel. Much like the owner (Jana), Mode on Main by Mara is nothing short of artistic, innovative, and filled with unique aesthetics that are inspired by her travels and desire to provide luxurious yet affordable styles and gifts for the ultimate shopping destination.
Mode on Main by Mara is located in the heart of Old Town Fairfax City at 10417 Main Street, Fairfax, VA 22030.
Read more about them below.
Tell us a little about Mode on Main by Mara.
Mode on Main by Mara is your long time coming women’s apparel and gift shop in Old Town Fairfax City. We hand pick our brands that speak to us and our community. We strive to present goods that are American handmade by small businesses, a lot of them women-owned, and whose mission align with our beliefs. We believe that small businesses are the heart of America and we are proud to be part of and support that community by buying small.
How many years have you been in Fairfax City and what inspired you to start your business?
Mara Hair and Mode Studio has been in Fairfax City for almost 7 years. I was drawn to the historic feel of the city. Growing up in Latvia, I’ve learned to appreciate the old and am inspired by the preservation of Old Town Fairfax City. My business inspiration was to create a platform for people to channel their talents in a supportive and creative environment.
What makes your business unique to Fairfax City?
Mode on Main by Mara not only uses its name for shopping and gifts, we are proud to contribute to our community in the way of fun events that are charity driven. We have become a destination for our clients that are from the greater DC metro area. To make the trip worthwhile, we introduce them to other small businesses while they are visiting us. We love being the middle woman in making these connections.
What was the biggest challenge for you as an entrepreneur, and how did you resolve it?
The biggest challenge, COVID-19, also became the greatest learning curve for my small business. We implemented new ways of doing business practices that have made us grow through the pandemic. What a blessing!
What advice would you give to other woman who would like to start their own business?
Don’t let the fear phase the unknown. As long as there is passion behind your mission, there will be success. Surround yourself with people that believe in you. Timing has to be right and don’t be hard on yourself. What will be will be, if you want it to be.
What are the pros and cons to being a female business owner?
Pro: Fun! Platform to be an inspiration to other people. Being the voice for anything that my team and I care for. For example, annually in October we raise money for breast cancer awareness. We are proud to have raised $28k+ last year with the help of our community.
Con: Who needs them!
What’s next for your business?
Mode on Main by Mara will continue our love of community and work to reach the local neighborhoods by sharing our story. We will always be a staple in all Old Town Fairfax City events as well as planning our own events that draw people to our town.
What are some of your fondest memories or biggest successes since you’ve opened?
All the events! Haven’t been, you’re always invited! My biggest success, I have created jobs for 19 people. My team has built a loyal clientele that values our mission. Being recognized, by our locals for the first time as a boutique offering them a unique shop that they can walk to. We often hear, “I’m so happy we finally have a boutique in our town.”
Are there any fun facts you would like residents to know?
Every Friday we go live on Instagram where we get loose, cheers to you, and what’s poppin’!
When you’re not working, where in Fairfax City do you like to spend your time?
My team loves to attend local events such as Rock the Block and other events organized by local businesses. We love the food of Old Town Fairfax! The local yoga is my zen haven (Siri Om). I find grounding in the local parks, putting my bare feet on the earth essential.
How can people follow you on social media?
You can follow us here:
Instagram @maramodestudio
Facebook @modeonmainbymara