No. 7: Hey Sweetie, How Are You? With Mariel O'Brien + quick life update
One of my most favorite q&a's to date
I started drafting this newsletter last Monday with fun shopping links and things I love, because I promised my few and very kind readers (and myself!) that I would re-dedicate myself to it. I was excited, invigorated, inspired. It was (and is!) supposed to arrive each Thursday and Sunday. But, then last Thursday my mom had a pretty bad accident and shattered her shoulder in several places, rendering her immobile for we don’t know how long and all of our worlds have been kind of turned upside down.
I’m not ready to write the full story (still processing my kids’ trauma, who watched her weave in and out of consciousness as we waited for the ambulance) but I will share that she is OK! She is home, safe, loved beyond measure, and surrounded so many amazing humans who will get her through the tough recovery ahead.
The amazing thing I have observed, since this happened, is the utter beauty of the human spirit, community and connection. Without people who love Polly and my family, this would feel a lot scarier. I’ll eventually write a full NL dedicated to this, because it is so magnificent.
For now, it’s actually the perfect through-line to my latest Hey Sweetie, How Are You? interview with Mariel O'Brien because she is the most rock solid, community minded, ever present human you could ever meet....
I am VERY grateful to Mariel for putting so much thought, love and energy into this q&a. I LOVED reading every word she wrote (not just because she is so incredibly important to me but also because she is one of the smartest, kindest, most interesting human beings one could ever know) and I think you will enjoy it as much as I did.
For background, Mariel and I met when we were 14/15 years old at Phillips Academy Andover. We instantly connected and spent the next 3 years inseparable (LYLAS, IYKYK). We have been through all of it in our nearly 30 years of friendship and she has picked me up off the floor more times than I can count (thank you Mares, someday I will find the words). She is Godmama to my firstborn Ines and also an honorary to the rest of em. There is no one they gravitate towards the way they do with her. Mariel is also an equally incredibly savvy businesswoman, having worked with all the brands we know, love and consume regularly, and, more recently, has set out on her own (you’ll learn more below) to bolster women and minority founded brands with a true mission. She is a BOSS! Anyways, I couldn’t love Mariel more, she is endlessly inspiring and brilliant and just so kind and cool.
Without further adieu…
Hey sweetie, how are you?
When I see "Sweetie," I hear your voice and smile. And how can I forget your Miami bachelorette party when we created the “GFY Sweetie” merch? That weekend was such a blast filled with giggles — I still wear that hoodie; it's the best! Let's make “Hey Sweetie” merch for your Substack community :)
Ed note: that was one of the greatest weekends of my LIFE! I had 13 bridesmaids (#madsmaids, omg!) and I can’t remember exactly how many were there in Miami but Malachy generously hosted ALL of us and it was one of the FUNNIEST, most fun, weekends ever. To have friends from all walks of my life come together, connect and debauch was everything. I will wear that sweatshirt into the ground lol. And OMG you are right Mares, Hey Sweetie merch, coming in hot!
As for me, I'm doing well and feeling grateful. I’m on the Acela heading back to New York City after a few days with my best friend from college, Lizzy, and her family. Her kids call me “Chica.” We had some special “Chica Time” this weekend, buzzing around Hingham & Boston.
Returning to Manhattan, I’m feeling a bit lighter after Cory’s speech, the Wisconsin race, and seeing all those witty signs and the massive turnout at the protests around the country.
We must do better for the younger generations of our country…
What do you do?
I'm the founder of GM Consulting, where "GM" represents both General Manager and Godmother—two roles central to my professional and personal life.
After almost twenty years working for brands like Ralph Lauren, Gap, Calvin Klein, Lululemon, Outdoor Voices, and Tory Sport (Tory Burch), I decided to go out on my own and do what I love — help founders materialize their vision, build their brands, and reach their business goals.
What are you working on these days?
Currently, I'm dedicating a significant portion of my time to Loeffler Randall as a fractional General Manager/President. I'm also involved in an exciting, confidential brand relaunch, with more details to be revealed to the public in June.
My decision to work independently allows me to be selective about the people and brands I collaborate with and advise. I prioritize partnerships with mission-driven companies, particularly those founded by women or minorities, whose values align closely with mine.
Some of these incredible brands are:
Truly Gifted - a gifting service based on a mission to celebrate the everyday and inspire connection through a handwritten note with a portion of their sales going to an organization providing mental health resources, Project Healthy Minds.
Mi Golondrina - a business based on a mission to share the timeless beauty and traditions of artisan-made clothing with the world.
Ubuntu Life - creates quality handmade products for their customers while providing their Makers with sustainable employment, health insurance, and a living wage, well above the standard income for the Maai Mahiu area in Kenya.
AmorSui - a PPE business whose mission is to create fewer, better products that protect people and the planet.
LEIN - a ready to wear and made to order collection for your wedding day and everyday, designed and hand crafted in New York City.
DeMeric - leather goods, silks and accessories inspired by escapism.
Where do you live?
I moved back to New York City in May 2020. After living in Venice Beach/Manhattan Beach (LA), Vancouver (British Columbia), and Austin (TX) — with stints in NYC between each move — it feels good to be back "home."
One silver lining of returning to the city during the pandemic was finding my secret muse house near Sutton Place, which I affectionately call the “Gnome Home.” As you know, my personal space is important to me; it's been a true sanctuary.
I love to host, and with my garden (in need of TLC), cozy living room (easy on/off fireplace included!), and the guest room (with its queen/queen bunk beds), it’s easy to host friends, family, chosen family and my ten godchildren.
Ed note: TEN GODCHILDREN! I’m not kidding, kids are a moth to a flame with Mariel, so are moms <3
My walls are covered in art—works from my friends Kiki Slaughter, McGregor, Rey Joaquin, Thai Mainhard, and Ryan Metke —all curated by Assemblage Art Consulting. I love that there are so many personal touches around the house, as my mom, your mom, and our friend Malachy helped me make the muse house really feel like a home. There's nothing I enjoy more than a full house with fun people enjoying themselves.
I've also enjoyed moving back to Manhattan in my late 30s/early 40s. Now, I have an even greater appreciation for the city and all it offers. In my opinion, it's the best city in the world.
If you're interested in arranging a home swap like “The Holiday," please contact me! I entertain home swap options with friends, friends of friends, and families looking for a fun place to stay in New York City. I have a home swap in Ischia, Italy, this September and am very excited about my first international one.
Are you traveling this summer and, if so, where?
I'm still making plans, but I'm hoping to spend many weekends in New England this summer. Since the pandemic, I have rented a small place in Osterville, Cape Cod, at this interesting, commune-like property called Aunt Tempy’s. We've made so many special memories there. I haven’t decided if I will rent there again, but even if I don’t, I’ll definitely visit Osterville and hide out at “Secret Beach,” probably gazing over the ocean at Hyannis Port wondering…“What would Jackie O be doing?”
New England is my favorite place in the summer, and I hope to visit friends in Maine, the Cape, Nantucket, and Vermont.
I'm hoping to add Ipswich to that list, too. Can I come visit you, Polly, and the kiddos?
Ed note: PLEASE!!!!!!! I am leaning into New England summer and hope you will come. We will get you in that Crane Beach ocean….Court too?
What are you packing?
You and Lizzy are my style icons! I'll definitely be following both of you for inspiration.
Ed note: FLATTERED! But I’ve been taking style cues from you since the days of backless tops ;)
Some things we have texted about that I now have in my cart for summer wardrobe accoutrements:
I imagine this as my outfit maker of an all white look or jeans and a tee
My favorite swimwear line that is functional and flattering - going bold with red this year
I want these pants to wear during the day and dress up at night - easy/breezy outfit option
the ultimate summer splurge - maybe this is the one I should describe as "easy & breezy"?! :)
What I already own and will pack:
I can't wait to wear this dress
This denim jacket that layers perfectly over anything
These cute jeans that can be dressed up or down
Perfect summer sandal for pants or dresses
My happy beads from my friend Erin McDermott
Never without my LOVE bracelets
I also love Jessie's (founder of Loeffler Randall) substack recommendations and will add her suggestions to my cart & packing lists.
I am obsessed with the functionality of the Dina Tote from Loeffler Randall and plan to get the gingham print option (coming out in May!) for my summer travel. Lizzy hooked me on these to add to my luggage for some personality and flair.
Top 5 general must-haves
Early morning coffee runs
Time with my Godchildren and sister
A made bed
Fresh eucalyptus in the shower
Pastis brunch with my 90-year-old grandmother, Marmie
Ed note: there is literally NO ONE on earth as wonderful and jazzy and cool as Marmie. Broke the mold, times one million. Completely perfect. We all could only hope to have someone like her as our matriarch. Thanks for letting me be a small part of your orbit, Marmie, I love you!
Top 5 beauty must-haves
As you know, I like to celebrate my birthday every March with a spring skiing trip. This year, my friends and I had an amazing girls' weekend in Aspen. My one of a kind, super stylish and talented architect friend, Veronica, hosted us and gave me a luxurious birthday/welcome gift with the most thoughtfully curated must-haves (which I didn’t know I needed and now won’t be able to live without). PS—you should check out her (and her husband's) work!
Chanel Le Creme Main - best hand cream I have ever tried, also obsessed with the packaging
Tata Harper Hydrating Spritz - V told me to use this on my face when I first wake up and after I apply makeup - game changer...wakes me up, puts a pep in my step and illuminates my face.
Chanel Charming Lilac (purple) Chanel Hydrating Lip Balm - this is SO fun to look at and even more fun to wear. Don’t worry, it doesn’t turn your lips purple!
Ed note: ok Chanel! WOAH! This looks UNREAL.
Rabanne FAME parfum - leave it to V to find the coolest bottle (it smells delicious too) to add to my perfume collection.
These gifts are so great that I plan on giving them to people who are the hardest to shop for, but love beautiful, functional objects.
The other two absolute beauty essentials for me are:
Words to live by
I have a few of them …
“Future is bright”
“Please take care of yourself and each other” - Lester Holt
“Strong back, soft front, wild heart” - Brene Brown
Ed note: Needed this today.
“Hakuna Matata” - Lion King
Where can we find you?
@marielobrien on IG
Mariel 🙌