Some people bring light wherever they go — and Mariah Velasquez is one of them. As the founder and creative force behind Life By Design Studio, Mariah helps purpose-driven businesses build aligned brands and digital experiences that reflect who they truly are and the impact they’re here to make. Recently, she gave her own business a thoughtful rebrand — an evolution that beautifully mirrors the level of care and intention she brings to her clients. The new Life By Design Studio embraces a visual direction inspired by nature, ancient wisdom, and the perspective Mariah has gained through global travel. Her refined offerings now focus on three pillars:
✔️ Brand Identity Design
✔️ Website Design + One Day Website Builds
✔️ Monthly Marketing Campaign Management
Our paths first crossed at Sun and Co. - Coliving Coworking Community in Jávea, Costa Blanca, Spain, and what began as sharing a space soon turned into something much deeper. From the very first conversation, we felt an ease in opening up about our journeys — the challenges, the choices, and the courage it takes to truly design the life we want to live. Life by design became more than Mariah’s business philosophy; it was a shared belief that resonated between us. Building a life with intention is hard work — sometimes lonely, often demanding — but meeting someone like Mariah along the way feels like finding a kindred spirit — someone who understands the beauty and the cost of creating life on your own terms. She continues to hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of how powerful it is when women support and inspire each other in both business and life.
Here’s Mariah’s story. 🌿
"I have been following Sun and Co. for awhile now, and I’ve always wanted to visit. A few months ago I was in a dark place in my life and felt like I needed to do something for myself. Being that I’m a passionate traveler at heart, on top of Spain holding a very special place in my heart (it was the first country abroad that I visited and where I studied abroad) - I thought committing myself to staying a month at a co-living space like Sun and Co. would be good for me, in hopes it would re-inspire me both personally and professionally."
"I was surprised at how easily I connected with people. Because I’m a remote worker, I don’t interact too often with human beings in person and I felt like I was a very awkward person. But in the coliving space it felt so natural to connect and communicate with others, and I found they were very similar to me even though everybody was from different parts of the world. I finally found like I had found my tribe."
"Every day I took naps around the same time when I knew my roommate wouldn’t be in the room, I stayed in some evenings to watch my shows or called loved ones if I felt like I needed my alone time I needed to recharge. I also went out and did things on my own like go to the beach and take walks, and when I felt social again, it was there when I wanted it!"
"Absolutely. Just go for it and worst case you just go home!"
"At Sun and Co., they offered a Mastermind to anyone who wanted to host it. I was so nervous, but I decided to host a mastermind and it was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had in my entire life. Almost the whole house came together to support me and helping me figure out my current professional and life ‘problem’ - I received the most incredible, heartfelt and logical advice from almost everyone in the group. I’ve never felt so supported or special. It was an experience. I will never forget."
🌿 True connection begins with openness.
Mariah’s story reminds us that when we allow ourselves to be vulnerable and share our journeys, we attract the kind of people who help us grow.
💡 Designing life with intention is both brave and beautiful.
Building a life by design isn’t always easy — it takes courage, self-awareness, and perseverance — but the rewards are deeply fulfilling.
🏡 Community can be transformative.
Through co-living, Mariah discovered that meaningful relationships can form quickly when people unite with shared purpose and curiosity.
🤍 Support among like-minded people matters.
Her experience highlights that when individuals support and uplift each other authentically — both in business and in life — they amplify one another’s growth and courage.
When I spent time at Sun and Co. – Coliving Coworking Community in Jávea earlier this year, it opened my eyes to the beauty and complexity of shared living. I started wondering how others experience community in similar spaces — what they gain, what they learn, and how it shapes them. So, I created a short questionnaire to gather their stories.
👉 This post is the second of many to come, each sharing a unique perspective on co-living. If it resonates with you, I’d love for you to share your own experience here.
📩 Connect with me on LinkedIn or send a message.
With Love from Canada
Annett
Founder, EmailBoutique.io
