MARIANA PADILLA FINDS A POOL OF INSPIRATION WITHIN TULUM’S NATURAL LANDSCAPE.
Mariana Padilla is the inspirational force behind the Mapache and House of Cuca brands in Tulum, and cofounder of the tequila brand Casa del Sol, alongside Eva Longoria and Alejandra Pelayo. Living in Tulum, her entrepreneurial spirit shines through artisanry in fashion, ceramics, tequila, and more, as she creates tangible experiences for consumers to cherish.
Raised in Tlaquepaque, Guadalajara, Mariana was immersed in arts from a young age, her father being a renowned ceramist. The region, known for its tequila and the wisdom of the agave plant, instilled in her a love for Mexican savoir-faire. Before moving to Tulum, she founded Mapache, infusing her design passion into the brand. In 2015, she brought her vision to the Mexican Caribbean, revitalizing Mapache and later establishing House of Cuca, which features exquisite Mexican fabrics and designs.
Now a part of Tulum’s creative and entrepreneurial fabric, Mariana’s work is proudly featured at La Valise Store.
Tell us about your professional career and how you got to where you are now, running two fashion/lifestyle brands and a tequila.
My passion has always been fashion and design. I studied Fashion and Interior Design. I graduated in Graphic Design at the Istituto Europeo de Design in Madrid. My projects are combined today with being born into a family of artisans and tequila makers.
Mapache started ten years ago, being a brand with my ceramic pieces designs (my family business.) Ceramics is my treasure. There will likely come a time when I can express myself through it. Now, because of the places where I have decided to live, my profession has focused on other things that are also very fun and creative.
In 2015, when I moved to Tulum, I started making hats under that same name. It was a better business for the kind of people that visited Tulum. At that time, we were one of the few stores on the beach road, and I enjoyed designing something new. After a few years, Cuca was inspired by the need to create and develop with my partner Gael Deboise.
Why did you decide to move to Tulum? Why do you continue living here? And how has it changed?
I decided to move here when I needed more personal projects. I had a friend in Tulum, and it seemed like an excellent idea and a paradisiacal place to live peacefully. I always wanted to live on the beach. Over the years, Tulum has become very different, but that’s how all places are. I still enjoy my lifestyle and peace. I travel a lot, and returning to Tulum is always a pleasure.
Where do you look for inspiration these days?
My maximum inspiration always comes from traveling. Flights also disconnect me from everything and allow me to concentrate on my creativity.


You’ve amassed quite a female collective in Tulum with your friends. Why is it important to surround yourself with independent, motivated, creative women?
Inspiration is found in every detail, and the women who now understand that what we have to do is to support each other, push each other, team up and cheer each other on are the ones who create an environment of continuous inspiration and admiration.
Why do you think such diverse artists and creatives find a home in Tulum?
It is very personal when you are a little more aware of the environments that do you good and inspire you. For me, the green energy of nature, skies where you can see the stars, the changing moon, the sea, the cenotes and the jungle, the vitamin for creativity and the soul.
What are some of your favorite things to do, places to visit, restaurants and hidden nooks in Tulum?
The Muyil Lagoon will always be my favorite tour, the hidden cenotes that, over the years, we have discovered. For dinner, my favorite is still Hartwood, breakfast at La Barra Estelar and coffee at Prieto Tulum.
What is the future that you see for your career and the progression of your brands?
Keeping myself in search of creativity is what I believe will always be the key to a personal satisfaction that makes me feel alive, happy and motivated.