W(O)W: Passport Polish x Mari Brisco
Passport Polish is a New Orleans based and Latino-owned business started by Mari Brisco, a cosmetic chemist. Her love for traveling and nail polish inspired her to create a business that united both of these interests. Passport Polish is a globally inspired beauty brand that specializes in nail polish.
Since starting PP, Mari has been able to quit her day job and focus on her business. PP can be found in two stores at MSY, make sure to check it out if you find yourself flying in or out of New Orleans! These are only a few of the goals Mari has been able to accomplish since starting her business in 2018.
In the future, she would like to have a large warehouse and lab space specifically for PP and hire more employees. She is currently in a MBA program, which is her top priority right now.
To the women younger than Mari, She encourages you to not be afraid and take risks because, “life is short, so make the most out of the time you have!” Family, friends, travel and good food are some of the things Mari treasures the most. She has ADHD and shares how this can be a blessing and a curse .
For Mari, community means support and this is something she has found in her New Orleans community who has been supportive of her brand. She also has a small business owner community that has been extremely helpful and supportive. This community offers a space for her to grow relationships with others who have similar experiences. They share advice and go through both the good and the hard days of business together. The support from these communities, in addition to that of her family and friends, is what fuels her success.
Mari acknowledges PPG as a space for women to be inspired and encourage other woman to achieve their goals. Her life motto is, “know your worth.” She would tell a younger version of herself that everything that’s meant to be will be and will work out for the best, even when it seems unlikely.
COVID-19 grew Mari both personally and professionally. She learned how to adjust her plans in accordance with all of the sudden changes in the world. In spite of the chaos, her company thrived and as a result, her business was featured in Forbes (congrats !!!). In her personal life, she got married! Although having a wedding during COVID was an . . . adventure, it was definitely worth it.
Mari’s mother came to America from Nicaragua without any money, education or knowledge of the language. She worked hard to both survive and thrive in an unfamiliar place. She is a one of the core people who inspires Mari and represents the power of work ethic. Mari is also surrounded by a solid group of women from all different backgrounds who are involved in all different careers. They inspire her to do the best at everything she pursues!
Keep up with all things #PassportPolish:
TikTok: @thepassportpolish
Instagram: @thepassportpolish