When we think of Spanish Fli, one may think of the drug, however I am speaking of: Spanish Fli Apparel, designed and made by Marilyn Borrero of Cleveland, Ohio. I had wanted to interview Marilyn Borrero, not only because she is based in Ohio, where I am located, but because her Spanish Fli apparel is creative and well-designed. The Midwest has a prosperous Puerto Rican community, especially in the cities of Lorain and Cleveland, Ohio. I had met Mari finally after corresponding through email, and she was very receptive to completing the interview with me, but the only thing left to do now was finding a date and time. We finally met in person briefly at the annual Festival Latino. This is held each year in Columbus, Ohio during the month of June. She was one of the vendors at the festival, and had several of her designs and apparel available for purchase. I was so enamored I even bought one of her designs, but wanted to buy several more. I knew that I would be in Cleveland sometime in August, I was longing for the Cocina Criollo at Lozada’s restaurant in Cleveland. So we had agreed that I would contact her then the next time I was in Cleveland.

So, finally on a hot summer day in August, I finally had the chance to interview Ms. Borrero. She invited me to her home, and was very gracious and willing to discuss her vision and designs. Spanish Fli was launched officially in April 2003, by Mari, which was the beginning of the ‘Latin Explosion’. Mari works full-time as a Graphic Designer, and began her love of drawing at a young age. She attended College in Florida for Graphic design. For Mari, her designs begin as a hobby due to her work schedule and being a proud parent. Mari began making shirts and custom designs for friends. But for Mari, designing custom shirts and apparel was going back to her true love, which is expressing her Puerto Rican culture and heritage through drawing. She then began to showcase her designs in Cleveland at the annual Puerto Rican Cultural Festival and Parade held in the month of July. The reception of her designs was phenomenal. She was then encouraged by friends and family to continue to create her designs, and launch her business. Since launching her apparel designs, and becoming one of our advertisers on Boricua.com, Spanish Fli has loyal customers that reach as far as Arizona and California. She has even been featured in Cleveland’s popular newspaper: The Plain Dealer.

Although, her designs are geared towards Latinos, she states that others that appreciate culture can wear her designs as well. Mari’s future aspirations include opening up a Boutique, and expanding her clothing line, or possibly selling her designs as wholesale to stores nationwide. As well as improving the making of her apparel and designs by replacing the Heat-Transfer method to Silk-Screen. But, she feels strongly that she wants her designs to be affordable and continue to be of good quality. Mari and I talked for hours as if we were longtime friends, she even was so gracious that I went back to Athens, Ohio with several designs in tow!...Marilyn Borrero is a true Puertorriqueña with vision. Her designs continue to show her unique creativity and appreciation for the Latino heritage and culture, and those that wear her designs should wear them with pride! Ms. Borrero is on her way to becoming even more successful then she already is.