Here at The Bedford Mom we love sharing about and celebrating local businesses! This month we are excited to feature Mara and Company, which is owned by Heather Mara, a lovely mom in town. If you attended our annual birthday celebration last year, you likely saw Heather do a live painting that was auctioned off to benefit the Stevens-Buswell Community Center renovation project in town. Learn all about Heather and her business Mara and Company below!
Tell us about yourself!
I’m born and raised in Bedford and have lived here for over 30 years, quite literally living up the street from where my dad grew up in his childhood home. My husband and I bought our house in 2019 currently living 2 streets away from my childhood home and 3 streets away from his childhood home. I’m an official towny through and through! I grew up always loving art and painting with my grandmother on the beaches in Wells, Maine. After college I entered the real world working as a graphic designer now with over 10 years in the corporate graphic design, branding and marketing world I have decided to say goodbye to corporate life and start my own small business of commission art work, designing and painting murals for restaurants, businesses and bedrooms/playrooms for clients while also having freelance graphic design work. I’m also a stay at home mom of 2 goofy, rambunctious toddlers who give me so much purpose in life! I like to think of myself as a creative problem solver and I love helping others with design needs, fun party theme ideas and just making things different and fun in a creative way!
Tell us about your business!
Mara and Company is an “Anything Art” one stop shop! From graphic design, commissioned artwork, live painting for events, murals and sketch drawing!
“As a visual designer and muralist, I specialize in creating designs that make a lasting impression. Whether you’re looking to elevate your business with a fresh logo, a dynamic website, or a complete rebrand, I can help shape a visual identity that truly reflects your brand personality.
But my creativity doesn’t stop there. I also craft custom murals for both homes and business, turning walls into captivating works or art. Whether it is a bold statement piece for your or a serene, custom design for your living space, my murals transform ordinary walls into extraordinary canvases.
Additionally, I offer original drawings and paintings, perfect for adding a touch of creativity to any setting.
Ready to take your brand of space to the next level? Let’s bring your vision to life! Reach out today to discuss your project and see how we can collaborate.” – Heather Mara from Mara and Company
What does a “day in the life” look like for you?
There is no one day that is the same for me! One day I am super mom slaying dragons with my son and playing pretend doctor with my daughter, to doing arts and crafts with finger painting and ending the night as mommy wrestlemania haha to my painting design days/nights can look like sketching on my laptop, cold calling emails/Instagram DMs so business or companies that might be interested in needing a mural for their space. Late night projecting to trace outlines in the pitch black and to Lowes for swatches/paint supplies *if you are local to Bedford and see a huge yellow paint explosion outside the exit, yes that was me! haha
What are your goals for your business in the next 3-5 years?
I would like to see my business be in a steady pipeline of work. I will still want and need the cold call clients but would love to be at a point where I am in demand for people’s business or homes making rooms feel memorable.
What are your favorites local spots in town?
Thai Connection! Crispy Pad Thai extra peanut sauce
What is your best piece of advice for people looking to start a business?
Having a close family members/spouse or friend who you can vent struggles and accomplishments with
How can people connect with you and follow your business?
My IG @mara_andcompany or my website maraandcompany.com