Meet Maria Zare | Owner and Creative Director of Belaré Home

We had the good fortune of connecting with Maria Zare and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Maria, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Starting my own business was a deeply personal journey rooted in both emotion and inspiration. I grew up watching my late father source beautiful, one-of-a-kind objects for the vintage shop he owned. He had this incredible eye for design and an even more incredible passion for storytelling—every piece he brought in had a story, a soul. That experience sparked my love for creativity and entrepreneurship.

When I finally took the leap to start my own business, it felt like I was continuing his story in my own way. It was a mix of honoring his memory, trusting my instincts, and believing in the power of beautiful spaces to bring people together. It hasn’t always been easy, but there’s something incredibly fulfilling about building something that reflects who you are—and knowing that in some way, you’re carrying forward the spirit of someone who once inspired you to dream big.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Belaré Home was born from a deep desire for connection and a lifelong passion for stories. I’ve always believed that design is about more than just aesthetics—it’s about how something makes you feel. Belaré was founded on the belief that creativity nourishes the soul. Everything we curate or create is done with intention. I want the pieces we offer to spark emotion, trigger memories, and create moments that feel personal and meaningful.

What sets us apart is our commitment to storytelling through design. I’m not just sourcing objects—I’m curating experiences. Whether it’s a handcrafted piece of furniture or a delicate ceramic vessel, I look for items that carry a narrative and evoke something deeper in the home. I believe in beauty with purpose and spaces that are layered with soul.

The journey to where I am today hasn’t been easy. Entrepreneurship comes with uncertainty, sacrifice, and constant learning. There have been moments of doubt, growing pains, and hard decisions. But I’ve learned to trust my instincts, stay rooted in my values, and always return to why I started. Surrounding myself with a support system—like my husband, who runs the operations side of our business—has been vital. And the influence of my late father, who ran his own vintage shop, is still a guiding light for me.

What I’m most proud of is that Belaré is a reflection of my heart. It’s a space where creativity lives, where objects are not just admired, but felt. My hope is that when people experience Belaré, they feel a sense of warmth, intention, and timeless beauty. I want the world to know that our brand is about honoring the art of living well—with soul, with story, and with purpose.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend was visiting, I’d plan a week that blends sun-soaked adventure, culture, delicious food, and a bit of Hollywood magic. I’d want them to experience the best of Southern California—from its iconic coastline to its creative soul.

Day 1: Laguna Beach
We’d start our trip exploring the serene beauty of Laguna Beach—walking through the art galleries, grabbing a fresh brunch at Driftwood Kitchen, and soaking in the sun on the sand. A sunset dinner at Javier’s overlooking the ocean is a must—great ambiance, incredible food, and the perfect way to start the trip.

Day 2: Santa Monica
Next, we’d head to Santa Monica. We’d bike along the beach path, ride the Ferris wheel on the pier, and do a little shopping along Third Street Promenade. Dinner would be at The Strand House in nearby Manhattan Beach—upscale yet relaxed, with breathtaking views of the ocean.

Day 3: Venice Beach
Venice Beach is a whole vibe—eclectic, artsy, and alive. We’d walk the boardwalk, check out the skate park, explore Abbot Kinney’s boutiques and cafes, and maybe grab tacos at Great White or cocktails at Gjelina.

Day 4: Hollywood Landmarks
Time for a classic Hollywood experience—taking a tour bus through the Hollywood Hills to see the iconic homes, walking along the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and visiting the TCL Chinese Theatre. We’d finish the day at the rooftop bar at Mama Shelter for great views and fun energy.

Day 5: Museums & Culture
We’d visit The Getty Center or LACMA for a bit of art and inspiration, followed by a scenic drive to the Griffith Observatory. After watching the sunset and taking in that unbeatable view of the city and the Hollywood Sign, we’d grab dinner at a cozy spot in Los Feliz.

Day 6: Universal Studios
For some pure fun, we’d spend a day at Universal Studios. Between the studio tour, rides, and themed restaurants, it’s a full day of nostalgia and adventure.

Day 7: Relax & Reflect
To wind things down, we’d grab coffee in Malibu, maybe take a light hike or beach walk, and enjoy a final dinner by the water—somewhere calm and dreamy to reflect on the week.

Southern California has this amazing way of blending creativity, nature, and entertainment, and I’d want my friend to experience the full spectrum. The people, the pace, the beauty—there’s just nothing quite like it!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There are two people who have played a huge role in my journey. First, my husband Parsia. He’s the backbone of our business operations and the one who keeps everything running behind the scenes. His support, dedication, and belief in our vision allow me to focus on the creative side, and I couldn’t do this without him.

Second, my late father. He was a huge influence on me growing up—he owned a vintage shop and had an incredible eye for beauty and storytelling. Watching him work sparked my love for design and entrepreneurship. His passion and spirit still guide me, and everything I create carries a piece of him with it.

Website: https://belarehome.com

Instagram: @belarehome

Facebook: belarehome

Image Credits
I have the rights to the images featured.