Rémi Martini

FINDING INSPIRATION IN AUTHENTICITY. Rémi Martini’s entrepreneurial journey with SARELLY SARELLY is a powerful story of finding inspiration in one’s true self and following a path driven by passion. Launched in 2021, the company is the first affordable luxury, community-driven brand designed for the Hispanic Gen-Z community. Growing up as a closeted gay boy in Nice, France, with a deep love for fashion and dance, Rémi longed for brands that resonated with his identity.

After completing his studies at HEC Paris business school, Rémi moved to New York to work for the beauty company Coty, where he began living authentically as a gay man and met his now-husband. Despite living his dream in New York, love eventually led him to Mexico in support of his partner’s career. In Mexico, Rémi joined Laboratoires Expanscience, a pharmaceutical company, gaining invaluable experience as a business manager overseeing the company’s dermo-cosmetics division.

Although this wasn’t his dream job, he discovered the concept of B Corp certification, something Rémi says “profoundly changed my perspective on how businesses can drive positive change.” This realisation ignited his determination to ensure that any business he created would be a force for good.

EMBRACING PASSION AND PURPOSE. Transitioning into entrepreneurship, Rémi discovered the transformative power of pursuing a passion project. After an exit from a VC-backed grocery business in 2021, he returned to his first love, fashion. Partnering with Anna Sarelly, a renowned creative director and influencer, he co-founded SARELLY SARELLY. The brand, known for its genderless bags, accessories, and cosmetics, aims to create a safe and inclusive space for the Gen-Z Latin America community.

While launching SARELLY, Rémi understood that his lifelong quest to create a safe space for himself had culminated in a brand doing that for an entire generation. “I launched our first product, a bag, as a symbol of inclusivity,” he explains. The company has since expanded to include environmentally friendly bio-based sunglasses, jewelry, and makeup. Rémi has also ensured the spirit of SARELLY is embedded into the culture of the company itself. “It’s vital to create a safe space for my employees to truly be themselves,” he says.

Reflecting on his founder journey, Rémi’s only regret is that he didn’t pursue his dream company sooner. Despite acknowledging his leadership style—“high expectations and occasionally hysterical”—he believes his passion ultimately makes him a better leader, friend, and husband. Rémi often reflects on advice from his mentor: “It’s harder to stay successful than it is to become successful.” This wisdom helps him navigate the ongoing challenges of running a growing business. “We face challenges every day, like products selling out due to high demand, but this advice reminds me that I’m not alone,” he says.

EMBRACING DIVERSITY AND COMMUNITY. With SARELLY’s rapid growth, Rémi is now focused on leaving a lasting legacy. “My dream is for SARELLY to be remembered for opening new markets and showing that Mexico and the Hispanic community can be a force for good.” He envisions creating the largest Mexico-based, Latin-inspired company with a global impact. “I want to build the Mexican LVMH, proving that a Latin company can make a significant global impact,” Rémi shares. Despite facing detractors who question the brand’s concept, Rémi remains steadfast in his mission. “Growing up gay taught me that while some have an effortless path to success, others have to climb a mountain,” he says. “Though it may be harder, the journey builds resilience and strength.”