Conversations with Mario Gonzalez Lopez

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mario Gonzalez Lopez.

Hi Mario, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
COORDINATE began as an idea in 2021, when I came up with the name and started building the brand’s identity and vision. Over the next few years, I focused on developing every detail, from the concept to the designs, before officially launching in 2024.

In the beginning, I operated from home, with most of my sales coming through my online store. As the brand grew, I started participating in pop-up shops and local events, which helped introduce COORDINATE to more people and build a strong community around it.

Since then, the brand has continued to grow and gain recognition throughout Columbus. In 2026, I moved into a shared studio space in Downtown Columbus, where I continue to develop new products, host events, and expand COORDINATE beyond clothing into a creative brand experience.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has been both smooth and challenging. Like many entrepreneurs, COORDINATE isn’t my only responsibility—I still work a full-time job. Finding the balance between my career and growing the brand has been one of the biggest challenges. I have to work so I can continue investing in COORDINATE, which sometimes makes the growth feel slower than I’d like.

At the same time, the journey has been incredibly rewarding. The way people have supported the brand, connected with its vision, and welcomed it into the community has exceeded my expectations. Seeing COORDINATE grow through pop-ups, events, and word of mouth reminds me that every late night and every challenge has been worth it.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am the founder and creative director of COORDINATE, a clothing brand based in Columbus, Ohio, and I’m involved in every part of the business—from designing products and creating campaigns to photography, marketing, inventory, packaging, and customer experience. What I specialize in is creating more than clothing; I create an experience. Every detail is intentional, from the moment someone discovers the brand to the moment they open their order. Many of my designs are inspired by places around the world and feature real geographic coordinates that customers can actually search, while other pieces focus purely on the COORDINATE identity and aesthetic. I’m known for combining premium quality, clean design, and meaningful storytelling into products that people genuinely connect with. One of my favorite things to hear is that someone received compliments while wearing COORDINATE or was asked where they got it—that tells me the brand is leaving an impression. What I’m most proud of is building COORDINATE from the ground up while still working a full-time job and staying personally involved in every detail. I believe what sets the brand apart is the intention behind everything I do. Nothing feels random—every design, every campaign, and every package is created to make people feel like they’re part of something bigger than just buying a piece of clothing.

We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
I define success as creating something that people genuinely connect with. Everyone experiences the world differently, so when someone understands the intention behind what you’ve created and finds meaning in it through their own perspective, that’s incredibly rewarding. With COORDINATE, I’ve always tried to stay true to the vision and values that inspired the brand, and seeing others connect with that in their own way means more to me than anything else. Building a business is important, but building something that people understand, appreciate, and choose to be part of is what I consider real success. To me, the most meaningful brands aren’t just worn—they’re remembered.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://coordinatespace.us/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coordinatespace?igsh=MW10bmdlY2xuaGZrcw==