At the corner of Paseo Herencia Mall in Noord, you can’t pass by without noticing a very unique retro-looking trailer. It’s a white and blue Airstream, transformed into a frozen yogurt bar with delicious toppings, decorated with artistic touches featuring sayings inspired by Greek myths, llamas, and iconic figures from the Greek period, carrying the name: MYTHOS. And if you’ve stopped to try one of their frozen yogurts, you probably understand the feeling, it’s simply a vibe. According to Martin Alvear (25), founder together with his sister, that vibe is exactly part of the experience they wanted to create.
Martin’s idea for Mythos didn’t come overnight. He says the inspiration became clearer during a series of trips with his sister through the Mediterranean region.“We were very drawn to the Mediterranean lifestyle fresh, natural, and healthy. We liked the combination of Greek yogurt with the flavor of a dessert and ice cream. The idea was: maybe we can make a treat that’s delicious but still makes you feel good after eating it.” That became the starting point for a simple idea with a lot of potential.
A big part of what people don’t see is the initial work behind a business and in this case, it was significant. Martin shared that it took them roughly a year to fully develop the concept, down to every detail. “We created a serious plan. We researched alternative products, took courses, and consulted experts who could help us. We didn’t just want to open a yogurt bar; we wanted to launch a product with real, sustainable quality.” The steps that followed were methodical: from selecting the yogurt, importing high quality toppings, and equally important creating a visual and emotional identity that aligned with the story of Greek yogurt.
In the early development phase of Mythos, Martin remembers a key moment: “We literally had a kind of Eureka moment. We realized that Greece wasn’t just a visual inspiration but a fundamental element of our product.” Greece is, after all, the birthplace of Greek yogurt and a pillar of its culinary tradition. For Martin, the decision to focus on the Greek theme was both natural and necessary. “Through storytelling and branding, we want our customers to understand that our product is not only tasty but also good for the digestive system.”
Opening Mythos wasn’t easy. One of the main challenges was the doubt over whether a concept like this would work in Aruba. On top of that, the costs of importing, concerns about quality, and uncertainty over whether the Aruban market was ready, everything was a challenge. But they pushed forward. “We were actually one step away from opening the concept somewhere else,” Martin admits. “But I believe some things are simply meant for you. Aruba became the official home of Mythos, and looking back, we’re happy we gave it a chance.”
According to Martin, the main goal isn’t just to serve something tasty, but to give customers the opportunity to create a treat according to their own taste and cravings with the variety of toppings and flavors they want without the burden of feeling guilty afterward. “We want people to enjoy, to feel good, and to want to come back,” he says. Understanding what you’re selling isn’t just about the product it’s also about the feeling.
For Martin, having a disciplined mindset is essential if you want to start a business. “You have to be consistent, but also surround yourself with people who believe in you,” he says. Mentors, guidance, and a support network are essential in the process. Martin is inspired by those who have chased their dreams, people who others might have called “crazy”, but who stayed the course and made their vision a reality. “That’s an art in itself,” he says.
What is his favorite moment? “When someone walks out of the Airstream, takes a bite, and breaks into a smile or a positive expression of approval, that’s the moment I feel most proud of.”
One Mythos wasn’t enough. “We opened our second location in Palm Beach at the beginning of July,” Martin says proudly. “And we have big plans for 2025, even beyond Aruba.”
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