Mariana Micsunescu is the head of alterations at Colby Bridal, a Scottsdale bridal shop she runs with her daughters. “Three years ago, my daughters Poppy and Ruth opened Colby Bridal. A place where a bride will not be pressured when purchasing her gown, receive unconditional attention, and can have their newly purchased gown altered.” Learn about Mariana Micsunescu…
Follow at: @colbybridal
Hometown: Naipu, Romania
First job: My first job was the summer before I turned 18. I worked in a factory where fine knits were being produced. The technology was pretty sophisticated, and it greatly attracted me.
Favorite ways to spend your free time in AZ: Although I am immensely fascinated by the geography and, most importantly, the geology of Arizona, the exploration of its beauty halts in the unbearable summer heat. In air-conditioned places, I very much like reading and, apart from sewing, I enjoy knitting and drawing.
Your biggest accomplishment and why: From becoming a champion rower to coming to the US and successfully, in my opinion, integrating into society, to bringing up my five children, and seeing them become beautiful human beings, I declare that the latter is my greatest accomplishment—that I am their mother.
The biggest obstacle you overcame: My biggest obstacles aren’t much different from most humans. They were the personal kind: losing loved ones and the geographical and physical distances from my family and friends in Romania. Things of this nature matter a lot in comparison to something material.
Someone who inspires you and why: Having lived long enough, I insist I’ve gained the right to change my position from getting inspired by someone to getting inspired by something. We moved to Phoenix a little over two decades ago, and ever since then, I cannot shake off the feeling of adoration that the desert vegetation bestows upon me. The scorching sun, lack of water, and vicissitudes this environment throws at these desert plants will not stop their amazing desire to survive. Through it all, they stay alive, bloom, and thrive. This has to be one of the greatest examples of endurance and performance.
Advice to someone pursuing a career path in what you do: If you’ve already discovered you have a passion for creative sewing, now you need the skills to put it to excellent use. Be patient and practice. Seek advice from those better skilled.
Favorite quote: “The sky is the limit.” —Miguel de Cervantes
Something someone would be surprised to learn about you: Inspired by my baby girl, Rebecca, I started practicing karate at an age some may consider old. Last year, I achieved a first dan on my black belt. It may be a surprising accomplishment for someone my age.
What makes someone fabulous: Nothing makes someone more fabulous than achieving it, and then reaching down their hand to pull up as many on their path as possible. Confidence, work, success, and helping others are fabulous.