From Hospitality to Haute Couture: Maryna’s Journey to Building a Sustainable Fashion Empire
Maryna, the founder of Mazarine, the Ladies Garments Trading in Dubai, is a living example of the power of passion, determination, and the pursuit of dreams. From her roots in Ukraine to the bustling fashion scene of Dubai, Maryna has crafted a unique path defined by passion, resilience, and a commitment to sustainable fashion. As the founder of her own fashion brand, Maryna shares her journey from studying hospitality in Switzerland to becoming a fashion entrepreneur in UAE, the challenges she faced, and her vision for the future.
Introducing herself Maryna told us about her early beginnings and added,
“My journey began in Ukraine, where I always had a passion for fashion from a young age. I would design and create my own outfits, and during my university days, other girls would often ask where I got my clothes. This constant curiosity and admiration for my designs planted the seed for my future in fashion. Despite this passion, I pursued a degree in hospitality business in Switzerland. It was a completely different field, but I believe that the skills and experiences I gained there have been invaluable in my fashion career.” She recalls.
After completing her degree, Maryna got a chance to work with Christian Louboutin in Geneva. We asked her about this transition from hospitality to fashion, and what were some of the key experiences that prepared her for this change and she answered,
“After completing my degree, I wanted to gain some hands-on experience in the fashion industry. I was fortunate to work with Christian Louboutin in Geneva as a brand ambassador for both retail and e-commerce in Europe and the UK. This experience was incredibly enriching and gave me a deep understanding of the fashion retail industry. It was during this time that I realized I was ready to start my own business. The experience not only honed my skills but also solidified my passion for fashion.” She affirmed.
Maryna’s journey took an exciting turn when she moved to Dubai after the COVID-19 pandemic. She believed that the Middle East offered more opportunities than Europe, and she was ready to take a leap of faith. Despite not knowing anyone in Dubai and facing language barriers, Maryna was determined to create high-quality, sustainable garments that would stand the test of time. Maryna continued about the motivation and the challenges as,
“The decision to move to Dubai was driven by the immense opportunities I saw in the Middle East compared to Europe. Dubai is a vibrant city with a thriving fashion scene, and I felt it was the perfect place to start my brand. When I arrived, I didn’t know anyone, which was daunting. I spent a lot of time researching and visiting different markets in Deira and Bur Dubai to find quality fabrics and tailoring services. Language barriers and adjusting to different standards were challenging, especially since most tailors were from Pakistan and India and didn’t fully understand my vision. This led me to establish my own atelier where I could train tailors to meet my standards.” She explained.
We asked Maryna to continue about the launch of her brand and initial successes, she said,
“I launched my brand two years ago with a small linen collection. The first major breakthrough came when I sent pictures of my designs to friends in Europe. They loved them and asked me to bring some outfits. I travelled to Europe with 20 pieces and sold them all to friends and family, which was incredibly encouraging. My very first sale was quite amusing, I was walking on Monte Carlo beach, a French lady complimented my outfit and asked where I bought it. I told her I made it myself and had a few pieces in my car. She bought one right there in the parking lot. That moment was very inspiring and made me realize that this could be more than just a hobby.” She added with pride.
We thanked Maryna for sharing such an encouraging experience and asked her to elaborate on her design philosophy and the importance of sustainability, she replied,
“Sustainability is at the heart of my brand. We live in a world where fast fashion is prevalent, but it’s harmful to our planet. I wanted to create a brand that focuses on slow fashion with classical designs that never go out of style. My goal is to create high-quality garments that can stay with ladies for a long time. Each piece is carefully crafted, and I ensure that the quality meets European standards. By doing this, I aim to offer timeless elegance that also supports a more sustainable fashion industry.” She emphasized the importance of following SDGs.
Maryna’s brand is not just about fashion, it’s about empowering women. She has created a community where women can learn new things and network with each other. Maryna continued,
“Yes, building a community has been a rewarding part of my journey. I’ve started organizing master classes at my showroom, inviting speakers from various fields like fashion history, psychology, and astrology. These sessions provide an opportunity for women to learn new things and network with each other. It’s a way to give back and help them improve their lives beyond fashion. Additionally, I’ve begun designing for men due to increasing demand. Many male customers from Saudi Arabia, for instance, appreciate the quality and bespoke nature of our garments and fly to Dubai specifically to order from us. We’re even exploring the possibility of expanding to Saudi Arabia soon.” She said with enthusiasm.
Despite the challenges she has faced, including the war in Ukraine and being alone in Dubai, Maryna remains optimistic and determined. We asked her to share some of the most memorable moments and achievements and she added,
“One of the most memorable moments was creating wedding dresses for four brides, one of whom was my best friend. It was incredibly special to be a part of such significant moments in their lives. Seeing my creations being worn and appreciated is always a proud moment. Another highlight was being published in Vogue this year, which was a significant milestone for my brand. It’s these achievements that keep me motivated and excited for the future.” She happily shared.
As we decided to conclude the conversation, we asked Maryna about what lies ahead for her and the brand, she continued with a smile,
“Looking ahead, I plan to expand further into international markets, with Italy and Saudi Arabia being key targets. I also want to continue building the community aspect of my brand, offering more master classes and networking opportunities. Ultimately, my vision is to create a global brand that stands for elegance, sustainability, and empowerment. Living in Dubai has been an incredible experience, and I’m excited to see where this journey takes me next.” She concluded with these motivating words.
As she continues to grow her brand, there’s no doubt that Maryna will leave a lasting impact on the global fashion landscape.
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