We had the good fortune of connecting with Mariya Milovidova and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mariya, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I was looking for the way combine my artistic skills with my passion for fashion. I was already working as a full time artist creating drawings and paintings. However, to me art is more than just hanging up a pretty picture on the wall. I wanted to make it more inclusive and share the way the original artwork can be represented in a form of a garment that can be personalized.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I been drawing just as long as I can remember myself. Ever since I was a kid growing up back in Ukraine and continuedwhen I whenoved to California. I always was interested in art and fashion. And was looking for the way to combine both disciplines. I recived Bachelors in Art with minor in Textile at San Jose State University while pursuing my dream. However, it all really started to happen for me when I won Top Artist in San Francisco competition back in 2010. That’s when my work started getting noticed by clients. I was invited to showcase my work at De Young Museum in San Francisco, followed by fashion weeks in San Francisco, LA, New York, and Paris. That’s when it really took off.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
San Francisco Bay Area is a fascinating place that cannot go unnoticed. Little Italy in San Francisco has some of the best restaurants, including the oldest one Fior di Italia, Fisherman’s Warf, Golden Park, De Young Museum, Legion of Honor Museum. Also, lately San Francisco became known for the private clubs among the elite. I was lucky to be invited to attend events and to showcase my work at some of these exclusive venues. Some of my favorite ones are Battery, University Club, and Modernist.

For shopping: West Coast Leather store in San Francisco, Valley Fair and Santana Row in Silicon Valley

Also, highly recommend Napa Valley and Sonoma for the best wineries.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to give a shoutout to my amazing family. Without their support I wouldn’t be where I am today.

Website: www.mmartfashion.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/mashaart12

Facebook: www.facebook.com/mariya.milovidova

Image Credits
Art and Fashion: Mariya Milovidova Models: Miss California Catherine Liang, Mariya Milovidova brand ambassador Helen Victoria Blossom, Olga Lokay, Olya La Photography: Christopher Ortebla and Dan Bazan

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutSocal is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.