Today we’d like to introduce you to Maria Johnson.
Hi Maria, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
It all started when I was a teenager, while I was “planting my seeds” without realizing.
I was born in a beautiful seaside town called Mangalia situated in the Southeast of Romania, where summers were short and fun, winters long and cold and that was the time for creative times..
We didn’t have many materialistic things growing up, but I was blessed with more valuable traits such as, the natural ability to succeed in new things, curios and creative mindset and the desire to do it all. I was born “with an old soul” as I was around 14 years old when I started sewing, crocheting, knitting, painting, and more random crafting. I used to sew my own unique pieces for most events, even cutting moms wool blankets to make winter coats (please don’t tell her!!).
Interior decorating became another hobby as I would get bored so fast I’d often move furniture around creating different mood settings, bring branches and other items from outside creating pieces of art and seasonal decorations and I sure had a thing for window coverings as far as I can remember, constantly changing curtains and drapes dressing up the windows.
Fast forward, 2003 is when I emigrated to the US and my husband and I bought our first house together here in South Florida. That’s when I found out remodeling and other house projects were very exiting to me. From painting, faux finishing, hand painted murals, window treatments, upholstery and other random projects I loved them all!
My next-door neighbor, Annette (an elderly woman), recognized my talents right away and she used to call me Martha Stewart, saying I could do it all haha. One day, she asked me to reupholstered 2 of her antique chairs. I taught that was a bit intimidating and more then I could do at that time but Annette took me out of my comfort zone and those chairs came out pretty good!
That’s when my upholstery skills really kicked in.
In 2004, I decide to take it all to the next level and that’s when M J Draperies and Interiors was born.
I started my small business with one client at the time doing small random projects.
20 years later my business focuses on custom window treatments, upholstery, soft furnishings and interior decorating.
I’m 100% involved in all of my projects, very passionate about what I do, I love people and making new connections along the way and couldn’t be more grateful!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It’s not going to be an easy road and some challenges are expected along the way. There is so much to learn throughout building a successful business.
Perseverance, patience and passion had helped me to get where I am today.
My uncle used to say “When they kick you out of the door you have to come back through the window”, in other words don’t give up!
I belive we’re all born with a gift, recognize it fast, make the best of it and pass it on.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
Integrity, hard working, strong willpower, courageous and risk taker, open-minded, optimistic are a few..
Maria J ” An eye for design and passion for fashion” (this is a quote I love that my husband made-up for me).
I design and handcraft unique spaces, specialized in custom window treatments, soft furnishings, upholstery, and most of your interior decorating needs.
M J Draperies and Interiors
Thank you for reading my story and I hope this inspires someone to pursue their dreams.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.draperiesandupholstery.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/mjdraperiesandinteriors?igshid=ZDdkNTZiNTM=
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mjdraperiesandinteriors?mibextid=ZbWKwL
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MJWorkroom
- Other: https://www.houzz.com/pro/mjdraperiesandinteriors/m-j-draperies-and-interiors
