Stitching Stories: Cross-Cultural Elegance of Marilla Parissa

Maria Power

Maria Power's path to founding her own fashion label began unexpectedly in Shanghai. What started as a favor to help a friend ignited a passion she hadn't yet recognized.

Maria Power's path to founding her own fashion label began unexpectedly in Shanghai. What started as a favor to help a friend launch a brand quickly ignited a passion she hadn't yet recognized – a creative flame traced back to her childhood in Athens, Greece. With Marilla Parissa, she weaves personal legacy into every seam, crafting garments that don't just clothe – but connect.

Before we talk about your brand Marilla Parissa – would you please introduce yourself?

My name is Maria Power, and I was born and raised in Athens, Greece. After a brief chapter in California with my husband, we made our way to Shanghai, where we've now lived for the past 18 years. My career began in aviation, working as a cabin crew manager for charter airlines – a role that took me across the globe and deepened my appreciation for cultural diversity. Along the way, I pursued my fascination with human nature through a degree in psychology and two master's degrees, all while nurturing a lifelong creative impulse rooted in my childhood. From painting and floral design to crafting and cooking, I've always found joy in making things with my hands.

My unexpected entry into fashion came while helping a friend launch her brand in Shanghai – an experience that unlocked a new passion and ultimately led me to establish my own label, Marilla Parissa. In many ways, it felt like coming full circle: My grandmother was a master tailor, and I grew up watching her turn fabric into art. Now, through my designs, I honor that legacy – blending heritage, emotion and craftsmanship into clothing that tells a story.

Why, after living in Shanghai for a few years, did you decide to strike out on your own to build up a business?

Living in Shanghai opened a door to self-discovery. I moved here after careers in aviation and psychology, looking for a fresh start and a way to reignite my creativity. The city's energy and constant evolution pushed me to explore new paths. I began working in event planning, which allowed me to immerse myself in Shanghai's vibrant, multicultural environment.

The turning point came when I collaborated with a friend on her fashion brand. Through that experience, I reconnected with a part of myself I hadn't tapped into since childhood – the joy of creating something with my hands and imagination. Fashion became more than just clothing; it was a way to tell stories and express emotion.

That experience led to the birth of Marilla Parissa, a brand that reflects my journey – combining my Greek roots, my global experiences, and the creative freedom I found in Shanghai. The city gave me the confidence to take risks, the community to grow, and the clarity to realize that this was the right time to build something of my own.

What makes Shanghai's business environment so remarkable?

Shanghai is a city where ideas come to life fast. It's incredibly efficient – I can source materials, find collaborators and bring concepts to reality all within days. There's a unique mix of global talent, modern infrastructure, and an openness to experimentation that makes it ideal for entrepreneurs.

What struck me early on was how quickly businesses here adapt and reinvent themselves. Shops transform overnight, and brands seamlessly blend tradition with innovation. That mindset pushed me to rethink what fashion could be.

My brand, Marilla Parissa, reflects this fusion – Greek heritage meets Chinese craftsmanship – and Shanghai fully embraces that kind of cross-cultural creativity. It's not just a place to do business; it's a community that celebrates bold ideas and constant reinvention. Even after nearly 20 years, I'm still inspired by how much is possible here.

What were you trying to bring to the local community?

Marilla Parissa was born from my desire to create something both deeply personal and universally beautiful. I design clothing that goes beyond trends – pieces that are thoughtfully made, with uncompromising attention to quality and detail. From the precision of every stitch to the fabrics we select, each element is intentional. These aren't mass-produced garments – they're wearable stories waiting to become part of someone's own narrative.

What truly excites me is seeing how these designs resonate with Shanghai's vibrant, multicultural community. There's a kind of magic when someone tries on a piece and lights up – maybe it's the Western-inspired drape of a sleeve paired with a traditional Chinese closure, or European tailoring techniques reimagined through an Asian silhouette.

But it's more than aesthetics. Every Marilla Parissa piece carries a message about identity and belonging. As someone who found her creative voice in Shanghai, I hope our story encourages others to embrace their own cultural fusion. When you wear our designs, you're not just wearing beautiful craftsmanship – you're wearing a celebration of who you are and the confidence to keep evolving.

What are the biggest challenges setting up a business here? How do you stay motivated?

Starting a business in Shanghai comes with challenges as dynamic and fast-moving as the city itself. Even after 18 years here, I'm still learning. There are always new nuances to navigate – not just in terms of business operations, but also cultural subtleties that shape how things get done. Building guanxi (connections) with suppliers and clients takes time, patience and genuine respect. It's never just about transactions – it's about relationships built through trust and shared experience.

Shanghai's pace is electrifying, but it can be relentless. There's often tension between speed and quality. Clients expect quick turnarounds and constant innovation, but real craftsmanship can't be rushed. I've had to learn how to stand firm on our standards. If a hand-finished piece takes time, we take that time – because excellence is non-negotiable.

What keeps me motivated? Those "Aha" moments – when a client lights up seeing themselves in one of our designs. That spark of confidence and joy reminds me why I started.

Shanghai's energy is another constant source of inspiration. Whether it's a walk in a park, discovering a new café, or catching up with friends, the city always offers something to recharge me.

Staying motivated also means staying grounded. On tough days, I remind myself that meaningful things take time – and that keeps me going.

What was the moment that made you most proud of?

It wasn't one moment, but a realization – after countless setbacks, failed samples and revisions, I finally held my first full collection. Sharing it with close friends and seeing their reactions was deeply emotional. It felt real. Later, seeing strangers wearing Marilla Parissa pieces for the first time was another proud milestone. My designs had become part of other people's lives – proof that the dream had taken flight.

What are you working on?

I'm back at the design table, crafting our next collection from sketch to sample. This hands-on process is where I feel most alive. I'm also exploring the digital side – working to translate our story into content that feels as authentic as the clothes we create. It's a challenge, but a rewarding one.

Who is a female role model who inspires you?

I can't name just one – there are countless women who inspire me daily. What moves me most is how women balance so many roles with strength and grace – building businesses while being mothers, friends, partners. I admire women who refuse to be defined by one title, who create impact quietly across every part of life. At Marilla Parissa, I try to design for these multi-dimensional lives – pieces that move with women through every chapter of their life.

Do you have any advice for women entrepreneurs?

Be patient – great things take time. Growth often happens in the quiet, behind the scenes. Believe in yourself, especially when others don't. I heard a lot of "It's too hard" or "There are too many brands already," but I stayed true to my vision. Your intuition is your superpower.

Surround yourself with people who uplift you – "sunshine friends" who believe in you, even when you're unsure. And don't be afraid to start small. One sketch, one supplier, one brave step. Build a business that supports your life, not one that drains it. The world needs more women-led stories shaped by authenticity, courage and care.