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

Hi Marsha, any advice for those thinking about whether to keep going or to give up?
If you think about the alternatives and they do not bring you joy, then keep going.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
There’s immense joy in creating art: it’s calming, it’s inspirational and most of all, it tells a story. My art is fashion. Nothing in this world brings me more joy than cutting or draping a piece of fabric, ultimately creating something that adorns the female’s body. The stories I seek to tell with my art are reminiscent of my childhood. I grew up in a rich and vibrant culture with fashion and music at its’ core. I was fortunate to experience a place where women are not taught to hate their bodies. No one paid attention to age either. Therefore, women of all shapes, sizes and age group feel completely confident wearing whatever they desire and celebrating life in however they choose. Therefore; my art celebrates the female’s body and my goal is to promote confidence through the art of fashion while provoking all things female.

That being said, starting a fashion brand was no easy task. Today’s social media portrays this very simple pathway and lucrative business of fashion but a true fashion designer can tell you about the sleepiness nights, the countless hours and sacrifices that goes into creating and launching a collection. Fashion is an expensive endeavor. It takes a toll on your social life, your savings providing you are not funded by a venture capitalist or born into money to support the different phases of the business. It takes you being ok with broke. One truly has to love this art to stay committed to it. It is not as glamorous as it’s portrayed. But it is also satisfying and fun!

Launching a fashion brand wasn’t the easiest of decisions. I spent years in corporate America before I decided to go back to the one thing that brought me the most joy. I had to give up security in my salary, my eight hours beauty sleep and my savings. Thank God I have supportive friends because I have missed so many social events. My friends root for my success and I feel so blessed to have an amazing support system. My son is my anchor. He pushes me even when I don’t want to move. I love where I am in my life right now and its all because I’m surrounded by the right people.

Which brings me to my lessons. I have learned so many in this business. You have to do your homework and research. Creating fashion is amazing but you have to establish partnerships in order for your brand to be successful. Everyone that you meet may not care about your success. I have wasted thousand on PR Firms and all sort of promotional endeavors that resulted in nothingness. You have to physically seek out your customers and do the hard work.
So some important lessons I’ve learned but I think I’ve always known these things:
Create art not smoke and mirrors.
Focus on quality
Art cannot be rushed
Don’t get caught up in the hype. Be honest. Be true to your brand!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
The great thing about living in LA is that there are no shortage of places to go. One of my favorite spots in LA is the Malibu Pier. It’s a great place to lunch and enjoy the beach. I grew up with the ocean so the beach as many times as possible is a must.! I’m not into the club scene so a week’s visit would include restaurant hopping, lots of shopping, sight-seeing and at least one spa visit. One of my other favorite spots is Pes Cantina. They have the best margaritas and the ceviche is just so fresh and delicious. Plus (barring COVID) they have live music on the patio. So much fun! I am a paella enthusiast but so far, the only place I have truly enjoyed for paella is in San Francisco so we would definitely have to take a trip to Bellota. Back in LA, I know my friend would enjoy CiCi’s Cafe one morning for breakfast, a hike to the Hollywood sign and my favorite treat the Creme Brûlée’ Crepe from Millete Crepe in Venice Beach.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’m going to give my mother the credit she deserves. I have witnessed her struggles and her constant optimism. Some days when times were really tough, she’d end the day by saying, “Rome wasn’t builded in a day!” That was her way of pushing back against obstacles. She was constantly fighting to be self- sufficient, to make sure I was taken care of. Nothing in the word mattered more than her ability to provide for all my needs. Today I carry on the torch, truly inspired by her strength and unwillingness to fail.

Website: https://www.madameadassa.com

Instagram: @madameadassa

Image Credits
Models: Sophia Franceschini, Photographer: East Over Collective

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