about

Well hello, there. My name is Maria Orozova and I am the founder of Fab is the new Black, a virtual creative space for sharing ideas, inspirations and a ton of fabulous products and finds. I am also the president at The MOD Studio and MODpaper. As a fashion-minded marketing professional, obsessed with everything fashion/style/design, I wanted a place to share my otherwise useless knowledge with likeminded readers.

I was born in Europe and grew up with a fabulous mother who taught me to always look put-together, never go out the door with chipped polish and that being overdressed only meant you were the best looking person in the room.

In my free time, I enjoy traveling, gourmet food & great wine, reading by the fireplace and hanging out with my hubby and my sweet puppy, Zulu.

Contributors

	STEPHANIE COULTRESS O’NEILL {fashion} As a former therapist at Lifeworks and private practice, Stephanie took her love for people, fashion and events and opened Estilo in 2005. Stephanie has been nationally recognized, and Estilo has been the recipient of several awards, from “Best Men’s and Women’s Clothing” to most recently in 2009 and 2011, “Austin’s Best Fashion Boutique.” Stephanie has created a “one-stop” shop for local Austinites and tourists at Estilo. » estiloaustin.com
	AVERY ALLEN {beauty} Avery is a freelance makeup artist based in Austin. After graduating from The University of Texas with a degree in Textiles and Apparel Design, she decided her true calling was to pursue a career in makeup artistry. Working as a makeup artist has given her the perfect opportunity to integrate her love of beauty with her background in fashion design. Her clients include Austin Monthly, CIARLA Designs, and brides throughout the Austin area.
	KYLE GOLDEN {fitness} Kyle is the founder of Work It Personal Training, located in Austin and El Paso. As a St. Edwards University graduate, Kyle worked in the financial services industry before he pursued his passion and opened Work it in 2007. He has also been a featured speaker on fitness and health topics for many organizations such as the Hispanic Staff Association at The University of Texas at Austin. » workittraining.com
	JESSICA CIARLA {fashion} Jessica has immersed herself in every aspect of fashion – styling, magazine editorial, even fashion PR. She is the designer behind CIARLA designs LLC and CIARLA bride {a collection of fashion-forward bridesmaid dresses & little white dresses for the bride}. Jessica studied at Parsons The New School for Design in New York and received her Masters in Advanced Fashion Design at the prestigious Polimoda International Institute Fashion Design and Marketing in Florence, Italy. » ciarla.com
	KATE STOKER {foodie} Kate is a Austin transplant via the University of Texas. After graduating with an econ degree she’s developed a career in technology marketing and communications for companies like Dell and Cisco Systems. On the side, her passion includes community leadership which she feeds through a variety of civic and non profit organizations. Her down time is spent out of doors as much as possible, preferably with friends and vino or trying out the latest restaurants and arts events around the city.
	ROSSY OROZOVA {bulgarian cooking} If that names sounds familiar, then yes, we admit, she’s Maria’s mom. But this lady knows her way around the kitchen—specifically when it comes to traditional Bulgarian cuisine. By day, she is a high school math instructor with a Masters in Engineering, helping high school students reach their potential. But numbers aren’t her only gift, she is passionate about cooking and loves sharing recipes, especially when she can bring awareness to the fresh flavor of traditional Bulgarian food.
	JUSTIN MCNULTY {travel} Justin is also the founder and editor of www.justin-does.com, a website documenting his globe-trotting journeys. He travels nearly 100,000 miles a year and overnights away from home close to two months out of the year. He has visited 48 states in the US and 30 countries on 4 continents. In Justin’s series, “Justin Does…,” he features travel secrets and tips as well as the best of his travel experiences around the globe. » www.justin-does.com
	KRISSI LINDSEY {accessories} Co-owner of jewelry and accessory online boutique Ball + Chain, Krissi Lindsey made her way to Austin via New York City. It was during her post-graduate days in NYC that her love of fashion grew as she gravitated toward classic designs with a bit of edge. Today, her signature style is evident in the pieces designed for and selected in the Ball + Chain jewelry and accessories line. » Ball and Chain Accessory Auction
	MAUREEN STEVENS {interior design} Maureen is a design enthusiast and an interiors stylist and decorator. She shares her design savvy and inspiration at her blog and also runs an online shop for urban cottage decor at The Inglenook Decor. Aside from interior design, she also works as a props stylist, event stylist and stager, among other things. Her published work includes magazines such as The Austin-American Statesman and San Antonio magazine and design websites such as HGTV.com and Apartment Therapy. Being in a courtyard, sipping on a cafe au lair and munching on some pastel-hued French Macaroons is her absolute reverie!