Meet Masha!

As the daughter of a fashion designer, Masha has been surrounded by fabrics and patterns for as long as she can remember. Masha learned to sew as a child growing up in the 90’s in Moldova, which was part of the USSR. At five-years-old she designed her first outfit for her doll, Alla. At twelve, she was designing her outfits for herself to wear. When she was fifteen, her first sportswear collection hit the runway. 

Masha’s Fashion Design Career

Though she had an amazing start, Masha’s formal training in fashion design began when, at 18, she started classes at the Moldova State Art Institute. She continued her training at the Art Institute of Seattle. Then, she spent a few years designing for the Nordstrom Product Group. In 2008 she began her own line—Masha Osoianu Design (MOD) . She owns her own studio where she creates custom-made bridal gowns, clothing, baktik, jewelry, and items for the home. She loves seeing her clients’ confidence as they attend the final fittings of their custom-made pieces. 

Masha’s work has been showcased in the first Bellevue Independent Designers Collection Show. British Vogue featured her in their September 2014 issue as an emerging designer to look out for. Her work has also graced the pages of Seattle Met Magazine. Actress Toni Colette wore one of Masha’s knit dresses in the film Lucky Them.  

Meet Stella!

Masha not only sews, but also crochets and knits. The first top she hand-knitted in her signature pattern remains her favorite creation. Masha still discusses sewing and product construction techniques with her mom. She seeks her advice on the best and cleanest finish on items for her clients. Other than her mom, her sewing buddy is her mini-doodle, Stella. Whether Masha is working on bridal gowns or masks, Stella is always right next to her, supporting her in her studio. And yes, Stella has her own Instagram.

Joining the Group

Of course, now Masha is working with hundreds of people on this incredible project. She joined Masks for Medical Workers in Tampa Bay because she knows how to sew and wanted to help others. Masha thinks it’s beautiful to see this community rally around a common cause. They share supplies, dedicate time in their day to drive around to pick up and drop off masks, spend hours organizing logistics and coordinating people’s efforts, and create user-friendly websites and clear social media contact spaces. Masha says, “It is heart-warming to see strangers working together, dedicated to the same cause.”

No Stranger to Hardship

Though these days are upsetting for everyone, Masha has lived through times of large-scale crisis before. Growing up in the USSR in the 1990’s, she remembers long lines and limited supplies. Difficulty finding basic household items is not as shocking to her as it may be to others in the community. It does make her more grateful, however, for all that the community here is doing to band together. She is happy to see people reaching out to help others even as they are struggling to get through this difficult time.  

Anyone Can Serve

Masha finds it humbling to be a part of this group where she is just a small part of a large force. She encourages everyone to help in any way they can. “The demand for masks is huge,” she says, “and any of your effort (sewing, cutting fabric, donating supplies, delivering masks) helps to protect human lives.” She says that taking care of one human at a time makes strong community, and reducing even one health care worker’s exposure to this virus is an admirable goal.

Masha feels that the group is wonderful at addressing any frustrations workers might come across. In the beginning, for instance, she had some questions about what pattern to use. The group has a separate page dedicated to that now. She says the administrators of the group are incredibly responsive. They answer all questions in a timely manner. She is constantly aware that this group is running solely with the energy of kind individuals, so it is important everyone have patience with each other. 

Masha’s fashion design can be found on Instagram and Facebook, and Masha’s home design can be also be found on Instagram and Facebook.