On the streets of Exeter, spontaneous conversations often introduce us to vibrant individuals whose energy and resilience light up the entire block. In this feature, we connect with Mariana Toma to talk about her 20-year career in fashion, how she finds joy in everyday moments, and what makes her feel truly alive.
For Mariana, feeling alive is deeply tied to creative expression and constant vitality:
"I like so much fashion. I work like 20 years in the shop, I have lots of experience and I work for many big company, like a Zara. I like be fashion all the time. I like music, I like dancing."
Reflecting on her journey and how she navigates life's challenges, Mariana shares a powerful outlook anchored in optimism and inner strength:
"I'm not like struggling with something. I'm like one of the person very, very energy, even if I have very hard life, I like all the time to smile. So that's my personal team very actually strong. Even if I have very hard life, all the time I smile."
Having moved to Exeter in 2015, Mariana built a family and embraced everything the city has to offer. Rain and shine alike:
"I came 2015 in Exeter and I love the city, I love the weather, I love everything here. I make a family, I make the baby. I have a little daughter, and I'm enjoy everything here, even when it's raining I love now, you know."
Closing our conversation, Mariana shares a wonderfully uplifting message for the world:
"Keep smiling and be happy because the life is short, you know."
