Note time change to 7:30 am. Off-site visit to Roman Shades by Mara, 609 West Rillito Street, Tucson

Mara was interested in sewing at a young age and landed her first job in the industry at a high-end Women’s Fashion Store in downtown Minneapolis, where she was a fitter and seamstress under the wing of a very talented Japanese woman, who thought Mara was trainable. She was tough and demanded perfection, which has shaped my goals for quality and attention to detail.

Starting her business” Roman Shades by Mara” in 1986, she rented a 1300 sq ft space in the Grant Road Industrial Center where she remained for 13 years. In 1999 she purchased her present location at 609 W. Rillito Street, expanding to 6,000 sq ft.

When starting out she specialized in Roman Shades, manual and motorized. In response to her customers’ needs, she expanded her line to include draperies, swags, cornices, bedding, pillows, cushions, and many more items. Also, she is an Authorized Hunter Douglas Window Coverings Dealer.

She has been a member of the Rotary Club of Tucson Sunrise for 19 years and is current President.

She has been a member of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) as an Industry Partner for over 30 years, and has served on the Board.

Her clients include, Interior Designers, Builders (Local and National), and Architects working on Commercial and Residential projects. One of her oldest and largest clients is in Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts, where she has sent an extensive number of projects over 35 years.

In the beginning she did it all, sales, manufacturing, shipping, and office. Her first project was to make a boat cover in trade for her new IBM Typewriter! She had to drive down the street to send a fax! Being a single Mom with 1 daughter Faye, she had a bedroom set up at the shop so Faye could play or sleep while Mara would work late to meet her deadlines.

Mara presently employs 5, + 2 sub-contractors, a seamstress, and an installer. Her Manager has been with her for 22 years.

Large Commercial Projects require hiring extra hands for a demanding output. An example is draperies we made for the  Casino Del Sol Hotel, using literally thousands of yards of fabrics.

Interesting projects: 

• Carly Simon New York Apartment and home on Martha’s Vineyard. 
• Large Lake home on Lake Michigan with 100 shades for Rupert Murdoch 
• Herbert Hotel in Downtown Tucson  
• Tucson home of the Mars candy magnate
• Tubac Golf Casitas 
• Private home in Kawaii 
• Historic Hotel in Portland Oregon.
• Private homes in Florida, California, Massachusetts, Louisiana
• Draperies for band member of Mega Death 
• Ranch Properties in Sonoita and Elgin 
• Glass Ceiling and windows, in 5 star Hotel, private homes in New Orleans, LA 
• Tucson home of MLB All Star Kenny Lofton
• Private home of U of A and USC head football coach Larry Smith
• Private yacht in Florida.
• Private home in the Bahamas
• Model Homes in Arizona, Utah, and Nevada

Mara always had a dream of having her own workshop, she enjoys working with beautiful fabrics, and creative people. It hasn’t always been easy to say the least, but she has overcome many challenges in her business life and personal life. She is proud to be a 2-time Breast Cancer Survivor