Interview with Marysia Dobrzanska Reeves, Founder of Marysia

Meet Marysia Dobrzanska Reeves, Founder of Marysia, the cult-favorite resort wear brand.  With the full breadth of her interests and impressive experience spanning from ballet and surfing to fashion and a degree in exercise physiology, Marysia decided to apply her broad interests to launch a modern and elegant interpretation of resort wear.  Pam has adored Marysia's brand for years and often styles her campaign shoots with Marysia's iconic scalloped maillots and dresses. ⁠

⁠Read on to learn more about the professional and personal journey of Marysia, where, and more importantly why, she loves to travel, and how she prefers to relax. 

Tell us about your brand, Marysia, and career trajectory.

The idea came to me when I was studying fashion design at FIDM. It was in a course called Professional Practices when I first considered how I could apply the full breadth of my interests and experience, from ballet and surfing to fashion and my degree in exercise physiology, to create something of my own: a
modern interpretation of resort wear. At the same time, I wanted to work and learn in the industry first. I embarked on an internship in New York that I hoped would turn into a job and very soon after learned I was pregnant. That cut the internship short but only intensified my desire to start my own business,
because I knew I was about to have someone looking up to me.

What inspires you? Many of Pam’s designs are inspired by childhood travel memories and time with her family, do you have a go-to source of inspiration?

Travel is a constant source of inspiration and motivation for me, which is why so many of our collections are linked to unique locales around the world. I am also inspired by the women who wear Marysia, with their passion for art, style, culture, and adventure.

Do you have any treasured travel memories with your family? Or destinations you keep going back to? Where do you go and what was your favorite memory?

There’s nothing like the power of place to provide a fresh perspective. Whether I’m visiting somewhere I’ve never been or returning to a favorite spot like Harbor Island, travel sharpens my senses. I find that I am more alert to and aware of my surroundings—deeply curious about every aspect—and more inclined to ask questions, look closer, and embrace new ways of doing things.

Can you share with us one of your family travel traditions? What puts you at ease and ready to relax?

Swimming in the ocean and going under water…a bathtub will do if the ocean is too far or cold.

We have to ask: what’s in your bag? Tell us about your everyday essentials in your Pamela Munson handbag.

Wallet, lip gloss, powder sunscreen, keys, masks, calendar, phone.

You are one of our favorite people to follow and we love how you stay so true to your distinct style. How has your style changed since becoming a mother?

Thank you! Motherhood continues to help channel my ambitions and motivate me in a way I never thought possible. It has become a lot more about comfort and practically since I’ve been a mom.

You have impeccable taste and such a refined eye. What is your favorite style from our Summer Collection?

Thank you! I have been a fan of your bags for a few years now…. I love my Gardner Tote, it will be my go to summer bag for any occasion! I also love The Lady Bag and The Shell.

Straw isn’t solely reserved for summer or beach getaways – how will you be styling your Pamela Munson handbag this spring?

I wear my straw bags all year long…I actually think it's an unexpected twist to a winter wardrobe…shows off the beach style at heart even when it’s cold.

If you could take your new Pamela Munson handbag anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

Harbor Island, to my newly built home and closet. :)