Conversations with Mirabela Kruger

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mirabela Kruger

Hi Mirabela, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
After spending several years in a large corporation, I reached a point of complete burnout. On March 8, 2013, I decided to take a leap of faith.

Many people have wondered about the origins of Fofia Studio Creation. The name comes from my daughter Sofia, who was almost four at the time and struggled to pronounce the “s” sound, calling herself “Fofia.” She was my greatest motivation for seeking change; I wanted to be there for her. I knew some might find the name difficult to pronounce, but to me, it held profound significance, and that’s how the name was born.

As Sofia started school and the business flourished, we were excitedly expecting our son Hunter by the end of 2014. However, in January 2015, we received news that required us to switch our care to Duke or UNC due to some heart abnormalities detected in Hunter. He needed a specialized care team.

Over the next few months, we navigated through five specialists, 28 ultrasound appointments, and 48 OBGYN visits. During this time, I had to put my business on hold while I figured out how to balance everything. On April 7, 2015, Hunter entered the world, and we spent the first 191 days of his life in the ICU. His hospitalizations continued intermittently for about 19 months. I managed to take on a few interior design and staging projects, but the extent of the hospital visits made it challenging to commit to larger undertakings.

For the next five years, we juggled frequent trips to see his specialists, often having to rush him to the hospital for emergencies. We made significant sacrifices, with Sofia attending school in North Carolina while Hunter was in Georgia, , it felt as if we were choosing between our children. My husband Kevin and I took turns caring for each child to ensure they received the attention they needed.

Amid this whirlwind, I felt compelled to document our journey. I wanted to capture these moments, uncertain of how long they would last. I began taking photos during our time at the Ronald McDonald House, creating lasting memories from our lengthy ICU stays—documenting the joy of families whose children eventually went home, as well as the bittersweet memories for those facing less fortunate outcomes.

I found a deep connection with these families, as I was living their struggles daily. This experience transformed me, teaching me to appreciate life and find positivity even in difficult circumstances.

Fofia Studio Creation now has a physical location. On March 15, 2021, we celebrated a ribbon-cutting ceremony in Bailey, NC, on Main St. I owe a huge thanks to my dad for his invaluable help and to my husband, who assisted with the installation of fans once he was finally home from the hospital with our little guy.

August 2, 2024 my biggest dream has finally come to life when we expanded and purchased a 7-acre property in Fayetteville where we can truly bring your weddings and celebration to life in a European way. The last 10 years have been a rough journey but we can finally catch our breath and my husband wanted me to finally fulfill my dream. I stumbled across this property and despite all the hurtle ( that we are still going through) Villa Mirabela is finally on the map.

Never in my wildest dreams did I envision this journey would lead me to where I am today. This isn’t just a job for me; it’s my passion.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No matter what was going home in our personal lives clients had no idea of my almost double life, if i went in Atlanta with my little guy and had a wedding I would drive back to nc photograph the event or the session, and drive back to GA the next day. I have several clients that added me to their facebook friends and only then after seen my profile and stories realize that while I was there our little one was in the hospital fighting to his life. Some days were easier than others but I didn’t wanted our circumstances making my clients feel like I might be unreliable. My husband and I have a great system and it work, it wasn’t easy we spent many holidays apart but we did what we had to to make sure our family had the care that it needed.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I have always been a creative mind since a young age I could walk into an empty room and get a full idea on decor or furniture staging. I love to cook and everything creative , I love to learn new things, build and demo. The studio we did mostly the work ourselves and only hired a contractor for the up-to-code items and the venue is the same, I love to think outside the box and bring uniqueness to life.
My specialty is Branding, real estate and wedding photography along with full decor and design.

What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
My goal is to turn the venue into the ultimate destination were is truly a one stop shop, many services are available in-house ( as i provide photography, full decor and design services, flower arrangement and unique rental amenities) creating a CUSTOM experience where the bride and the groom can truly enjoy their engagements.
Offering a little Italy experience

Contact Info:

• Website: www.fofiastudiocreation.com and www.villamirabela.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/villamirabela/ and https://www.instagram.com/fofiastudiocreation/
• Facebook: @fofiastudiocreation