Meet Mariam Ohanyan

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Mariam Ohanyan a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Mariam, thanks for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re very focused on here – improving our ability to make decisions. Everyday, we’re faced with decisions that can impact the future of our careers, businesses, relationships and more and so one of the most impactful areas for personal development, in our view, is decision-making. Can you talk to us about how you developed or improved your decision-making skills?

If you ask my parents, they’ll probably say I’ve been a tiny boss since birth – minus the skirt and the tie, of course. Decision-making has always been my thing, though I’ll admit, many of my early ‘executive choices’ were questionable. But hey, you’ve got to stumble through the wrong decisions to eventually land on the right ones! Running my own business has seriously leveled up my decision-making skills. It’s a bit like raising a baby – every decision needs to be carefully thought out, and I always try to make sure that whatever I do benefits everyone involved. My golden rule is if I’m facing a challenging situation, I always sleep on it before making the final call. People are wired differently—some are more laid-back, others are quick to react. But whether you’re the zen master or the hothead, taking a moment to really think things through is like a mental investment. Trust me, it always pays off.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

One of my amazing friends calls me the dress whisperer—and honestly, it’s spot on! My job is basically matchmaking brides with their dream wedding gowns. Mareh Couture, my bridal boutique in San Luis Obispo, is like stepping into a fairytale, with racks full of stunning dresses, including some of my own designs. I also launched a bridal lingerie line, Bridal Wear by Mareh, because every bride deserves a little extra magic! When I’m not busy with all that, you’ll find me serving on local boards, constantly bringing fresh ideas to the table, and striving to be the best version of myself.
The most exciting part of what I do is definitely the lifelong relationships I build with people. You never forget the person who helped you find the dress and made you feel like a queen on your big day! It’s more than just gowns; it’s about being part of someone’s happiest moments and making them feel like a total star.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, one of the most important skills I’ve learned is resilience. Let’s be real—people will love you, but for some, you’ll never be their cup of tea… and that’s fine, because I’m champagne! Learning to tune out the haters was a game-changer. It’s a skill to stay so focused on your own glow and success that you don’t have time to peek into the lives of those who aren’t rooting for you. That’s when you shine so bright that only those who thrive in the sunshine can flourish next to you. For me, resilience, loving what I do, and believing in myself were the key ingredients that made this journey so impactful.

Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?

When I feel overwhelmed, honestly, I just grab my best friends and go on a little coffee date. We sit, chat, and figure things out together. I can’t stress this enough: surround yourself with winners who get you. Attract your tribe—people who always have your back. As soon as I get another perspective or hear someone else’s take, things suddenly click, and I know exactly what to do. Sometimes you just need to step away from all the overthinking, do something fun, and then come back refreshed, ready to tackle whatever’s in front of you.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.marehcouture.com
• Instagram: @marehcouture
• Facebook: @marehcouture

Image Credits

Kelley Williams Photography
Patrick Ang Photography
All My Stars Photography
Stefanie Elizabeth Photography