We recently connected with Mirabela Kruger and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Mirabela, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
From Passion to Purpose: The Story Behind Fofia Studio Creation and Villa Mirabela
In a world that often demands conformity, few have the courage to follow their passion, blaze their own trail, and create a legacy from the heart. That’s exactly what I set out to do with Fofia Studio Creation and, most recently, Villa Mirabela — two businesses that not only reflect my love for creativity and storytelling but also embody the resilience and heart behind my journey.
A Dream Rooted in Purpose
Fofia Studio Creation (FSC) was born on March 8, 2013, during a season of personal transformation. At the time, I was climbing the corporate ladder, earning two promotions in just six months. But with every step up, the pressure increased — and the fulfillment didn’t. I realized that success without purpose was empty.
I’ve always been a creative soul. I could walk into a room and instantly visualize how it could be transformed. I knew I had something to offer — something beyond titles and deadlines. So, with a clear vision and a few trusted colleagues by my side, I launched FSC. It was a leap of faith, inspired by someone very special: my daughter, Sofia.
She was just a toddler and still learning to say her name — “Fofia,” she would call herself, mispronouncing the “S.” That adorable nickname stuck and became the name of my business. It reminded me daily why I started: to build a life that allowed me to be present for my children and do what I love.
A Journey of Resilience
Our family story took a sharp turn in 2015, when we learned that our unborn son, Hunter, had significant heart issues and would need intensive medical care. What followed were 191 days in the ICU, 5 years of traveling back and forth between states, and countless days of uncertainty.
Business had to take a backseat. But even in those long hospital stays, I found purpose through the lens of my camera. I started capturing moments — the joyful ones, the hopeful ones, and sometimes the heartbreaking ones. I photographed families who, like mine, were holding onto every second. These moments reminded me how powerful a single image can be. It wasn’t just photography anymore — it was a calling.
In March 2021, FSC officially opened its physical studio on Main Street in Bailey, NC. My dad helped bring the space to life, and once Hunter was stable enough to come home, my husband Kevin pitched in to finish the renovations. It was a family victory — every nail, every photo, every detail was packed with meaning.
More Than Just a Business
Today, Fofia Studio Creation offers full-service photography (weddings, portraits, fashion, real estate, branding, and more), Matterport virtual tours, drone videography, in-house printing, event planning and staging, and even custom gifts for closings, birthdays, and weddings. We are a one-stop creative studio where imagination meets execution.
But this isn’t just about taking pretty pictures. It’s about listening, connecting, and bringing your vision to life. That’s the heartbeat behind our business:
“Close your eyes, let your imagination fly, tell me your vision… and I’ll bring it to life.”
That philosophy extends to every client we serve — whether it’s helping a family preserve memories or designing a dream wedding day.
A Legacy Grows: Villa Mirabela
After nearly a decade of building FSC, a new dream started to stir in my heart — a venue that felt like a European escape without leaving the States. I spent four years searching for the right place. Nothing felt just right. Then, on April 11, 2024, I found it — the perfect property on Zillow.
After almost walking away twice, we closed on August 2, 2024, and Villa Mirabela was born.
From custom renovations to hand-selecting every design element, this venue reflects who I am at my core. A mix of old-world charm and timeless elegance, Villa Mirabela brings European romance and luxury to North Carolina. We only accept 35-40 events per year to ensure each client receives an unmatched, hands-on experience. Our motto? We don’t just host events — we craft unforgettable stories.
Making Life Fun — Even When It’s Messy
Every job comes with its own stories. Ask anyone who’s worked with me, and they’ll tell you I’m a wild child behind the lens. Whether climbing trees or doing half-splits on the ground, I’ll do whatever it takes to get that shot. Once, during a family session by a creek, I got a little too enthusiastic trying to make the kids laugh… and fell right in! But I also captured the most beautiful, genuine smiles that day — and to me, that’s always worth it.
Giving Back
Our journey wouldn’t have been possible without the Ronald McDonald House. During the years we spent in hospitals across Georgia and California, they provided a second home. Now, I give back by hosting an annual fundraiser, donating 50% of all proceeds and tips to support other families in need.
I also have the honor of working with the Ryan Seacrest Foundation in Atlanta, photographing celebrity visits at their studio — from Shawn Mendes to Cardi B, Ludacris, and Miss USA. These are opportunities I never imagined but am incredibly grateful for.
A Message to the Community
Life doesn’t always follow a perfect script. There are curveballs, heartbreaks, and detours. But if you stay rooted in your “why” and keep pushing forward, it gets better. My businesses were built on faith, family, and fierce determination — and I’m proud to serve a community that values connection, creativity, and authenticity.
Meet the Heart Behind the Lens
I was born in Romania, raised in Italy, and moved to the United States at 16. I speak four languages, love cooking (no one leaves my house hungry!), and have a background in archery, dance, and gymnastics — all of which taught me the importance of discipline and creativity. I’m a wife, a mom to two incredible kids, and a proud dog mom to our toy fox terrier. My family is my everything, and they inspire me to show up every day with passion and purpose.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
At villa Mirabela we are creating a wide variety of events focused on the comunity, on the military families, and on couples. We have created a one stop shop to where you can breath and enjoy the process.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Stubbornness, determination, and willingness to learn are probably my 3 top qualities that have gotten me to where I am The more people wanted me to fail, the more I pushed to succeed, and been open minded and not been afraid to change and learn is a key component in a successful business
Who is your ideal client or what sort of characteristics would make someone an ideal client for you?
My ideal client is someone who need guidance and is looking for a hands-holding experience , someone who is not looking for a cookie cutter. I am an odd ball I dont follow the trends I create your vision.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.villamirabela.com
- Instagram: villamirabela
- Facebook: villamirabela
Image Credits
Fofia Studio Creation
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
