About Maria

Maria traces her love of beauty and fashion to her Italian heritage (both of her parents are immigrants from Sicily).

Maria received her Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science and after graduating from business school, she went to work for Intel Corporation in Northern California. While at Intel, she was chosen for an overseas assignment in Milan. Living in Milan helped her to appreciate fashion and connect to her roots.

After returning from Milan, Maria worked part-time for a small boutique in California that strongly influenced her aesthetic and ambitions. She loved the intimate atmosphere and the focus on customer service. The environment was feminine and creative, a contrast to Maria's experiences in the technology world.

In 2005, Maria returned home and started exploring different stores in New York City, learning about various designers and formulating her concept for Carina New York.

In 2008, she decided to combine her background in technology with her love of fashion to create her online boutique, Carina New York.