Suzan Ortmeier’s journey into the world of high-end costuming began not in a glamorous studio, but with a simple lesson from her mother… who taught her to sew Barbie clothes and instilled in her a priceless piece of advice: if you get stuck on a project, walk away and come back later. This foundation of patience and hands-on skill grew as she began creating her own costumes for high school theater productions, learning the art of construction by taking garments apart and putting them back together again.

Her professional career took off in Los Angeles when, through a friend’s recommendation, she landed a job at the legendary Elizabeth Courtney Costumes, owned by the iconic designer Bob Mackie. There, she was thrown into the deep end, helping create stunning pieces for superstars like Cher, RuPaul, and Carol Burnett.

This high-profile experience led to a globe-trotting, 13-year career as the costume supervisor for Stiletto Entertainment’s cruise line productions. On the high seas, she mastered the art of resourcefulness, solving complex costume emergencies in remote ports with limited materials and learning to “future-proof” garments to withstand years of rigorous use by countless performers.

After years of honing her craft and mastering the business side of the industry, Suzan felt the pull to build something of her own. Though the decision to leave an established job was “very scary,” she knew she would regret it if she didn’t try. In 2016, she took the leap and opened MavenCraft Studios, creating a home for expert craftspeople who, like her, thrive on making the impossible possible.