Hidden Gems: Meet Maria Margaronis of Maria’s List

Today we’d like to introduce you to Maria Margaronis.

Hi Maria, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I moved to Los Angeles, California with a dream: to become an actress. From acting school to endless auditions and searching for the right agents, I embraced every challenge and still love what I do to this day.

But as every artist knows, following your passion isn’t always easy – so to make ends meet, I began working as a server for private events. Over time, I met many incredible clients and colleagues: servers, bartenders, and private chefs who shared the same work ethic and energy. I started keeping their contacts so we could stay connected and help one another find jobs.

Before long word spread that I “knew all the best people.”Clients, catering companies, and event planners began calling me directly to help staff their events – and I realized I had naturally created something special: a trusted community of hospitality professionals. This also gave me the chance to get hired for events myself and to bring along people I enjoyed working with.
Technically, I started a new job – without getting paid! People kept telling me I should charge for staffing events, but it took me a while to realize they were right. It was after all, very time consuming. I’d get calls at all hours – during family trips, dinners, or even while I was on set for the entertainment industry. There was never a dull moment!

Eventually, one of my friends and coworkers suggested that we start a staffing company together. I brought the “Golden List” of staff and high-profile clients, while he handled the paperwork, logistics and business setup. That’s how our new company, AYS ( At Your Service) , was born in 2021/2022. The timing couldn’t have been better – Los Angeles was booming again, and there was a huge demand for skilled servers and bartenders. Within months, our company name spread like wildfire, and we were booking events faster than we could count.

Unfortunately, about a year in, my business partner’s ideas began to change. He wanted to take over the company and me a “silent partner” with only 10%.
I refused, and he decided to dissolve the company while secretly starting his own business. Once the word got out that we were going our separate ways, he launched his new company and took with him the staff and most of the clients I had brought in.

Although this chapter was closed, it opened the door for something even better. I took everything I had learned and launched my own company – Maria’s List – in 2022.

Maria’s List was built on what truly matters: trust, professionalism, warmth, and a personal touch. My staff aren’t just names on a roster – they’re people I know and admire, professionals who represent my own standards of excellence. Over time, my company has grown into a thriving network serving an elite clientele that includes celebrities, CEOs, and loyal private clients who have trusted me for years.

Through the ups and downs, I’ve learned that success isn’t just about winning – it’s about staying true to your values, building strong relationships, and never giving up!

Today, I balance my three greatest passions: my acting career, my company, and my family. I’m a proud mother to a ten-year-old son, Shahin, who’s already acting himself and speaks multiple languages.

Now a little bit more background history before the success in the hospitality industry as I cannot take the credit alone:
Before I moved to Los Angeles back on March 17th, 2006, I lived for four years in the French part of Switzerland, where I studied media, communications and journalism. In 2003, I met my boyfriend-now my husband. After I moved to Los Angeles, our relationship ended due to the distance, but in 2009 he decided to join me in California. He told me by email that he wanted to marry me and live with me in the United States. My dream of having him here finally came true.

We had no idea how we would make a living, but we were young and fearless. He didn’t speak a word of English when he arrived- he had worked as a bartender and server in Switzerland.
During his first year in L.A., he learned English by watching The Simpsons ( who would’ve thought)! Eventually, he started working with me- both in acting and at private events as a server and bartender.

In 2012, while planning his birthday, I came across a Living Social coupon for flight lessons. I remembered that his dream had always been to become a pilot –
something that had seemed completely impossible. I surprised him with a one-hour flight lesson, and that single experience changed our lives. He came home saying he loved it , but thought it was impossible to pursue because we couldn’t afford the licenses, and he didn’t have a college degree.
By then his English was fluent, and I told him,” We’re in The United States, not Europe- the land of the impossible to become possible!””

I used my credit cards to help him get started, and we took a leap of faith.
After years of hard work and studying, he completed all his licenses and is now First Officer for American Airlines!
Nobody – neither our families nor friends back home- would’ve believed he could achieve the American dream and become a pilot for one of the biggest airlines in the world.

Thanks to support from our families ( who are all overseas) and our own perseverance, we paid off all the debt we had invested in his career and mine. After all my husband did the hard job of studying in a language that was not his, which is worthy of high admiration and respect, and meanwhile raising our son on our own, managing work and private life.

Now, with my husband’s steady income as a pilot, I have more flexibility to focus on my acting career, run my staffing business, which he has pushed me to do and supports me in every way, and take care of our son while he’s away flying. And when my husband is back home after long days of work, he is on top of being the greatest daddy to our little Shahin!

I’m half German and half Persian, while my husband is half Greek and half Swiss from the French side of Switzerland – so our home is as multicultural as our company.
Between the United States and Europe, life is a beautiful adventure filled with travel, family, and purpose.

At Maria’s List, I bring that same spirit to every event – creating connections, celebrating people, and making each experience truly unforgettable!

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
To get as far as we have, no- nothing ever goes completely smoothly. There were always struggles along the way. It all started with simple trying to make enough money to survive as a small family while paying off major debts and keeping interest rates low as possible. With our limited income, living in expensive Los Angeles and managing those debts was sometimes really hard.
Not having our families here in the U.S. to help us babysitting our son, as we had to work but couldn’t afford babysitters, we were lucky to have gathered a great community of very good friends who helped us out during those hard times!

Looking back now, I’m proud to say that nothing ever stood in our way that we couldn’t overcome. It was pure teamwork – every step of the way.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Maria’s List?
Maria’s List is a boutique staffing company based in Los Angeles, specializing in high-end corporate events, private parties, and luxury gatherings where exceptional service truly matters. We provide top-tier servers, bartenders, and private chefs — all handpicked for their professionalism, presentation, and passion for hospitality.

What makes Maria’s List different is the personal touch behind every connection. I’ve built this business from the ground up by working side by side with my staff for years — on the floor, at events, and behind the scenes. I know each team member personally and have chosen them not just for their skills, but for their integrity, energy, and genuine love for what they do.

Our clients often tell us they can feel the difference. My team is known for being punctual, well-dressed, and attentive, but also kind, adaptable, and easy to work with. We pride ourselves on blending seamlessly into any environment — from intimate dinner parties to large-scale corporate galas — and always exceeding expectations.

What sets Maria’s List apart is that we’re more than a staffing company — we’re a community. Many of us started out as servers and bartenders in Los Angeles with big dreams and strong work ethics. That shared experience keeps us grounded and connected. I treat my staff with the same respect and care I give my clients, and in return, they give their absolute best at every event.

I’m most proud of the relationships I’ve built — both with my incredible team and our loyal clients who trust us to represent their events with excellence. At Maria’s List, we don’t just fill positions — we bring warmth, reliability, and professionalism to every occasion.

We serve clients all across Los Angeles and the surrounding areas, and our mission is simple: to deliver exceptional service with heart, style, and integrity.

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
In my experience, the best kind of networking happens naturally — when you’re genuine, curious, and open to connecting with people for who they are, not just what they can do for you.

When I first started out in Los Angeles, I didn’t have connections or guidance. I built my network by being present, hardworking, and kind to everyone I met — whether it was on a film set, at a catering event, or during a random conversation. You never know who’s watching or who might remember your attitude and professionalism down the line.

Finding a mentor is similar. Don’t just look for someone successful — look for someone who inspires you and whose values align with yours. Mentorship doesn’t always have to be formal; sometimes it’s a series of people who guide you through different stages of your journey. I’ve had mentors who didn’t even realize they were mentoring me — through their work ethic, generosity, and resilience.

What has worked best for me is leading with authenticity. I treat everyone with respect, whether they’re a client, a staff member, or another entrepreneur. Over time, those relationships grow into real connections — not just business contacts.

Networking, at its core, is about community. The more you give — your time, advice, or support — the more it comes back to you in unexpected and beautiful ways.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Mariasliststaffing.com
• Instagram: Itsmariaslist
• Facebook: Maria Musebrink