Maria's story is a shining example for anyone standing at the edge of the unknown.
At 23 years old, Maria Mazza (née Maria del Pilar Suescun Bahamon) left her hometown of Bogotá, Colombia, trading the comfort of family and familiarity for the unknown shores of Sydney, Australia. The year was 2006. Maria landed in Australia with nothing more than a suitcase, $1,000 in her pocket, and a heart bursting with ambition. She spoke no English, had no friends, and had no real plans other than to study English. Still, she came believing that she'd find her way through with hard work and resilience.
Today, Maria is a proud mother of three, a wife, a business owner, a professional dancer, and a fitness instructor who brings energy and warmth to every class. But her journey, like many immigrant stories, is one of sacrifice, perseverance, and endless determination.
In the Beginning
Maria arrived in Sydney as an international exchange student - bright-eyed and full of hope. But reality quickly set in. Learning English and earning enough to pay rent were her first challenges. Like many international students, she took on hospitality jobs - grinding through long, physically demanding shifts while juggling her studies. From clearing tables to washing dishes, she tackled it all with quiet dignity.
One of her earliest jobs was waitressing in the city, where she balanced carrying trays of coffee and plates of food with the daily challenge of understanding and speaking a new language. "I remember taking a gentleman's order, and he asked me for an ashtray," she says with a laugh. "But in my Spanglish brain, I heard 'ice cream', so I smiled and asked, 'Sure, what flavour?' He burst out laughing, and that's when I realised I'd gotten it completely wrong."
These moments - humbling, awkward, and unforgettable - shaped Maria's early days in Australia. "It was frustrating, she admits, but also empowering. I knew I had to get better - quickly."
Behind every shift and every stumble, she stayed focused on her goal. Maria was determined to build her career in marketing and communications - the path she had started in Colombia - and she refused to let anything stand in her way.
First Break
After months of relentless effort, Maria's first big break came when she landed a role as part of the marketing team at a boutique buyers agency. "It was such a pivotal moment. It felt rewarding to finally put my Colombian university degree, passion, and skills to work," she says.
This job opened the door to numerous other opportunities. It wasn't just a position but a gateway to the Australian professional world - a world that had once seemed so distant.
While Maria's career was taking shape, she felt something was missing. She longed to reconnect with her Latin roots - something she would ultimately find through dance and movement.
The Rhythm of Her Latin Roots
In a city as multicultural as Sydney, Maria found a slice of home at Latin Dance Australia - a vibrant dance group based in Glebe that would change her life once again.
Drawn to the drums, sparkle, and energy of Samba, Maria began taking classes. It wasn't long before she found herself dancing and performing as a professional Samba dancer in events and shows across the city.
"It felt like magic. On stage, I wasn't just Maria from Colombia trying to make it in Australia. I was home. I was whole."
Her love for dance and infectious energy also led her to become a certified Zumba instructor, bringing her signature Latin flair to gyms and studios across Sydney. Her classes became more than exercise - they brought people together and were full of laughter, energy, and sisterhood. This unique atmosphere became her point of difference, keeping people returning for more.
From the Dance Floor to the Silver Screen
As her confidence and profile grew, Maria began exploring the world of TV commercials, advertisements, and modelling. Her charisma landed her roles in local ads and even clothing catalogues. But the cherry on top was a role as an extra in Baz Luhrmann's 'The Great Gatsby'.
"To be part of such a massive Hollywood production was surreal," she said, smiling. "Even though you can't spot me in the film, the experience was unforgettable. The sets, the costumes, and yes, Leonardo DiCaprio - it was like stepping into a dream."
It was another reminder of how far she had come - from a struggling student with no English to rubbing shoulders with stars.
Love, Family, and the Toughest Job of All
Not long after settling in Australia, Maria found something she didn't expect - love. She met her now-husband fairly early on, and they've been inseparable for nearly two decades. Together, they built a life rooted in love, resilience, and shared dreams.
Today, Maria is the proud mother of three beautiful children, a role she calls "the hardest and most rewarding job of all."
Motherhood brings a new set of challenges but also a renewed sense of purpose. "Being a mum changes you. It tests your limits, your patience, your strength—but it also shows you a deeper love than you ever imagined."
M Power Studios: A Dream Realised
Amongst the chaos, Maria's passion for movement, music, and empowering others refused to fade. It only grew stronger.
In 2024, she took another bold leap, opening her boutique fitness studio, M Power Studios. Nestled in the heart of her community, the studio reflects everything Maria stands for: energy, joy, inclusion, and empowerment.
Her variety of high-energy classes are more than just workouts - they're experiences where women come together not just to sweat but to connect, laugh, and support one another.
"The studio isn't just about fitness. It's about creating a space where women - particularly mums - can feel strong, seen, and celebrated."
Maria's classes are infused with Latin beats, colourful energy, and that unmistakable Maria flair that truly sets her apart.
Faith and Gratitude
Looking back, Maria is the first to say that her journey has been nothing short of a blessing. "God has guided me through every step. I've worked hard, but I've also been guided, protected, and blessed."
Her studio reflects her deep faith and gratitude. She teaches physical strength, emotional resilience, mental wellness, and self-love.
"What we do at M Power goes beyond fitness. We talk, we cry, we laugh. We celebrate wins, big and small. There's no judgment - only support."
A Message for Dreamers
Maria's story is a shining example for anyone standing at the edge of the unknown. "You don't need to have it all figured out. You must be willing to work, learn, and keep showing up - even when it's hard."
Her advice to young migrants and international students?
"Say yes to the opportunities, even the scary ones. Learn from every job, every person. Trust that your uniqueness - your culture, story, and spirit - is your superpower."
The Journey Continues
Today, Maria Mazza continues to dance, teach, and inspire. Her story is still unfolding - with every beat, every step, and every client she empowers at her studio.
She's living proof that dreams are built—not overnight but day by day—with grit, grace, and glitter.
As she moves through life, one high-knee and samba beat at a time, Maria remains a shining example of what's possible when you dare to dream big, dance boldly, and never give up.