Marian Nurani of Columbus on Life, Lessons & Legacy

Marian Nurani shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Good morning Marian , it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Outside of work, I’ve been very intentional about creating balance and joy in my life. One way I do that is through food—I really enjoy cooking and sharing meals, because it’s such a meaningful way to bring family and friends together and strengthen relationships. I also make time for self-care through yoga classes, which help me stay grounded, calm, and connected to myself. And spending quality time with friends is another source of joy for me, whether it’s catching up or trying something new together. All of these things recharge me and give me the energy and perspective I bring back into my work.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Of course! My name is Marian Nurani, and I’m the founder of Bravartisan, a bakery I started after getting married and becoming a stay-at-home mom to four children, two of whom are on the autism spectrum. My journey into baking was actually very unexpected. I had never cooked or baked a day in my life before starting a family. But when my kids developed food allergies, I became determined to create healthier, more wholesome alternatives to the processed foods available in stores. That led me to sourdough, and I started from scratch—quite literally—with my first sourdough starter. What began as a necessity quickly became both a passion and a craft.

Over time, I expanded beyond sourdough bread into pastries and international cuisines, constantly experimenting, researching, and teaching myself new techniques. What really made this journey special for me was when I noticed my oldest son, who is Level 3 autistic, taking a strong interest in baking—especially in the mathematical side of it, like measurements and precision. Baking became not just a creative outlet for me, but also a meaningful way to connect with him and nurture his strengths. That experience inspired me even more to keep building Bravartisan into something that celebrates both food and family.

I began selling my breads and baked goods at farmers markets, and soon after, I launched my own website and social media platforms to meet the growing demand from people across the country. Today, Bravartisan specializes in sourdough bread but also offers a wide variety of baked goods. What makes our brand unique is the story behind it—it’s not just about baking; it’s about health, family, and creating something inclusive that brings people together. I’m also very passionate about exploring the intersection of baking and autism, and how food can be both therapeutic and empowering. That’s a direction I’m excited to continue developing as Bravartisan grows.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who taught you the most about work?
My mom has been a huge influence on my work ethic. Watching her bake bread from scratch, carefully measuring ingredients and kneading dough until it’s just right, has taught me the importance of attention to detail, patience, and dedication. She’s shown me that with hard work and a commitment to quality, you can create something truly special, and that’s a lesson I carry with me in everything I do!

When did you stop hiding your pain and start using it as power?
After my divorce, I faced the added challenge of navigating the complexities of raising my autistic children while also embracing my own autism. There were times when I felt overwhelmed, but as I worked through my own struggles, I discovered a profound sense of purpose and strength. I learned to channel the pain and difficulties into a deeper understanding and empathy for my children, and for myself. Being autistic has given me a unique perspective, and I’ve come to realize that my experiences – both the struggles and the triumphs – have equipped me with valuable insights and skills that I can apply to my work and personal life. By embracing my neurodiversity and that of my children, I’ve found a sense of resilience and determination that drives me forward.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My closest friends would say that what really matters most to me is seeing my children succeed and grow into compassionate, hard-working individuals who give back to their community. They’d know that my kids are my world, and that I’d do anything to support and nurture them. They’d see how much joy it brings me to watch them learn, grow, and make a positive impact on the world around them. For me, there’s no greater reward than knowing that I’m helping shape the next generation of kind, responsible, and engaged citizens.

Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What light inside you have you been dimming?
For a long time, I felt like I had to dim my light, hide my true self, to fit in and navigate the world as an autistic parent of autistic children. But I’ve come to realize that by doing so, I might be inadvertently teaching my kids to do the same. Now, I’m working on embracing my own neurodiversity, shining my light unapologetically, and showing my children that it’s okay to be themselves. By being authentic and confident in who I am, I hope to empower them to do the same – to embrace their quirks, pursue their passions, and live life on their own terms. I want them to know that happiness and fulfillment come from being true to oneself, not from trying to fit into someone else’s mold.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://m.facebook.com/Bravartisan/
• Instagram: maryams_artisan_home
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marian-nurani-9b0a6288?trk=contact-info
• Facebook: Marian Nurani

Image Credits
My photos, I took the picture myself.