In 2012, Mary Padian joined the cast of Storage Wars: Texas, a spinoff of the original Storage Wars reality series that debuted in 2010, set in California. Her presence on the show seems almost predestined, given her lifelong fascination with treasure hunting. Growing up, Padian was surrounded by the world of collecting and repurposing items, as her father owned a business specializing in gathering scrap metal for recycling.
This inclination towards upcycling became a family tradition, and Padian not only embraced it but also transformed it into a distinctive career of her own.
As an adult, Mary Padian ventured into entrepreneurship by opening her own shop, specializing in selling secondhand items.
Interestingly, some of these items were initially purchased from Moe Prigoff, a storage unit buyer featured on the first season of Storage Wars: Texas. Padian would refurbish and redesign these items before selling them to interior designers. Her talent for turning seemingly ordinary items into artistic pieces caught the attention of producers, earning her the TV nickname “The Junker.”
Padian’s stint on Storage Wars: Texas spanned 62 episodes across seasons 2 and 3. However, the show unexpectedly came to an end in 2014. Following the premature conclusion of Storage Wars: Texas, fans wondered about Padian’s next steps and what she’s been up to since then.
Mary Padian has made upcycling a complete lifestyle
Following the cancellation of the Texas Storage Wars spinoff, Mary Padian’s popularity with producers remained so strong that they extended her an offer to relocate to California and join the original Storage Wars series.
It’s a move tinged with poetic recycling, considering her expertise in repurposing items. While she doesn’t appear in every episode, Padian remains an integral part of the production, featuring prominently until season 12, which aired in 2018 and 2019.
Although there’s no official confirmation for a 13th season of Storage Wars, fans have every reason to anticipate Padian’s return if more episodes are commissioned. She actively engages with the show’s community, often sharing posts on Instagram with the hashtag #storagewars, frequently featuring selfies with her co-stars.
Additionally, Padian has developed a close friendship with fellow Storage Wars personality Brandi Passante since her move to California.
Although Mary’s Finds, her physical store in Texas, has ceased operations, Padian continues her upcycling endeavors through an online iteration of the business bearing the same name.
Remarkably, this online platform showcases items she discovers on the show, refurbished and revitalized. Undoubtedly, managing this venture keeps her occupied during breaks between seasons. However, Padian’s ambitions extend beyond the realm of flipping merchandise.
In the summer of 2019, Padian returned to her Texan roots, dividing her time between Dallas and Austin, to support a cause close to her heart called Ubuntu Life.
This charitable organization sells fair-trade crafts crafted by Kenyan women, with proceeds funding a specialized clinic for children with neurological conditions in Kenya. Additionally, it provides sustainable employment opportunities for the women creating the crafts.
Padian’s activism for Ubuntu Life is prominently featured on her Instagram and Twitter accounts. She recently introduced a product called “Joy Bracelets,” which she helped design and are manufactured in Kenya. All proceeds from the sale of these bracelets support the charity’s mission.
Mary Padians is dating a new boyfriend
Mary recently stirred up excitement among her fans when she posted a picture on social media, cozying up to a tall gentleman with the caption “date night.” However, she left the identity of her companion shrouded in mystery, prompting a flurry of speculation and comments from her followers.
The comments poured in, with one fan eagerly asking, “Who’s the lucky guy, Mary? Spill the beans!” Others couldn’t help but remark on the noticeable height difference, with one fan joking, “He’s towering over you, Mary! Is he your new beau?”
Despite the mystery surrounding Mary’s date, her fans continued to express their support and admiration, with one commenting, “Mary, you two look adorable together. He’s definitely lucky to have you.” The speculation continued as fans debated over Mary’s mysterious date, eagerly awaiting further details from their favorite TV personality.