Have you ever watched someone on TV and thought, “Wow, they’ve really made it, but I wonder how they started?”
That’s exactly how people feel when they meet Irita Marriott, the antiques expert who went from small-town struggles to shining on British television.
Today, Irita is known for her warm smile, sharp eye for antiques, and inspiring story. But behind that confidence and charm is a long journey filled with courage, challenges, and self-belief.
Let’s take a closer look at how Irita Marriott built her amazing career — starting from her early life all the way to becoming one of the most loved antique experts in the UK.
Early Life: A Simple Beginning in Latvia
Irita Marriott was born in Latvia in 1984. She grew up on a small family farm where life was simple but often tough. Her family didn’t have much money, so they had to live very practically — growing their own food, foraging in nearby fields, and even fishing or hunting to make ends meet.
Irita has often said that her childhood taught her how to work hard and appreciate small things. There were times when her family had to walk along rivers or through fields just to find something to eat. It wasn’t easy, but those moments built the strength and independence that would later define her life.
Her parents separated when she was young, and life wasn’t always smooth. Yet, even as a little girl, she had big dreams. She didn’t know what she would become, but she knew she wanted something more — something that would make her proud.
Learning English and Finding Confidence
When she was still in school, a teacher once told Irita something she would never forget: “You’ll never be successful if you can’t speak English.”
For most people, words like that might have crushed their spirit — but not Irita. Instead, she took it as a challenge.
A few years later, she packed her bags and moved to the United States to work as an au pair (a live-in nanny). It was a brave move for someone who barely spoke English. In fact, she spent her first few months walking around New York City with a Latvian-English dictionary, translating everything she heard.
Can you imagine that? Walking around one of the busiest cities in the world, learning a new language word by word! That’s how determined she was to change her life.
She stayed in America for nearly two years, improving her English and gaining confidence. But when she went home to Latvia for a short visit, something unexpected happened — she was not allowed back into the U.S. That could have been the end of her dream, but it wasn’t. Instead, it became the turning point that led her to the UK.
Moving to the UK: A New Start
When Irita Marriott arrived in the United Kingdom, she was only around 20 years old. She had no big plan, no connections, and no experience — just the same determination that had carried her through everything else.
Her first job was far from glamorous: she worked at a garden centre during the Christmas season. It was just a temporary job, but she worked so hard that her managers noticed her. Soon, she was promoted and given more responsibility. This was the start of her pattern — whenever Irita stepped into something new, she gave it her all.
For a while, it looked like she might build her career in retail or management. But life had other plans for her.
How Irita Fell in Love with Antiques
It all started in the most unexpected way — with a debt.
One day, Irita’s mother-in-law gave her a box of antiques and said she owed her £1,800 for them. Irita had no clue what to do with the items, so she started researching their value and visiting local fairs to sell them.
To her surprise, she loved it. The history, the stories, the beauty of old things — it all fascinated her. What started as a way to pay off a debt soon became a deep passion.
That’s when Irita realized she had found something special. She didn’t have a degree in art history, but she had a sharp eye, endless curiosity, and a love for learning.
She began working part-time at a Derbyshire auction house as a cataloguer, where she handled and studied antiques every day. Slowly, she built her knowledge piece by piece — just like she once learned English, patiently and persistently.
Building a Name in the Antiques World
In an industry often dominated by older men, Irita Marriott stood out right away. She was young, energetic, and unafraid to ask questions. She didn’t pretend to know everything — instead, she learned from every expert, collector, and dealer she met.
She started traveling around the country, visiting antique fairs, and sourcing unique items. Over time, her taste improved, her confidence grew, and her reputation followed.
People loved her friendly attitude and her honest approach. She never tried to act superior — instead, she made antiques fun and approachable. That down-to-earth charm is exactly what would later make her a perfect fit for television.
Stepping Into the Spotlight: Irita Marriott on TV
After years of learning and hard work, Irita Marriott reached a new milestone — she appeared on BBC’s Antiques Road Trip.
This was not something that just “happened” to her. Irita didn’t wait to be discovered — she reached out to the show herself. She believed that if she wanted something, she had to go for it. And she was right. Her cheerful personality, quick mind, and natural passion for antiques made her stand out instantly.
Soon, she became a familiar face on British TV. You may have seen her on Bargain Hunt, Celebrity Antiques Road Trip, or The Greatest Auction. Each time she appeared, people loved how real and friendly she was.
Many viewers said that watching Irita made antiques feel more fun and less serious. She laughed easily, shared her thoughts honestly, and showed that anyone could enjoy old treasures — not just experts in fancy suits.
Her presence on TV didn’t just boost her career. It also helped change the way people see the antiques world. She became part of a new generation of experts — modern, relatable, and passionate.
Starting Her Own Auction House
In 2023, Irita Marriott took another big step — she opened her own business called Irita Marriott Auctioneers & Valuers.
This was a dream come true for her. From the young girl who once walked through fields in Latvia to the woman running her own auction house in the UK, the journey was nothing short of amazing.
Her auction house, based in Derbyshire, became known for its friendly atmosphere and honest service. Irita wanted to make sure that anyone — whether a first-time buyer or an experienced collector — could walk in and feel welcome.
She also focused on helping people understand what antiques are really about. It’s not just about money or luxury; it’s about stories, history, and the joy of finding something special. That’s what makes Irita different — she connects people to the emotions behind each item.
She once said that her goal is not just to sell things, but to share stories and memories through every object that passes through her hands. That’s a beautiful way to look at business, isn’t it?
Balancing Work and Family
Even with her busy schedule, Irita Marriott always puts her family first. She is married and has two sons, and she often talks about how important it is to balance work with motherhood.
She knows that success means nothing if you don’t have time for the people you love. That’s why she makes sure to keep her personal life private and peaceful, away from the spotlight.
Her husband, though not involved in her business, has been a quiet supporter of everything she does. Together, they’ve built a home filled with love, laughter, and a lot of antiques, of course!
Her story shows that you don’t have to give up family for success. You can have both — if you stay organized, stay humble, and stay true to what matters most.
Lessons From Irita Marriott’s Journey
What makes Irita Marriott truly special is not just her success, but her attitude. She has faced challenges that could have stopped her — moving to a new country, learning a new language, starting a new career from nothing — but she never gave up.
Her story reminds us that dreams take time, effort, and courage. Whether you’re chasing a new career, learning a skill, or just trying to improve your life, you can take a page from Irita’s book:
Be curious. Work hard. Keep learning. And never let anyone tell you that you can’t do it.
She once said that sometimes she still feels like an “imposter” in the antiques world. But that honesty is what makes people love her even more. It shows that even successful people doubt themselves sometimes — and that’s perfectly okay.
In 2025, Irita Marriott continues to inspire thousands of people across the UK and beyond. From her TV shows to her business, she proves that passion and persistence can turn even the smallest dreams into something incredible.
Final Thoughts
Irita Marriott’s story is one of hope, courage, and self-belief. She turned life’s toughest moments into lessons, and every setback into a step forward.
From a quiet farm in Latvia to the spotlight of British television, her path shows what’s possible when you follow your heart and never give up on yourself.
Whether she’s running her auction house, appearing on TV, or spending time with her family, Irita continues to live her message:
Work hard. Stay kind. Believe in yourself.
