Meet Mercedes Brunelli | Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Mercedes Brunelli and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mercedes, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
To be completely honest, I didn’t know what I was doing, or that I was even starting on a path that would later build my business. I have always been attracted to out of the box, artsy and unusual pieces. From a young age I found myself creating ideas & concepts I had in my head. I just absolutely fell in love with bringing those visions to life and creating wearable art. Over time my creations started to be noticed and I began creating/designing for others…helping to bring their visions to life. And a business grew.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My handbag business started back in 2012. I think what really sets my designs apart from others would be my overall design style & aesthetic. Crafting each piece by hand, placing every crystal…making them exclusive works of art.

My brand slogan “Clutch the Unusual, Carry a Masterpiece” allows you to choose the art that best represents you.

For those of you who don’t know the story behind my glittering clutches, you may be surprised to find out handbags was never the game plan.
I went to school for fashion design & loved to create wearable art show pieces. Not long after graduation I found out the hard way that being “too creative” & “out of the box” was a big risk for many companies. This girl couldn’t get a design job to save her life. I ended up getting hired as a sales associate at a jewelry store. They later asked if I would be interested in designing a handbag line for their store. I actually laughed at the idea at first, but I assume you know what happened next.

I later showcased my new designs in my fathers art gallery during one of the Fine Art Fairs. On opening night I ended up selling out in just a matter of hours. I quickly realized there might be something to this handbag thing. As my network grew so did my design. I started showcasing in local fashion shows, art shows, trade shows & charity events.

On April fools day nonetheless, I received a call inviting me to California to showcase my clutches at The Daytime Emmy Awards. How could Hollywood know about the girl from South Florida who makes clutches?! Turns out if you google sparkly handbags i’m there.

Next thing I knew I was on my way to Hollywood. The award shows just kept coming & it was on to The Grammy’s, the Emmy’s and the Golden Globes.

It happened so fast it seemed surreal. And to think it all started from an idea (which wasn’t even mine). Here I was, attending award shows, walking red carpets and creating custom handbags for celebrities.

This has been an extraordinary journey and i’m so grateful for all the opportunities, experiences and friendships I’ve had along this path! Thank you for allowing me to share my sparkly creations with you all!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
One of the things I love most about living in Southern California is that you can experience the best of it all! Beautiful weather, the beaches, mountains, desert, entertainment and so much art & culture.

Whenever family & friends visit we usually try to do a little of everything. Visiting some of our beautiful beaches is a must! My personal Favorites are in Laguna & Malibu. I also love dining in Downtown LA and visiting the arts district.
As an artist I love being among other creatives and enjoying their talents.
DisneyLand is always a favorite and a must for most of my family. And how can you not dine and shop in iconic Beverly Hills.
Love strolling the streets and making our way to West hollywood for drinks & fun!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I could NOT have accomplished and be where I am today without the love & support of my family. They have always believed in me…even in all of my crazy ideas and adventures. Entrepreneurship is not for the faint of heart!
There is no instant way to success and there will undoubtably be more failures than not.
Always having had my family in my corner, to remind me to keep going and that there is always a lesson & purpose for it all. That constant support and love not only helped me in my career and with my art, but also in growing as a person for the better.

Website: https://www.mercedesbrunelli.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mercedesbrunelli/

Facebook: Mercedes Jewel Brunelli