Today we’d like to introduce you to Mercedes Sanders.
Hi Mercedes, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born and raised in Arizona. I’ve grown up as an athlete. I played soccer in my childhood and into college. Although I’ve always been a tomboy, fashion has always peeked my interest. I have always found joy in finding unique and one of a kind things to wear. It slowly evolved into me creating pieces of my own. I initially started out using curtains and random fabrics to learn to sew because I could not afford to buy yards of fabric from the store. This then turned into an enjoyable challenge of creating fashion pieces out of nontraditional mediums.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I do not feel that any entrepreneurial journey is all smooth sailing. Especially as an artist. For many years I went back in forth about pursuing fashion full time. As a mom, being able to provide for my son has always been a priority. It has been very challenging. Financial stability and the trial and error of building a business model is ever-changing. I am always trying adjust and evolve with the times.
But the one thing that has proven true is that the more persistent and consistent I am, the more my business continues to grow.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a mixed media artist. I create art, fashion, furniture out of up-cycled materials. I also work as a stylist and creative director. Overall I love creativity and connecting with other creative minds. I mentioned before that I started out making clothes out curtains because of my lack of funding. As I continued this practice, I educated myself more on the impact of fast fashion and how it’s impacting our planet. I now am proud to say that I use 100% Up-cycled materials for all of my pieces. I source my mediums through thrifting, donations, and sometimes random household items. I am proud that I am a sustainable brand and I am minimizing a carbon footprint on the planet.
I believe what sets me apart from others is that all of my creations are one of kind. Not only are the materials vintage and/or hard to find. The designs I create out of them are made with the intention to give the customer a one of a kind experience. Some of my creations are available for rental, and I absolutely love that even if multiple people choose to use the same piece, placing them on different people with different creatives can transform the outfits into something completely different.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
3 Ns
1.) Network
2.) Navigate
3.) Never give up
Contact Info:
- Email: Cedeslsanders@gmail.com
- Website: www.Cedesls.com
- Instagram: Www.Instagram.com/Cedesls
Image Credits:
Photographers: Mecca Clarke (red hat, Paperclip bikini) Thomas Kirk (tan blazer bikini)
