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Celebrating Female Founders!
Meet the female-led talent behind many of the brands we stock at Meri Meri.
To celebrate International Women’s Day on March 8, we’re shining a light on the inspiring female founders behind many of the brands we proudly collaborate with and stock at Meri Meri. From home and entertaining to kids, fashion and design-led gifts, these women are building businesses rooted in creativity, craftsmanship and care.
Each story is different, but together they reflect something powerful – thoughtful design, made by women, shaping how we celebrate everyday life.
A Note From Our Founder
When Meredithe Stuart-Smith founded Meri Meri more than 40 years ago – crafting handmade cards at her kitchen table – it required resilience and resolve. The freedom to pursue ambition while raising a family laid the foundation for a distinctly modern brand.
In the decades since, she has helped shape the contemporary party industry, introducing imaginative designs that transform celebrations. Today, women hold an estimated 77–80% of roles in event planning and party design*, reflecting the creative momentum she helped set in motion.
Meredithe now leads a team of 85 globally, with Meri Meri sold in more than 80 countries. The women profiled here share that same entrepreneurial spirit – building businesses with originality and drive.
“Our industry has been shaped by women’s creativity and entrepreneurship. I’m proud to celebrate some of the incredible women we work with.”
- Meredithe Stuart-Smith, Founder & President, Meri Meri
READ MORE ABOUT MEREDITHEMeet the Female Founders
Kendall Glazer and Libby Glazer – Stoney Clover Lane
Personalized accessories inspired by travel and color
Founded by sisters Kendall Glazer and Libby Glazer, Stoney Clover Lane is a luxury lifestyle brand built around organization, color and self-expression. From travel to school and milestones in between, the brand creates joyful accessories designed to make life feel a little more fun. Meri Meri collaborated with Stoney Clover Lane on a colorful collection of school bags and lunch boxes.
“Working with a brand that shares our love of color, celebration and creativity has been such a dream.”
Maria Dueñas Jacobs – Super Smalls
Covetable accessories for girls who want to have fun
After leaving magazines, Maria Dueñas Jacobs launched Super Smalls to blend ornate artisan jewelry with kid-centric joy. Inspired by her three daughters, the brand reimagines bold grown-up jewels into playful accessories made for real life adventures. With vibrant gems, cheerful designs and bright packaging, Super Smalls brings sparkle and confidence to everyday moments.
“More sparkles please, because a little magic makes everything better!”
Cassandra Cannon and Anne Read Lattimore – LAKE Pajamas
Family pajamas designed for comfort and celebration
Longtime friends Cassandra Cannon and Anne Read Lattimore founded LAKE after searching for classic pajamas that felt as good as they looked. Based in Savannah, Georgia, the brand is beloved for its signature softness and timeless silhouettes. Meri Meri partnered with LAKE on an exclusive holiday pajama collection for babies, kids and adults in lightweight shirting and ultra-soft Pima cotton.
“The best gifts are little luxuries the recipient would never buy for themselves, and LAKE’s super-soft pajama sets certainly fall into that category.”
Molly Mahon – Molly Mahon
Block-printed textiles and wallpapers inspired by nature and traditional craft
British designer Molly Mahon is celebrated for her joyful block-printed textiles and wallpapers, defined by vibrant color and intricate pattern. Since launching her label in 2015, her work has gained international recognition. Based in Sussex, Molly draws inspiration from nature, travel and a lifelong love of decoration. Meri Meri has collaborated with Molly on decorative homeware collections since 2023.
“It started at my kitchen table with small babes in moses baskets crawling around my legs… I stumbled on block printing and it stole my heart and imagination.”
Heather Taylor – Heather Taylor Home
Timeless linens inspired by gathering and storytelling
Founded in Los Angeles in 2013, Heather Taylor Home creates effortless home goods inspired by travel, entertaining and meaningful gatherings. Best known for cotton napkins, placemats and tablecloths, each piece is designed in Los Angeles and handwoven by artisans in Chiapas, Mexico. The collections bring warmth, ease and personality to everyday tables and special celebrations alike.
“From cozy dinners to birthday parties and everything in between, our pieces are made to mix, match and hold memories.”
Jennifer Bennett – Rey to Z
Personalized hats designed to make kids feel seen
Chicago-based Rey to Z was founded by Jennifer Bennett after years in children’s apparel and a desire to create meaningful custom accessories. Launched from her attic, the brand specializes in personalized hats for kids and adults, with a strong focus on quality and thoughtful design. Named for her daughter Reagan, nicknamed Rey, the A-to-Z concept celebrates endless individuality.
“A hat with a letter or symbol becomes their hat. It’s amazing how something so simple can make a child feel seen, confident and proud.”
Vanessa Whitby – Wild + Rae
Comfortable cowgirl boots designed for kids
Vanessa Whitby founded Wild + Rae after becoming a mother and noticing a gap in children’s products that balanced comfort, quality and joy. Inspired by her daughter Harlow Rae, the brand created the first truly comfortable cowgirl boot for girls. Designed with soft flexible soles and athletic shoe insoles, the boots are made for movement, confidence and fun.
“My aim is to create products that bring instant happiness to girls, while helping them feel confident, kind and proud of who they are.”
Stephanie Summerson Hall – Estelle Colored Glass
Hand-blown colored glassware designed to be heirlooms
Founded in Charleston, South Carolina, Estelle Colored Glass is a luxury line of hand-blown stemware and cake stands in jewel tones and soft pastels. Named after founder Stephanie Summerson Hall’s grandmother Estelle, the brand is inspired by generations of entertaining. Each piece is crafted by skilled artisans in Poland using centuries-old techniques and designed to be used, loved and passed down.
“I hope our heirloom-quality pieces help you create special memories, just as ‘Big Mama’ did for me.”
Morgan Cros – Original Duckhead
Playful sustainable umbrellas designed to last
Founded in London by Morgan Cros, Original Duckhead combines heritage umbrella making with playful modern design. Each umbrella features a hand-carved duck-head handle crafted for comfort, beauty and durability. Designed to withstand real weather, the umbrellas were tested in London’s famously rainy climate. Meri Meri collaborated with Original Duckhead on a sellout kids’ collection last year.
“The Meri Meri aesthetic is playful, imaginative and beautifully crafted – values that align perfectly with Original Duckhead.”
Anne Hoehn, Maureen North and Amanda Seyfried – Make It Cute
Design-forward playhouses that spark imagination
Founded by childhood friends Anne Hoehn, Maureen North and Amanda Seyfried, Make It Cute was born during the pandemic while balancing parenting and work over long Zoom calls. The trio created beautifully designed cardboard playhouses made with responsible materials, coining a new category they call Play Decor. For every playhouse sold, a tree is planted through EARTHDAY.ORG’s Canopy Project.
“Imaginative play should be beautiful, durable and kind to the planet!”
Payton James – Payton James Home
Elegant handcrafted homeware designed for everyday dining
Founded in 2018, Payton James began as a fashion accessories brand before evolving into a homeware label focused on craftsmanship and natural materials. After early success with handbags, she pivoted to raffia-based home goods in 2020. Today, the brand is best known for its handcrafted raffia placemats designed to elevate everyday meals.
“My vision for Payton James Home centers on creating beautiful, sustainable products designed to be both functional and enduring.”
Sandy Chilewich – Chilewich
Innovative woven textiles for modern entertaining
Since founding her company in 2000, Sandy Chilewich has transformed everyday textiles into design staples. Known for proprietary woven vinyl, rich color palettes and exceptional durability, Chilewich products are designed for indoor and outdoor use. Designed in New York and manufactured in the US, the brand reflects Sandy’s passion for art, innovation and commerce. Meri Meri partnered with Chilewich on a festive tabletop collection last year.
“I created beautiful textiles designed to enjoy each and every day, from a simple breakfast for one to the most elegant gathering for many.”
Sara Fulmer – Mon Ami
Charming plush toys designed to delight
Founded by Sara Fulmer in Atlanta in 2018, Mon Ami has become a destination for thoughtful gifts for newborns through tweens. Meaning “my friend” in French, the brand is known for charming plush toys, from cuddly animals to beautifully dressed dolls. Inspired by classic European toys, Sara creates keepsakes that feel both nostalgic and modern.
“Each piece is a gentle reminder of the wonder, comfort and imagination that comes from having a true friend by your side.”
Beatriz Ball – Beatriz Ball
Sculptural serveware inspired by classical craftsmanship
Cuban-born designer Beatriz Ball creates modern serveware using traditional molding and casting techniques learned through early collaborations with master artisans outside Mexico City. Today, her dedicated foundry employs nearly 100 craftspeople who handcraft each piece using time-honored methods. What began as a passion for sculptural metal has grown into a full lifestyle brand spanning serveware, melamine, glass, linens and more.
“For me, it is always about creating pieces that feel welcoming and meaningful – beautiful, easy-care designs that elevate the table for every moment.”
Deidre Nicole Espinoza – Mama’s Piñatas
Traditional handcrafted piñatas rooted in cultural heritage
Mama’s Piñatas began in Coahuila Mexico, where Grandma Elizabeth, lovingly known as Mama, learned the art of handmade piñatas. Inspired by this tradition, Deidre Nicole Espinoza helped bring Mama’s craft beyond the family, founding the brand together in 2022. The women-owned business celebrates heritage, resilience and joy, creating beautifully handcrafted piñatas grounded in culture and pride.
“Built by two generations of women, Mama’s Piñatas honors where it came from while boldly growing into what it is becoming, bringing joy, culture and quality to celebrations everywhere.”