For the holidays our Founder/CCO Stacy Igel & her son Dylan Reid Igel have chosen this incredible company who is hand making bracelets and necklaces in sweet home Chicago (Stacy’s home town)!  Our market is about supporting other businesses and we are proud to be partnering with a BOY MEETS GIRL® frequent collaborator Dani McGowan, Mermaid Waves for this Holiday season. Paying it forward from one creator to another!

Exclusive to BOY MEETS GIRL®: “BOY MEETS GIRL®,” BOY MEETS BOY®,” GIRL MEETS GIRL®, “BELIEVE,” “INSPIRE,” “TOGETHER WE STAND,” “FUTURE BOSS,” “BE NICE,” & “NEW YORK TOUGH” & also available is Merm Made signature Astrology Chokers.

We interviewed Dani about this collaboration & more, as well as how she is doing during this very different holiday season.

In the midst of a global pandemic, how have you managed to pivot & stay creative?  

"I’ve always loved creating and crafting but never had a lot of extra time to really dive in deep. This pandemic has allowed me to slow down and try lots of new things like tie dying, painting, embroidering, beading, and more! Giving myself the push to create everyday (even something small!) has been key to staying creative and keeping my spirits up." 

Stacy to Dani: I love the aesthetic of your blog, we’ve been working together for years now on different collaborations I have launched / etc.! What inspires your fun, vibrant style?  

"Thank you! It’s so fun to look back on all the projects we’ve done together and how my style (and hair) has changed over the years. The one thing that’s always been the same is my love of color. Color has always been an instant mood booster for me so I incorporate it into my everyday through my looks and now stacks of beaded jewelry. How can you have a bad day when you have a rainbow on your wrist?"

Stacy to Dani: What’s your sign, and what inspired you to create astrology chokers?  

"I’m a Sag! I’ve always loved astrology, I’ve never met someone who I didn’t make a birth chart for. When I started beading it seemed like a natural fit, and what’s more fun than to rock your sun sign around your neck?"

Stacy to Dani: When you’re hanging out, making these amazing chokers & bracelets, what’s on your playlist?  

"In this home we listen to Christmas music 24/7 from September (sometimes July) on. LOL! Sooo lots of holiday cheer went into the making of these."

Dylan to Dani: Out of the exclusive sayings from mommy’s brand, which one is your favorite!?  

"Be nice! Always but now more than ever I think we all could put a little extra effort in the ‘be nice’ category. Everyone is going through it and it’s really the least we can do to try to make someone’s day a little brighter."