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Things we're always shopping for: the perfect tote bag and a piece that no one else has. Enter, Merssico, a new LA-based brand crafting special carry-alls handmade in Morocco. We chatted with founder Meriem Rouissi about the inspiration behind each one-of-a-kind bag and the unique ways she's sharing her Berber heritage with the world.
What drove you to create Merssico?
Meriem: Ten years ago, I left behind my home in North Africa to embark on a new adventure in Los Angeles. The city's vibrant culture and diverse community drew me in, making it the perfect place to pursue my dreams. As I settled into life there, I realized the significance of embracing my Berber heritage. I was always cooking North African food for my friends, and they loved it. I also loved wearing and gifting silver antique accessories. I’ve always felt joy in every touch that reminds me of home.
The rich traditions, values, and customs of my home gave me a strong sense of identity and purpose. I felt compelled to incorporate these unique elements into my entrepreneurial endeavors, promoting cultural diversity and appreciation and that's when the idea of Merssico came up.
Merssico tells a unique story through cultural heritage and exquisite artistry that come together to create these unique handmade handbags. Every handbag made is a celebration of families' traditional craftsman techniques for years to come.
How do you find inspiration?
I have always found inspiration in every place I travel. I am an enthusiast of nature and its fascinating blend of simplicity and complexity. I’m also fascinated by the straightforward elements (forms/shapes/colors) and intricate patterns found in nature.
These elements resonate with me and form an integral part of who I am. As a person, I always strive for a harmonious equilibrium between simplicity and complexity, embracing the straightforward aspects while valuing the richness and depth that complexity brings. This balance is an essential part of who I am, shaping my perspectives, actions, and interactions with the world in my daily life.
My first collectsion was a reflection of my identity not only culturally but also personally. The Hobo Helena Bag Collection is the definition of the interplay between simplicity and intricate designs that allow for a dynamic and harmonious fusion, achieving a perfect balance that captures attention with its uniqueness and optimizes functionality.
How are sustainability and ethical production practices incorporated into your brand?
We are advocates of slow fashion and conscious consumerism. All of our products are
handmade from natural materials like organic cactus silk. We source recycled materials
and eco-friendly packaging components. We are also committed to always adopting ethical and
sustainable sourcing. We are also constantly exploring new ways to improve our sustainability practices.
As a socially responsible artisan-based small business, we also help create jobs and sustainable incomes through our partnership with Berber women, an indigenous community in Morocco. We show our respect and trust to the skilled artisans by honoring the prices they set to maintain their craft and respecting reasonable working hours. This allows us to preserve traditional craft techniques of families for future generations and improve women's lives.
Describe the brand in three words.
Unique, ethical, global
What are your goals for the future of Merssico?
My goal is to persist in crafting beautiful works of art by partnering with highly skilled artisans from across the world who align with our sustainability and ethical business practices. At Merssico, our focus is on crafting distinct products infused with originality and the expertise of craftsmen, who will extend the reach of their talents worldwide to inspire humanity.
