Put a Tassel on It! Meet Amina Mucciolo of Studio Mucci

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I had the dreamlike pleasure of spending an evening with Amina in her studio (which is also her home) to ask her about her story, what inspires her and why tassels can probably make the world a better place. Growing up in southern California and surrounded by a seriously intelligent family, Amina’s doors and eyes were always open. She strayed from the norm in favor of the creative. She knew she had something to say, and that making something with her hands was the way to say it.

In fact, Amina shared with me how the craft of making tassels was a form of meditation for her, a way of focusing on something and tapping into her flow. Ultimately, it was this act of making that became a natural medication for her to combat anxiety and Obsessive Compulsive personality disorder. How incredible and inspiring is that? She followed her passion, continued to make and actually found a way to make that her livelihood.

Read on to learn more about Amina, in her own words.

What inspires you? Why do you love to design, create and make?

I started Studio Mucci because I wanted to create a space for myself where it was okay to let loose, throw some confetti and escape the everyday pressures of adulthood. I love that we get to share that space with people around the world and share the simple childlike pleasure of celebrating…just because. Focusing on that always inspires me.

Tell us about Studio Mucci.

Founded in 2011, Studio Mucci is a tribute to everything pastel, festive, and fun. We create items that inspire celebration and bring a little whimsy into the everyday.

Tell us more about you.

I believe that I am really a unicorn… like in my soul. I love animals, anything pastel or sparkly and watermelon.

What’s one piece of advice you’d share with other makers?

Make what you like! Make what you want to see. I ALWAYS start there. There are so many people in the world that there are bound to be many that will share your interests and appreciate your creative perspective, so just be yourself.

Tell us how technology has changed and supported what you do.

Technology has made our business possible — from e-commerce platforms to social media apps like Instagram and tumblr. The things that I create are pretty low tech, but the way I share them with the world is 100% reliant on technology.

What’s on your studio playlist?

The Smiths, The B-52s, Fiona Apple, Beyonce, Phantogram, Stevie Wonder, Amy Winehouse, Liz Phair, and sometimes Kanye when I need to get hyped and meet a deadline. I tend to keep the music pretty chill, which helps me stay in the zone.

How do you get into the creative flow? How does it feel?

I think I’m always in the creative flow. I constantly have ideas about things that I want to make or do, which can sometimes be distracting. For me, the creative process is all about finding a focus, and when I’m able to do that…. it’s thrilling! I feel completely energized and excited.

What do you love about teaching people to make? And inspiring people who don’t think they are traditionally creative?

I didn’t know that loved teaching people until I started hiring my current team. My favorite thing is observing how each person approaches a creative task differently. My team and I have been teaching Salvatore (my husband and business partner) how to make some of our products and its so awesome to watch him gain confidence and learn new things — it completely inspires me.

We took some VERY serious portraits.

And did some very serious voguing.

@StudioMucci

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