We had the good fortune of connecting with Maddi Mae Racine and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Maddi Mae, is your business focused on helping the community? If so, how?
Art is powerful. In many ways, it is what makes humans human. We adorn ourselves with art for self expression, we fill our time with films and music, and we find relief through creating in times of hardship. The impact of art in our modern world cannot be overlooked, and I believe that along with creating art comes a great power and responsibility. Meshed focuses on the particular impact that wearable art creates. Every person is unique and what we put on our bodies should reflect how we feel about ourselves on the inside. Meshed Makers create pieces of clothing and accessories that are unique and promote confidence, kindness, and acceptance for the wearer. We work to promote positive self talk, healthy habits, and mindset shifts with the work we create. We also highlight a push toward improved sustainability through repurposed and thrifted items with many of our Makers. Lastly, we are building a supportive inspiring community of Makers through our Maker program. Art does not need to be a solitary act and the wellbeing of our Makers and Meshed community is at the forefront of our mission.

What should our readers know about your business?
Meshed is an online clothing and accessory store that sells unique pieces made by a variety of Makers that promote community, creativity, and confidence. Meshed as a platform is unique because we hold tight to our values, we see the uniqueness in everyone and feel that what we put on our bodies should reflect that. We also prioritize the wellbeing of our Makers (partnered creators that sell on the Meshed website) above anything else. A Maker is part of a collaborative and supportive community of artists supported by the Meshed team. We work to mesh our talents and all grow together!

I started Meshed back in 2018 and let me tell you, starting a business in college is not easy. I was still figuring everything out! As my life changed and adapted so greatly, so did Meshed! I have lived in four U.S. states since starting Meshed. The business started with three owners and didn’t even include the idea of Makers until years in. Meshed has changed a lot, but one thing I learned is adaptability! Life changes and it’s not going to stop.

I think I am most proud of the Makers on our team. Their comradery and energy is unmatched! Meshed has changed and adapted greatly over the past four years and I am so proud of the point in which we have come to and cannot wait to see how our pieces and team grow moving forward.

These past few years I have also learned a great deal about consistency and hard work. This path is not easy, but no path is. Find a passion and work hard for it. Work hard when no one’s watching, work hard when you see no results, work hard every. single. week. and know when rest is part of the process.

I am a newbee to Phoenix, but already have a handful of favorite spots. I am obsessed with Camelback Mountain! I try to hike the Echo Canyon Trail at least three times a month, and let me tell you, it’s an experience every time. I am also a nut for coffee shops! A few of my favorites so far are Cafe Mollie, Shmooze, and Four Til Four. I am also a lover of plants and my favorite plant spot thus far is Pueblo in the art district. They also have the cutest pots and notebooks!!

I want to thank everyone who has supported Meshed throughout the last four years. Meshed is a community and would not be what it is today without you all. Specifically, I want to thank Rachel Ryan. She has been a close supporter of Meshed for years. First as a customer, then as a Rep, and now as our Marketing Executive. Rachel has been a motivation and inspiration to me and I am beyond thankful to now have her on my team as a key player for Meshed!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I am a newbee to Phoneix, but already have a handful of favorite spots. I am obsessed with Camelback Mountain! I try to hike the Echo Canyon Trail at least three times a month, and let me tell you, its an experience every time. I am also a nut for coffee shops! A few of my favorites so far are Cafe Mollie, Shmooze, and Four Til Four. I am also a lover of plants and my favorite plant spot thus far is Pueblo in the art district, they also have the cutest pots and notebooks!!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to thank everyone who has supported Meshed throughout the last four years, Meshed is a community and would not be what it is today without you all. Specifically, I want to thank Rachel Ryan she has been a close supporter of Meshed for years. First as a customer, then as a Rep, and now as our Marketing Executive. Rachel has been a motivation and inspiration to me and I am beyond thankful to now have her on my team, as a key player for Meshed!

Website: meshed.shop

Instagram: meshed_official

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maddi-racine/

Other: TikTok: @meshed_official Pinterest: @meshedofficial

Image Credits
Michaela Cudmore Lily Grey Lauren Michaud

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutArizona is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.