As we head into Thanksgiving week, I wanted to take a moment to slow down — something I don’t do often — and reflect on what (and who) I’m deeply grateful for, both personally and as the heart behind Mel Boteri Fashion Partners.
This year has been full of growth, creativity, and meaningful partnerships, and none of it would be possible without the people and experiences that shape this business. So today, I’m sharing the five things I’m most grateful for in 2025.
1. Our Clients — The Reason We Do What We Do
Every project we take on starts the same way: with trust.
Trust that we’ll understand your brand.
Trust that we’ll honor your clients.
Trust that we’ll create something beautiful, intentional, and lasting.
I never take that lightly.
I am endlessly grateful to the clients — agencies, planners, corporate teams, and brand leaders — who choose us to bring their vision to life. You allow us to do what we do, and it is a privilege.
2. Our Global Partners & Team — The People Behind the Craft
Our work would not exist without the hands (and hearts) that bring it to life.
I’ve partnered with Francisco in Spain since 2015! — a decade of collaboration, loyalty, patience, problem-solving, and “yes, we can make it happen” magic
Me with Francisco and my mom and his wife during a factory visit in 2016
And Stefano in Italy, who joined our supplier family more recently in 2022, has been an extraordinary partner as we elevate our production, quality, and European operations.
But our strength does not stop there.
I'm also incredibly grateful for Kerry, who many of you already know and who has led our Sales and Business Development since 2017. She's been with us through every season — including the pandemic years — and her dedication, resilience, and belief in what we’re building have been invaluable. She understands our clients deeply and represents our brand with genuine care.
I’m grateful every day for my team's shared commitment to craftsmanship, their willingness to meet my (high!) standards, and their grace under tight timelines. They are the quiet heroes behind our leather goods.
3. My Family — The Support System That Makes This All Possible
I launched Mel Boteri in the fall of 2009, which means my family has been on this entrepreneurial rollercoaster with me for over 16 years. A marriage, a new home and two kids later here we are.
The long nights, the last-minute travel, the creative bursts, the quiet doubt, the big wins, and everything in between — they’ve seen it all.
I am deeply grateful for their unwavering support, patience, and belief in me and in the vision for this brand.
Pregnant with Miles, my first born, in 2017
4. Growth, Learning, and the Evolution Ahead
One thing I’m personally most grateful for this year is the space — and the willingness — to keep learning, expanding, and evolving.
Not just in my craft, but in the bigger picture of how I want to live, build and make an impact on this world.
This is why I started Living Life Less Plastic — my space to explore a more connected, intentional, authentic way of living (and creating). It’s not about perfection; it’s about progress. And I’m excited for where this journey is taking me, and ultimately, the brand.
5. The Experiences We’ve Created Thus Far — And The Ones Still to Come
These past few years have brought some extraordinary opportunities.
We’ve crafted gifting experiences for clients in:
🇬🇷 Athens
🇮🇹 Rome
🇲🇽 Mexico
🇪🇺 Across Europe
🇺🇸 And so many beautiful events here at home
In Athens, Greece with two of our Italian artisans, Graziano and Stefano
Each one has pushed us creatively, strengthened relationships, and made our work feel more meaningful than ever.
I’m grateful for every activation, every connection made, every moment where someone held one of our pieces and felt that it was made just for them—because it was!
Looking Ahead With Gratitude
As we head into the holiday season, I’m simply grateful for more:
More connection.
More creativity.
More beautiful experiences.
More aligned growth.
More opportunities to make something special together.
Thank you for being here — for trusting us, supporting us, and being part of this story we’re building, one meaningful piece at a time.
With gratitude,
Mel