Charissa – Any suggestions for other artists or designers on how to get going on a collab/suggestions on getting started? 

I think for any artist or designer, it is just about thinking outside the box of what you normally do and trying to see how that can correlate with something that someone else creates. I also think you need to be brave enough to pitch your ideas. All anyone can do is say no. It doesn’t mean that your idea wasn’t good…it just might mean it does not fit with what they are wanting to do. Don’t get discouraged. Keep dreaming and creating. It takes someone brave, determined, but also someone who is willing to work together on something and be very flexible. Be open to discussions and ideas.

Ranna – Beyond the creative side of creating the new line, what are some of the nuts and bolts of how to structure a collab? 

There is a ton of behind-the-scenes structure that goes into making a collaboration successful. Over the course of our past collabs, we’ve learned that no two are exactly alike, but there are a few key things that always help set the foundation. First and foremost: those early conversations areeverything. Taking the time to talk through the vision, expectations, and goals—and then writing it all down—makes sure everyone stays aligned from start to finish.
For this collab specifically, Charissa and I created a shared deck that outlined each major category or task list. We went through it together, filled in the blanks, approved designs, and clarified responsibilities. Once we finalized it, we added the deck to the end of our contract, giving us a solid reference point for anything we might need to revisit—whether it’s roles, responsibilities, or timeline.
The little details matter a lot. We’re talking who’s handling what, which sales channels we’re using, packaging, budget, timeline, fulfillment, marketing campaigns, assets, activations, PR—the whole picture. When all of that is clear, it makes the entire experience smooth and enjoyable for everyone involved! Plus, it leaves us some wiggle room to get to know one another instead of cramming in a ton of work talk during scheduled calls. Being on the same page and up to date is just a stress reliever overall!
We love using Notion for internal communication and project management. It’s super helpful to loop in our collab partners directly to our Notion pages, where everything—details, timelines, contracts—lives in one place. And if Notion doesn’t work for them, we love finding a shared system that does. That way, both teams are always in the know about what’s coming up and who’s doing what.
We keep the communication flowing from the very first conversation to the moment the last order is fulfilled. We are always saying “Clear is kind” in the MFM studio, and we really take that to heart. Keeping our partners fully in the loop is a top priority and a major key to a successful collaboration.
One little detail/nugget of our process: A shorter pre-order strategy is almost always more successful than a long window or limited amount of inventory. We love creating buzz by keeping the “save the date” quiet until about a week before launch. Then, during our 3–5 day pre-order window, we go all in on building excitement. That urgency and sense of exclusivity turns the buying experience into something special—our clients feel like they’re part of a limited group that discovered and followed the drop. It becomes something they’ll actually put on their calendar and want to share. We’ve all experienced campaigns like this, from studio sales to drops, etc! Offering the collection for a short time adds that extra spark and makes the whole launch feel truly unique and FUN.
Feels like a lot, but you truly reap what you sow! We’ve been so grateful for how much work Charissa has put into this collaboration with us behind the scenes. From pitching to Southern Lady mag to sharing detailed updates, she’s been a dream partner and has made the structure easy-going and a natural partnership.

Charissa – What does this collaboration mean to you personally and professionally? 

Professionally – This collaboration means the world to me. I have enjoyed working with Ranna and Mary Frances Maker. They have been lovely every step of the way. Professionally it has helped me grow.  I feel as though anytime we do something new and venture out from our comfort zone, it always helps us grow. It has been a wonderful journey through the whole process.
Personally – When I began creating these hand sculpted pieces in my backyard studio, I was inspired by a Hibiscus rose bush that my grandfather gave me. I would lay in the hammock and watch the hummingbirds swarm that bush and it was so beautiful. I immediately ran into my studio and began molding the flowers and the hummingbirds that I saw. I wanted to capture the beauty of nature on canvas. Now, with the help of Mary Frances, we have translated it even further from just the canvas and now it is transformed even further into a one of a kind artistic collection of wearable art. I feel like the memory of my grandfather who was always planting in his garden lives on forever through the creation of these pieces. He would be so incredibly proud.  I was just beginning the journey of my art career before he passed away and he was always amazed by what I would create. It brings me great joy carrying on his tradition through the process.