Street Style + Friendship

Adult friendships are hard. Life happens and it’s easy to grow a part from the people who seem to fit your life perfectly at a certain time. Friendships built out of convenience and proximity fade away when it’s no longer convenient and you’re not geographically close. It’s easy to drift apart from people. But not Merl.

I met Merl probably two years into blogging around 5 years ago and I was quite intimidated to meet her. She was this creative visionary who said fuck it to the traditional 9-5 world and launched her own jewelry line, Clyde’s Rebirth. She’s never been afraid to speak her mind and you know exactly where you stand with her. She’s also overflowing with creativity, integrity and kindness. And actually, quite a bit of patience. I’m constantly inspired by her fresh ideas, bold entrepreneurial decisions and her ability to connect with others and lift others up, not tear them down for success. I admire these qualities in her and proud to have her as a friend. If you’re not familiar with her work, you’ve gotta check out her jewelry or visit the SHUDIO, her shop/studio space in the Pilsen neighborhood in Chicago.