Today we’d like to introduce you to Mari Medina
Hi Mari, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I grew up in Puerto Rico and was always drawn to anything creative. In high school, I taught myself how to sew and made graduation and prom dresses for my friends. That led to me applying to schools state-side. When I got accepted into the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), it felt like a crazy yet perfect next step. So, at 18, I moved to New York City to study fashion design.
At FIT, I was introduced to knitwear, which completely changed how I looked at design. Our program had a dedicated lab where we learned to work with both hand and industrial knitting machines. What I loved most was the combination of creativity and technicality that knitwear requires—unlike any other part of fashion. You can create a textile from scratch, starting with a single strand of yarn. You can choose the thickness, the texture, the silhouette—you have full control over the process, which is so unique.
After graduating, I worked in corporate knitwear for seven years. Still, over time, I became more aware of the amount of waste in the industry—not just in production but also in the development stages. I started to feel like I wanted to do something different. I enrolled in a program for sustainable entrepreneurship in fashion, where I learned more about materials and responsible manufacturing practices. I also connected with other entrepreneurs who shared the same vision.
In 2020, I launched April Knit Studio to help fashion brands produce high-quality knitwear focusing on sustainability. Now, I’ve built a network of suppliers, mills, and artisans worldwide. I’ve helped brands scale their knitwear category, and I’ve also helped founders get connected with long-term manufacturing relationships. I’ve helped brands design their signature knitwear pieces to make them stand out in a saturated market. Now, I’m proud to design for brands in the U.S. and Europe, helping them create beautiful knitwear while staying true to their values.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced as a business owner is managing every aspect of the process on my own. It can feel overwhelming to juggle everything from designing and sourcing to building client relationships and overseeing production, especially as I work with international manufacturers and clients with different needs.
But honestly, every challenge has pushed me to grow. I’ve learned to embrace the chaos and turn it into structure by building systems that allow me to streamline my process. I’m a mom, so I have limited time and the feeling of constantly working against the clock and having many things to do. Having a clear vision of my goals has helped me stay focused even when things feel uncertain. It’s also about trusting the process and finding joy in the problem-solving aspect of running a business—because each obstacle is just an opportunity to find a better way to do things.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
At April Knit Studio, I offer a full-service approach to knitwear design, guiding brands through every stage—from concept to final product. Whether it’s design, material sourcing, or managing development, I ensure that each step is handled seamlessly. My goal is to make the experience as smooth as possible for my clients, providing bespoke designs tailored to their brand, audience, and budget and expert advice on the best practices for production.
What sets April Knit Studio apart is my ability to understand my clients’ vision truly. I often act as a creative translator for brands that have strong ideas but lack the technical know-how or industry connections to bring them to life. I bridge that gap, helping brands turn their vision into reality.
The traditional fashion calendar demands constant new collections—four seasons a year, if not more, in the fast fashion world—I take a different approach. I’ve designed styles for clients that they’ve been able to produce year after year, and that’s where we’re making a real impact. By creating timeless, high-quality knitwear, we’re slowing down the process and making it more sustainable—not just for the environment but for small brands who benefit from long-lasting designs. That’s something I’m incredibly proud of, helping brands move away from the fast fashion model and build collections with longevity in mind.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Before moving to Nashville, I spent many years in New York working in corporate fashion. During that time, I was so focused on my daily tasks that I didn’t prioritize networking or building relationships beyond my immediate colleagues. It wasn’t until I started my own business that I realized how crucial relationships are to long-term success.
I’ve had to transform my mindset completely; being a business owner, I had to understand that my business can’t thrive without relationships. Once I embraced that, I was amazed at how much generosity came my way, especially from the creative community here in Nashville. I’ve learned that one connection often leads to another and that building a network isn’t just about collecting contacts—it’s about forming genuine, mutually beneficial relationships.
Now, I fully believe that I’m in the relationship business. I’ve even partnered with colleagues who might be considered “competition,” but we help each other with referrals and resources. This sense of collaboration over competition has been instrumental in growing my network and my business. My advice for anyone looking to find a mentor or build connections is to be open, generous, and authentic in your approach—those are the relationships that truly last.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://aprilknitstudio.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aprilknit.studio/
