Melissa Mercedes’ rise as an indie plus size designer began not with fanfare, but with frustration. Like many plus size women, she found herself stuck in the endless loop of ill-fitting, uninspired formalwear while preparing for a high-profile event—the Latin Grammys. “Nothing seemed to fit right, and the gowns I found lacked the style and elegance I craved,” Melissa recalls. This moment of disappointment, however, became the catalyst for her journey.
Rather than resign herself to the limited choices available, Melissa Mercedes was sparked by the realization that countless women shared her frustration. “I refused to let that be the norm anymore,” she says. With determination in her heart, she set out to design a collection of gowns that would empower plus size women to feel confident, seen, and stylish.
Building a business in an industry notorious for sidelining extended sizing was no easy feat. Melissa faced immediate challenges, not only in terms of representation but also resources. “Many manufacturers and suppliers weren’t equipped to handle extended sizing,” she explains. But instead of giving up, she leaned into building strong relationships with the few manufacturers who understood her vision. “What kept me motivated was my passion for empowering…
