Meca McKinney

Hi, I am Meca McKinney; CEO | Designer of Jypsea Leathergoods, LLC

Author of "ENVISION: The Young Accessory Designer's Guide to Collection Development," as a designer of handbags & small leathergoods with several years experience in the NYC fashion industry as a technical designer for well-known fashion brands, Meca McKinney has also established myself as independent designer with her line of luxury eco-friendly leathergoods-- Jypsea ~Eclectic Handcrafted Leathergoods. Shop the latest collections at Jypsea.com. Inquire about  speaking engagements, design workshops/classes or book signings by emailing Meca at jypsealeathergoods@gmail.com.

Fashion Restyle Instructor at Moore College of Art & Design

June 2012

Teaching high school students who to re-purpose and re-design vintage items in the summer enrichment program.

Arts & Culture Writer at EDGE Philadelphia

May 2011

Reviewing events related to arts and culture in the Greater Philadelphia area.

Style Blogger/Founder at Lifestyles of the Authentic & Creative

August 2010

Web-based series reporting on global artistic, cultural & design innovators. Mission: Inspire!

Handbag Designer/Proprietor at Jypsea Eclectic Hand-crafted Leathergoods

August 2009

Luxe eco-friendly line of leather handbags and accessories made from reclaimed leather and exotic skins.

Contributing Fashion Writer at TypeF.com

October 2010 - October 2011

Tyra Bank's fashion and beauty website.

Art/Design Instructor at Habitat of Humanity Recreation Center

April 2011 - June 2011

The primary focus of the 5 week program was teaching the fundamentals of design and applying these methods to the creation of accessories. the students ranged from ages 5-12. The weekly projects included illustration and the design of leather earrings, cuff bracelets, jewelry boxes and more. The students learned basic patternmaking, leather selection, cutting, applique and other construction techniques.

Fashion Accessories Writer at Examiner.com

June 2010 - June 2011

Reporting on trends, new designers, and events involving fashion accessories and designers in Philadelphia.

Co-owner at Down To Earth Boutique & Gallery

December 2008 - December 2010

An art gallery & boutique that nurtures and supports the works of indie artists & designers. A modern space to find out what's next. The opposite of mass-produced sameness. Come thru! In the Washington Square Mall, 151 W. Washington St. Suffolk, VA

Instructor at Westside High School

October 2009 - December 2009

Westside High School facilitated a fashion design after-school club in which I taught accessory design. The students completed projects that included small accessories such as keyrings, earrings and other small accessories.

Fashion Design Instructor at Elizabethport After-School Program

September 2008 - December 2008

Taught handbag design and sewing to students ranging in age 5-14 who have never sewn previously. The students learned patternmaking, fabric selection, cutting, sewing and construction while building self-confidence and team morale.

Footwear Technical Designer at Capelli New York

March 2008 - August 2008

Responsible for creating the construction specification of each executed shoe designed. This included creating tech packs, conducting fittings, approvals of wearability, etc.

Owner at Innerglo home spa products

2004 - 2006

Thomas Edison State College

2009 – 2011

BFA

Fashion Institute of Technology

2005 – 2007

AAS

Concentration: Accessory Design

Fashion Design Training Studio

1997 – 1997

Design, style, DIY, marketing, alliances/partnerships, home decor, parenting, healthy living