We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Mariane Batista-McCulloch a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Mariane, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

I grew up in the outskirts of São Paulo, Brazil, where low income people lives, specially Black and Brown community. In these communities the asterisks of style and colors exhale off of the most populated city in the world. I have always been an artist person, I was a curious child. I was constantly looking for activities for me to do where colors and texture would be placed.

I moved to Minnesota in 2015, I was often doing my own jewelry, and constantly received compliments for that. 2019 was a rough year for me because I was depressed and feeling isolated in Minnesota. Creating handmade jewelry helped me to see that behind of the dark cloud, there was colors in my art.

At Brazilianfunky, I bring style where is likewise to what people of colors are using. Brazil after Africa being the second place in the world that has Black people empowers me to present a small version of my culture. I also implemente with what we already have in the countries. Brazilianfunky is a unique handmade jewelry where you rarely will find in other stores MN, I challenge myself to believe that other stores in the United States, as well!

Mariane, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am a Black Latina from Brazil. I am an international language educator. I have taught Portuguese and English at elementary and high schools within private and public schools. After the completion of my BA in humanities in Brazil, I decided to come to the United States to improve my fluency in English. My personal relations allowed me to stay in the country. My credentials in education were not fully accepted in the country, therefore I had to pursue an another BA; I completed at Metropolitan State University. Meanwhile completing my BA, I began to work at Minneapolis Public Schools as Associate Educator. After I completed my degree, I began to teach Spanish World Language at MPS, which I still remain.

The transitions of Sao Paulo, BR to Minnesota, USA, impacted many aspects of my life. Hence, the winter harmed negatively my soul and my mental health. Since as a child, I am curious and creative person. I liked to make Barbie doll clothing, crochet, panting, biscuit dolls and character. As an adults, I used to make my own earrings and I began to receive compliments, hence I began to make small collection of earrings. My jewelry selections is inspired on Black and Brown Brazilian street style. I use all types of materials to create, wood, carving, painting, drawing, crochet, embroidery, plastic, leather and others. I like to explore all type of materials to create. Being a full-time teacher, limits my type to produce more jewelry, spring, winter and summer break are the best type for me to create more jewelry. I am proud to bring Brazilian jewelry’ style to Minnesota. I want all my clients to feel welcome in my table and see my art table. An immigrant, I am still learning how to navigate the business world in the United States. I am still learning how to provide the best to my clients because I do everything on my own it takes time.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

When I began to take my business, I reached out to Northside Economic Opportunity Network where they are “…working to build a better community. Your support helps us build capacity while supporting BIPOC entrepreneurs and small businesses in North Minneapolis – making our community an economically sustainable destination. ” They support my initial on my business on how to think business, since then they have been very supportive of everything I need, Without NEON I would not have been where I am at.

Bring the uniqueness of jewelry to BrazilianFunky LLC support the reputation of my business because I always rotate the variety of styles. Therefore, my clients are aware that each sale they may see new styles.

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

NEON supported me with grants for me to pursue and grow my business.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/BrazilianFunky?ref=shop-header-name&listing_id=1313369503
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brazilianfunky/
• Facebook: Mariane McCulloch
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariane-batista-mcculloch-263ab0199

Image Credits
The first photo to the left is from the event at Art Whirl, 2023. The second photo to the right is my table seating, 2023. The third photo to the left is for Juneteenth at Stillwater with Tree Rivers, 2021. The fourth photo to the right is for General Mills event sponsored by NEON, 2022. The fifth photo to the left is from the Carnaval event at Midtown Global Market, 2023.