Meet: Brenna Meehan
VA-Based Founder & Creative Director
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Join us as we chat with Brenna Meehan, founder of LAZO Collective, about building a brand by following curiosity, embracing color without apology, and why the most authentic ideas often begin by accident.
Before we get into LAZO, I'd love to start with you. For those who may not be familiar, can you tell us a little about yourself, where you’re based and what first drew you to jewelry as a creative medium?
I’m Brenna! I’m 22, I’m from Arlington, Virginia; I live there right now, too. I’m the oldest of three. I’m a Virgo. My favorite color is orange. I was drawn to jewelry by chance, although I’ve always accessorized. Growing up, I always dressed in bright colors and loved jewelry (see childhood photos below). Jewelry feels very true to me as a person; it’s bold, it’s a bit luxurious, and it’s fun. I learned jewelry on my own, and I’m always learning. I love it. I love how super hands-on it is. It’s how I decompress.
What was the original spark for your brand? Was there a specific moment, need, or idea that made you think, "I should actually turn this into something"?
It came about in the most subtle way. The story goes as follows: I went to the University of Virginia and double-majored in Spanish and Global Studies. As part of my Spanish major, I participated in the “UVA in Valencia” immersion exchange program. My host mom always wore a looped necklace I loved. I found one at a flea market, ordered a large initial on Amazon in Spain, and had a random bead shop owner attach the two for me. I wore that necklace for six months straight, my little token from Valencia. I'd get comments asking where it was from, and I could proudly say "I made it." There wasn't a big turning point like “I should actually turn this into something,” but those comments piled up, and in February 2025 I was looking for a side hustle, so I posted on my Instagram story, “Does anyone want one of these necklaces?” That’s where LAZO as a brand officially started. I made an Instagram, and I would take orders via DMs. It started to pick up traction, and I started a Shopify last August. It’s been my passion project since then. LAZO’s story has been so unexpected, but beautiful and deeply authentic to the community I’ve built thus far!
When you look at your brand today what parts of that original vision have stayed vs evolved?
I think the brand has evolved to be more than just “inspired Spanish style”. Although that’s at it’s core, I think the brand focuses on storytelling and an overall vibe of being bold, wearing color, being loud, and fabulous. The original necklace is still at the core of the brand, and I love that. I will keep it that way. That piece, effortless, personal, and unapologetically bold, is still the blueprint. LAZO exists at the intersection of Spanish style and American directness: maximalism without noise, color without apology, jewelry designed to be noticed.
Your pieces feel so incredibly joyful and distinctive! Where do you tend to find inspiration these days, both within fashion and outside of it?
Pinterest is a big one, LOL. Instagram and TikTok help, too. I also look around. I have been lucky enough to do a lot of traveling recently. I went to Morocco in March and took a lot of inspiration from there. I think it’s also important to look backward, see historically in places that aren’t the runway, what has been popular and what stands today. I’m planning to make some neck scarves in the future, and I think I’ll look at Spanish/Moorish architecture and its tiles and designs.
Color feels like an important part of your world. What’s your relationship with color and how does it influence the way you design, dress, and move through life?
I love color so much. It’s always been very important to me. Looking back at photos of me as a kid, I was always wearing bright colors. I include these pictures because they illustrate a lot about me and who I've always been. In the middle, it's 4th grade me on “free dress day” at my school. Most days we wore uniforms, but when I could wear anything I wanted, I chose an explosion of color. My everyday messenger bag growing up was one I colored.
I think color is a way to express ourselves. It's an extension of personality, just like every choice of clothing is, from jewelry to our shoes. Wearing color allows me to feel like myself and gives me the confidence to step out and live authentically.
I think a lot of people admire color from afar but are hesitant to wear it themselves. What advice would you give someone looking to be a little more adventurous with their style?
In a world where you can wear anything, and where we only live once, wear some color. If wearing color, or a necklace with a pop of color, can make you feel even 1% more fearless, because you wore it and you’re proud of yourself, do it. Baby steps. You don’t have to go crazy, but think of it as pizzazz and something to be proud of yourself for.
Speaking of style you have such a strong point of view and I loved your summer style forecast video. What are three pieces that you’d recommend to someone to add to their closet this season?
Love this and thank you! These might be basic, but I like to focus on purchases that will get you the most utility on a weekly basis. Three pieces someone should add to their closet this season are:
A LAZO necklace, maybe one of the lariat wrap ones. Shameless plug, but this is a great summer accessory.
A fun pair of flats. It can be from anywhere. I’m a big fan of shopping second hand. I have these bright pink flats I got in Copenhagen that I wear weekly.
A good belt. Maybe a beaded one or a thick, leather belt with gold or silver accents. I think belts are really great for summer because they can elevate an outfit as jewelry does. Wear it over a skirt, over a dress, with your jeans. Anything.
In a world where we're constantly being shown trends and aesthetics online, how do you stay connected to your own taste and sense of self?
I always think of what I will wear a lot. It’s kind of a Venn diagram of what I will wear a lot and what makes me happy. Leaning into practicality and timelessness keeps me grounded amid a world of micro-trends and everything else. Think about what you really need, from a weekly perspective, as I mentioned above, and build out from there. Lean into the pieces you already have that have lasted a while and work with that.
In 2025, I didn’t purchase anything, other than stuff for my brand, for 6 months because I looked at my closet and realized I already had so many clothes. That also served as a style challenge, leaning into my taste and creativity to work with what I have and find new ways to make me happy.
What has building a business taught you about yourself that you don't think you would have learned otherwise?
I’ve learned that I am so capable. I have pushed myself to do things I didn’t think I could do with LAZO, and I wouldn’t have learned any of this without trying. Beyond that, though, I am learning the importance of processes and being methodical, even though I just want to operate off vibes. I am also learning that showing up and being myself, I can be rewarded for that. I should be proud of the person I am.
Looking ahead, what are you excited about right now, whether that's with LAZO, creatively, or personally?
I am really excited to grow LAZO. It’s got some sticky problems and logistics that intimidate me, and I need to sort them out, but I am excited to connect with even more people. I am excited to see where this takes me!
Personally, I am excited to see lots of my college friends this summer. I’m also excited about the new adaptation of The Odyssey coming out this summer. I’m a big movie girl, and a big fan of Christopher Nolan, so I’m excited to see how the movie turns out. Also excited to visit Spain in the next few months.
Before we let you almost go, where can we find more of you?!
You can find more of Brenna on @brenmnm on TikTok. I’m posting more of my everyday journey and personal interests on that account! You can also find more of me on @lazo.collective on IG & TikTok.
Let’s Get Deep
What’s your theme song? (A song that you can’t stop listening to that totally describes the current time of your life?)
This is so corny, but I love Doses and Mimosa — lyrics aside. It’s such a fun, energetic song, but it’s also unapologetic and kind of chaotic. That’s how I feel at this time in my life. A less corny answer is Childhood by Barry Can’t Swim. I love this song. It feels so optimistic and fun. The vibe this song makes me feel is what I’m channeling this summer.
Night In or Night Out?
Night In 100%. I would love to go to dinner, or dinner at home, watch a movie, and just chill.
When do you feel most you?
When I’m biking on my bright red e-bike. Or when I’m doing LAZO.
What’s something you’re obsessed with right now?
Ballet flats.
Call or Text?
Text. I want to call more though...
When was the last time you cried?
I cried like two weeks ago in a hot yoga class. I was holding goddess pose for an extended period when "Shake It Off" by Florence + The Machine came on, and I started crying a little LOL. It was a nice release.
When’s the last time you laughed (like a big belly laugh)?
Yesterday with my friends. I was crying laughing. I love that feeling.
Current favorite follow on social media?
VICKY MONTANARI. I am always in awe of her. She is so fun and creative.
What’s one thing you would tell your 16-year-old self?
You are the blueprint.
On a serious note, I was so creative at 16. I was doing so many cool things and creating a lot of cool stuff. I edited videos, and I was amazing at it. I lived fiercely. I think the past year has been me trying to reconnect with 16-year-old me again. LAZO and leaning into my creative side has really helped me do that. I think 16-year-old Brenna would be proud.
Find More of Brenna here:
Shop LAZO: Here!
Playlist: Listen Here!
Instagram: @lazo.collective
TikTok: @lazo.collective | @brenmnm
