Meet Meredith Verzino Haner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Meredith Verzino Haner and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Meredith, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
The journey of starting my own business began when I reconnected with the creative energy my younger self once knew. When I was laid off from my Interior Designer position during COVID, it became a moment of rediscovery—an opportunity to create for the pure joy of it. I started with intricate custom artwork: initials filled with doodles of everything someone loved, dog portraits, and cocktail personality art. But custom work is time-intensive, and I began to explore ways to design something once that could resonate with many—a shift toward more scalable, intentional creations.

I immersed myself in podcasts, Instagram content, and anything that could help me understand the intersection of creativity and entrepreneurship. One podcast in particular introduced me to a key philosophy: as a successful entrepreneur, you must anticipate and respond to the energies and needs of people and culture.

Then, one fateful night, Taylor Swift announced the Eras Tour, and I immediately felt the cultural momentum building. That’s when the idea for T-Swizzle Sticks was born—13 Taylor-inspired drink stirrers and cupcake toppers, designed for Eras parties and celebrations. The set was a hit on Etsy during the first leg of the tour. Then, when The Tortured Poets Department was announced, I knew I had to evolve the concept. I redesigned my set of 13, which is the collection you see on my website today.

At the same time, I was planning my wedding—a process that deepened my love for event design and opened yet another creative avenue. Through this journey, I emerged as a stronger designer and artist, realizing that design isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about transformation. This led me to adopt a guiding philosophy for my business:

The artistry of design and aesthetics holds a transformative power to elevate the human experience. With creativity and innovative design, I seek to curate products, experiences, spaces, and events that resonate deeply, spark connections, and intentionally infuse joy & beauty into your life.

Today, my business is a reflection of this belief—whether through product design, event design, or interiors, I create with the intention of making life more beautiful, meaningful, and memorable.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
At my core, I am a Designer & Artist who believes in the transformative power of aesthetics and storytelling. My work is about more than just creating beautiful things—it’s about curating experiences, spaces, and products that bring joy, spark connection, and leave lasting impressions. What sets me apart is my meticulous attention to detail and my ability to weave meaning and intentionality into my designs, whether it’s through custom interiors, event design, or handcrafted products like my Taylor Swift-inspired T-Swizzle Sticks.
I’m most proud of the way I’ve allowed my creative journey to evolve. What started as a personal passion for art and custom illustration grew into an exploration of product design and event aesthetics. Planning my own wedding was a pivotal moment—it showed me how powerful design can be in shaping emotions, memories, and experiences. It reinforced my belief that artistry isn’t just about what we see, but how we feel in a space, at an event, or when we engage with a beautifully crafted object.
Getting to where I am today professionally hasn’t been easy. The path to entrepreneurship was anything but linear. I started my journey after being laid off during the pandemic, which forced me to reconnect with the creative energy my younger self once thrived in. But taking that leap into business—learning how to sell my work, price my offerings, and build a brand—was a challenge in itself. There were moments of doubt, financial hurdles, and the uncertainty that comes with trying something new.
I overcame those challenges by immersing myself in learning, staying adaptable, and trusting that my creativity had value. I listened to podcasts, studied branding and marketing, and found inspiration from entrepreneurs who built businesses around their passion. More than anything, I embraced the idea that creativity isn’t a fixed skill; it’s a way of being—something you have to nurture, challenge, and protect.
What I want people to know about Merzino Design Co. is that my work is deeply personal. Every design, whether it’s an event, an interior, or a product, is meant to elevate the human experience through beauty, intention, and emotion. My philosophy is simple: Design has the power to transform the way we live, connect, and celebrate. I want my work to bring people closer—to themselves, to their spaces, to the people they love, and to the memories that matter most.
If I’ve learned anything on this journey, it’s that creativity is a gift, but the courage to share that creativity is what truly makes an impact. That’s what keeps me going—knowing that what I create can help make someone’s home feel more like theirs, make an event feel more like a dream, or make a product feel like a piece of art they treasure.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I love exploring all that Colorado has to offer—especially its breathtaking scenery and incredible food. If I were planning the ultimate week-long trip, I’d recommend visiting in the fall when the aspens are golden, and the crisp mountain air makes every adventure feel even more magical.
Day 1: Denver – Start with brunch pastries at Reunion Bakery, where the croissants are as beautiful as they are delicious. Then, take a morning stroll around Washington Park, soaking in the tree-lined paths and charming historic homes. For a sweet midday treat, stop by Bonnie Brae Ice Cream, a beloved local spot. Lunch would be at Lou’s Italian Specialties—a must for their incredible sandwiches. In the afternoon, explore the boutiques and murals along Larimer Street. To end the day, we’d have dinner at Temaki Den in The Source, where the sushi is some of the best in town.
Day 2: Boulder – Start the morning at Suti & Co for perfectly brewed coffee and delicate pastries before heading to Chautauqua Park for a scenic hike at the base of the Flatirons. Afterward, we’d wander Pearl Street Mall, stopping at local shops and street performers before dining at Cozobi Fonda Fina for an upscale take on authentic Mexican cuisine.
Days 3-6: Crested Butte – The ultimate fall destination. The drive over Kebler Pass alone is worth the trip, with endless golden aspens stretching in every direction. Mornings would begin at Rumors Coffee and Tea House for a Honey Chai Latte, followed by a breathtaking hike—there’s no shortage of stunning trails, but Snodgrass Mountain or Rustler Gulch would be my top picks. Afternoons would be spent wandering Crested Butte’s colorful historic main street, grabbing cocktails at Montanya Distillers, known for their exceptional rum-based drinks. Dinner at Breadery is a must—thoughtfully crafted dishes in a cozy atmosphere. Another morning, I’d pick up a bagel sandwich from Butte Bagels before driving up Gothic Road for more hiking and alpine views. For a casual but delicious dinner, Teocalli Tamale is the place to go—fresh, flavorful, and the perfect way to end a day in the mountains.
Day 7: Back to Denver – Before heading home, we’d visit Red Rocks Amphitheater, not just to see the iconic venue but to hike one of the surrounding trails. Then, we’d cool off with a stop at Little Man Ice Cream, where the flavors are always worth the wait and they turn their patio into the cutest pumpkin patch. To wrap up an incredible week, dinner at El Five—stunning city views, incredible tapas, and the perfect way to toast to an unforgettable Colorado adventure.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I first want to recognize the unwavering support of my husband, Fares Haner, who helped me fall in love with my creative self again. He has been my biggest supporter—from encouraging my ideas to helping me source materials, make designs come to life, and even assisting with last-minute deliveries. His belief in me has been a constant source of motivation, and he always reminds me to trust in my creativity and “do my thing.”

I also want to give a heartfelt shoutout to my uncle, Nick Verzino Jr., who has supported my creativity from an early age. His encouragement and collaboration on the prototype of the T-Swizzle Sticks has meant the world to me, and I’m grateful for the collaboration.

I want to highlight three books that have deeply influenced my journey:
The Perfectionist’s Guide to Losing Control: A Path to Peace and Power by Katherine Morgan Schafler, which helped me realize that my creativity and meticulous attention to detail are my superpowers.
The Art of Gathering: How We Meet and Why It Matters by Priya Parker, which shaped how I think about event design as a tool for creating meaning and connection.
The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin, which reframed my understanding of creativity as a practice, not just an outcome.

Additionally, I want to recognize the podcasters and entrepreneurs who have redefined how I think about business, creativity, and success. Listening to Katie Gatti Tassin (Money with Katie), Codie Sanchez (Contrarian Thinking), and Alex Hormozi (Acquisition.com) gave me the confidence to step into entrepreneurship with a mindset of possibility, resourcefulness, and financial independence. Their content helped me push past fear, embrace risk, and understand business as a way to create meaningful connections while building a life I love.

I’m beyond grateful for the people, books, and voices that have helped me see my creativity as a superpower—one that I can use to elevate experiences, bring people joy, and create meaningful moments.

Website: https://www.merzinodesignco.com/

Instagram: @merzinodesignco

Image Credits
TSwizzle & Wedding Imagery: Isabel Henry Photography
Mountain Condo Renovation: Tim Murphy Photography
Saddle Mountain Townhomes: Next Door Photos
Caribou Ski Lodge: Cullen McHale Photography