CARMELLA GARNER

Hi! I’m Carmella — a Creative Director, designer, and VCUarts graduate with a love for all things art, fashion, and creativity.

I currently work as the Creative Director of a jewelry and accessories company, where I help develop brands and products sold through major retailers including Walmart, Boscov’s, Macy’s, TJX, and more. My work touches nearly every part of the creative process — from product development, branding, packaging, and photography to presentations, catalogs, magazines, and bringing new concepts to life. I love being able to take an idea from its earliest stages and help shape it into something tangible that eventually makes its way into stores and into the hands of customers.

Outside of my day-to-day work, I’m always creating. I design and produce magazines, take on personal creative projects, and look for opportunities to experiment with new mediums, develop new skills, and learn more about the industries and ideas that inspire me. I never want to stop being a student of creativity — there’s always something new to try, make, or discover.

Living and working in the New York City area has only added to that inspiration. I find ideas everywhere — in fashion, museums, packaging, photography, window displays, architecture, people, and the energy of the city itself. I’m equally happy sewing or designing something, wandering through a museum, putting together a new publication, or spending an afternoon working on a project simply because I wanted to see if I could do it.

When I’m not creating, I love the quieter things too. I’m incredibly family-oriented (which, of course, includes my beloved cat, Princess), and I love reading, baking, painting, discovering new music, trying restaurants and cuisines, traveling, and spending time outdoors. Whether I’m hiking, fishing, exploring somewhere new, or just enjoying some fresh air, I’m always looking for inspiration and new experiences.

At the heart of everything I do is curiosity. I love learning, trying things I haven’t done before, meeting creative people, and saying yes to opportunities that push me in a new direction. I’m excited to keep building my career, developing my own projects, and seeing where that curiosity takes me next.

Thanks for stopping by — I’m so glad you’re here.

Carmella's Resume

What Inspires me??

I find inspiration in the raw, unfiltered versions of things—the kind you see in glossy magazines juxtaposed with gritty street scenes or lived-in spaces. I'm drawn to deep conversations that reveal the layers of people’s experiences, and I find endless creative fuel in architecture, cities, and the way cultures express themselves through design, movement, and color. Exploring unfamiliar places and immersing myself in different ways of life gives me perspective and sparks ideas I could never find at home. I’m fascinated by contrast—bold colors against neutrals, old against new—and I pull inspiration from everywhere: a walk-through nature, a striking film scene, a story from my elders, or even the way light hits a building at golden hour. To me, inspiration isn’t something you seek—it’s something you stay open to.

Education

Associates of General Sciences - NOVA Community College

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Fashion Merchandising & Marketing

Virginia Commonwealth University

Hobbies:

CARMELLA IN A NUTSHELL…

Family Oriented

I’m deeply family-oriented and find the most joy in spending quality time with the people who mean the most to me.
Travel

I love exploring new places and fully immersing myself in different cultures, finding inspiration in the people, traditions, and stories that make each destination unique.
Nature

I feel most at peace when I’m surrounded by nature—whether it's hiking through the mountains, fishing by the water, snowboarding down a mountain, or simply enjoying the fresh air and quiet beauty of the outdoors.
Major Foodie

I’m a true foodie at heart. I love discovering new restaurants, exploring different cuisines, and turning every meal into a delicious adventure.
Hobbies

I’m all about hands-on creativity and staying inspired through the things I love. Keep scrolling to find out what fuels my passion and brings my ideas to life.
Music

Music is a huge part of my life — I’m drawn to the energy of rap, the soul of R&B, the smooth vibe of jazz, and the rhythm of house music, each genre fueling a different side of my creativity.