Mikaela Friedman (she/her) is a designer and artist working at the intersection of color, material, and story. Her creative practice is rooted in the principles of slow fashion, sustainability, and community care  using design as a tool for connection and change. Whether curating color palettes from reclaimed textiles or building visual systems from scratch, her work blends emotional storytelling with strategic execution.

Mikaela is the co-founder and creative director of Shop Slow, a retail and studio space originally launched in Austin, Texas, dedicated to intentional fashion, collaborative learning, and upcycled design. Her design process begins with sourcing reclaimed textiles, exclusively from rag houses, and continues through garment production, content creation, and styling. Her signature approach to color and material reuse has been recognized by artists and musicians alike, including her custom-painted boots worn by members of Khruangbin.

She is also the co-founder and creative producer of Slow Fashion Festival, a multi-day celebration of sustainable design, community storytelling, and climate-focused education. Now preparing for its 5th anniversary in 2026, the festival has featured immersive fashion shows, public workshops, and partnerships with organizations like KEEN Footwear, the City of Austin, and local environmental nonprofits. 

Previously, Mikaela served as a creative producer with Mutiny Market, where she published a community zine, led event curation, and partnered with Circuit of the Americas to produce indie and vintage vendor markets for large-scale concerts. She has also collaborated with brands like Levi’s, Free People, and Tecovas, traveling to Nashville, Los Angeles, and across the U.S. to support in-store activations, custom installations, and brand storytelling campaigns.

Currently based in Portland, Oregon, Mikaela continues to deepen her creative practice through painting, printmaking, and zine publishing  often exploring themes of domestic space, women’s labor, material memory, and the emotional weight of color. Her work is shaped by a commitment to accessibility, sustainability, and thoughtful reuse.

Outside of her creative work, Mikaela is an avid rock climber and hiker who finds inspiration in movement, texture, and the natural world. On sunny days, you can probably find her frolicking on a hillside with her dog, Cucumber. 

Awards & Recognition:
– Austin Chronicle Critic’s Pick: Best Sustainable Event/Retail (2025)
– VIBE Weekend Grant Recipient (2025)
– Austin Green Business Leader, Gold Level (2024)
– City of Austin Green Business Grant Recipient (2021–2024)