About Us

Having women feel beautiful about themselves is my mission as a fashion designer. Women are beautiful no matter what age or size you are and I'm here to bring out your personality and beauty through my designs.

I'm inspired by everything around me - spring blossoms blowing in the wind, the heat on your skin from the summer sun and the bright bold splashes of colors from the first frost. I focus on the changing seasons and my feelings when I feel newness in the air and I ask myself - what would feel good to wear right now? It's important that you feel comfortable in life and I strive to make sure that my designs feel great on your body. Not only is it important to feel comfortable, I also believe it's important to be unique for yourself and show everyone who you are.My unique designs come from anything I see or feel in life - it could be the weavings of an old thatched roof, the rich red color of the soil from the Red River or the intricate artwork of Tibet Monks. Whatever my inspiration is for that season I let it carry me through until my clothing design is complete. I take great passion in my work and I love to work with my hands. One of my best attributes is how I can create intricate detailing with my hands.

My interest in fashion started as a little girl - constantly sketching and trying to make clothes (which didn't always turned out well). Through trial and error I knew that I was passionate about design and I loved creating something wonderful from a scrap piece of fabric. My education and training started about 20 years ago. I received a BS at Purdue University in Apparel Design and Technology and then I received acceptance at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in New York City and received a BA in Fashion Design. While in New York I worked for Tommy Hilfiger and helped launch the H Collection at Fashion Week in Bryant Park. During my education I traveled to Paris and visited the couture houses of Lanvin and Christian Lacroix and saw the skills that it took to create the most beautiful couture garments. From that experience I wanted to continue to learn how to create custom handmade gowns. I then worked for Michael Faircloth who designed and made Laura Bush's inaugural gown and many other custom gowns for prestigious women around the world.

I then moved to Houston, TX and worked for Linda Segal who was a contemporary women's designer and I was her design assistant and production coordinator. Missing the Mid-West my husband and I moved to St. Louis, MO. I then worked for Lori Coulter (Creator of SummerSalt) who makes custom made-to-order swimwear and I was head of the Product Development and Production.

Through all my experiences I decided it was time to fulfill my true passion - having my own women's wear label Shanna Britta. Shanna Britta is actually my name Shanna Britta Mellnick and I've known that I wanted to call my company this since I was a little girl.

I hope you enjoy my collections!

-Shanna Britta Mellnick