Runyaro is the visionary founder behind a brand that merges art, nostalgia and cutting-edge design. Guided by the meaning of her name, “brilliant,” she infuses each creation with an inventive spirit and a dedication to authenticity. From her earliest days crafting and customising clothes as a child in Detroit, Runyaro’s journey has been marked by a fearless approach to fashion and an unbreakable bond with the city’s iconic music culture.
Her brand, known for its one-of-a-kind pieces, speaks to those who cherish bold statements and meaningful connections. Signature designs like the cassette tape handbag exemplify her knack for blending personal memories with universal appeal, creating fashion that transcends boundaries. Runyaro’s commitment to authenticity, craftsmanship and storytelling has won her acclaim from prestigious publications and celebrities alike. Her journey from Detroit’s streets to global recognition is a testament to her belief in creativity’s power to connect, inspire, and elevate. We spent some time with her to find out more…
How Runyaro Turned a Detroit Childhood into a Global Handbag Brand?
There are designers who follow trends, and then there are designers who create their own language entirely. Runyaro belongs firmly to the second category. Born from a childhood in Detroit steeped in music, self-expression and a refusal to rely on designer brands for identity, her work is an exercise in what happens when personal history becomes a blueprint for innovation. Every stitch, every embedded cassette tape, every handcrafted seam carries the weight of lived experience rather than commercial formula.
What Makes Runyaro’s Approach to Fashion and Design So Distinctive?
The cassette tape handbag is the centrepiece of her portfolio, but it is really just the most visible expression of a deeper philosophy. For Runyaro, the act of making has always been inseparable from the act of remembering — whether that means stitching together blue denim and leather as a tribute to Michael Jackson’s genius, or hand-threading components without a sewing machine in sight. In an era when one-of-a-kind pieces are a marketing phrase more often than a reality, her work is the rare thing that earns the description honestly.
Your name, Runyaro, means “brilliant.” How has this meaning influenced your approach to creativity and entrepreneurship?
The meaning of my name, Runyaro, which translates to “brilliant,” has profoundly shaped my approach to creativity and entrepreneurship. It has driven me to pursue innovative designs and bold ideas that stand out. I’ve had an entrepreneurial mindset from a young age, even in preschool, when I would play with a toy cash register, pretending to run my own store and sell products. By middle school, I turned that playful creativity into a small business, making and selling handmade rings to classmates. The essence of brilliance, instilled by my parents from the start, has always inspired me to think big, stay inventive, and bring my visions to life.
You started crafting clothes at just seven years old! What’s your earliest memory of creating something that made you think, “This is what I want to do”?
Yes, I started at seven, and my earliest creation was a pair of plain jeans that I transformed into something unique. I tore small holes in the front for an edgy look, splattered paint across them, and stamped my name to show they were my creation. I was incredibly proud of those jeans—they were my pride and joy. I almost started a trend at school, as I noticed other kids began writing on their jeans, inspired by my designs. That’s when I realised I had something special, and that creating fashion could be my lifelong passion. Fashion gave me a sense of purpose and joy, and I knew then that creating was something I wanted to do for life.
Growing up in Detroit, the Motor City, how did the city’s unique energy and music culture shape your vision as both an artist and designer?
Growing up in the Motor City gave me a solid foundation in music and fashion. Detroit has a strong fashion and music culture. I remember, at just seven years old, I was given a mic to sing at church, where my mother was the minister of music. I led the choir not just because I was her daughter but because I had a natural gift for singing. My mother always told me that when she was pregnant with me, she would sing and direct the choir, so it felt like a seed planted in me from the start. Babies can hear everything their parents do!
Watching my parents wear stylish fur coats and clothing also influenced my fashion sense. They didn’t prioritise designer brands but chose good-quality pieces that looked great. This instilled in me that I didn’t need a brand name to make what I wore look good. From a young age, I developed an original style, always adding something unique to my outfits to stand out.
Your transition from the music industry to fashion is intriguing— how do the two worlds intersect in your work today?
Transitioning from music to fashion felt natural, as both have always been deep passions for me. Music and fashion are powerful forms of self-expression, sharing a rhythm and creativity that flows through my work. I see fashion as an extension of the stories and emotions that music evokes, allowing me to blend the two worlds into something uniquely personal and meaningful.
The cassette tape handbag design was a game-changer. Can you take us back to the moment that idea struck you?
I wanted to create something so innovative that people couldn’t help but talk about it when they saw someone wearing it. Music has always been my passion, and cassette tapes hold a special place in my heart. They offer an immersive experience, where you listen to every song without skipping. I knew a cassette tape handbag would resonate universally, connecting people through shared nostalgia and joy in music.
Handcrafting each bag is no small feat. How do you stay motivated during those late nights and long hours to bring each piece to life?
Bringing my vision to life took immense dedication and problem-solving. I wanted my cassette tape handbag design to be durable and timeless, so I experimented with materials and metal hardware to make each tape feel seamlessly integrated. Initially, I made each bag entirely by hand—no sewing machine, just a needle, thread, and scissors, even using zip ties to connect pieces! Over time, I developed a method that made the tapes appear part of the bag without visible attachments.
As I moved towards mass production, I had to think like a designer and architect, ensuring the bags could be machine-made without losing craftsmanship. Every long night and lost hour of sleep was worth it, knowing my bags bring joy, spark memories, and resonate with people worldwide.
Your brand’s journey took off after a serendipitous moment in NYC. What did that experience teach you about the importance of timing and preparation in your career?
New York City has always been pivotal for me! I remember wearing my first handbag design there, and the endless compliments I received confirmed I was onto something special. Back then, the bag didn’t even have a proper lining, but the reaction was overwhelming. I promised myself that the next time I’d be in NYC, it would be for NYFW, not as an attendee, but as a featured designer—and that dream became a reality in just two years.
Being in NYC for Fashion Week taught me the value of humility and persistence. Each milestone is a step closer to the top, and timing, along with preparation, can turn dreams into reality.
From creating your own patterns to sketching each design, your dedication to craftsmanship is clear. What role does authenticity play in your brand?
Authenticity is the heartbeat of my brand. From creating my own patterns to sketching each design by hand, every piece reflects my personal journey and passion for true craftsmanship. I believe that when something is made authentically, it tells a story—one that can’t be replicated. My designs are rooted in genuine experiences and emotions, whether it’s the nostalgia of a cassette tape or the bold statement of an original pattern. Authenticity isn’t just part of my process; it’s what makes my brand come alive and resonate deeply with people. It’s about creating pieces that are as real and meaningful as the moments that inspire them.
From creating your own patterns to sketching each design, your dedication to craftsmanship is clear. What role does authenticity play in your brand?
One of the most surreal moments for me was seeing Big Daddy Kane wearing my brand. I grew up as a true old-school hip hop junkie, with his music shaping my love for the genre. To have a legend like Big Daddy Kane—a pioneer who played a major role in launching Jay-Z’s career—rocking something I personally handcrafted was beyond my wildest dreams. I even had the honour of making a custom backpack just for him.
Another incredible moment was creating pieces for Big Sean, an icon I deeply admire. And seeing my work appreciated by Ralph Tresvant, the talented lead singer from the legendary group New Edition, left me in awe. These experiences have been a testament to the power of merging passion with hard work, and they continue to fuel my dedication to my craft.
With each bag telling a story, how do you infuse your own personal journey and values into your designs?
Growing up on cassette tapes in the ‘90s was one of the most joyful times of my life. The music felt like a heartbeat to my soul, creating memories that have stayed with me forever. Incorporating authentic cassette tapes into my bag designs is deeply personal—it’s like carrying the tapes I cherished as a little girl, the ones that shaped my love for music.
This design allows me to always wear those joyous moments and keep them alive, not just for myself but for future generations. It’s a way to celebrate and preserve that nostalgia, creating pieces that tell a story and connect people through the timeless magic of music.
You mentor college students and young entrepreneurs. What’s the best advice you give them about starting a business from scratch?
The best advice I give is this: Never give up on yourself, even when doors close in your face. That’s the first thing I say. Then, I emphasise the power of writing down your visions. Put your business ideas in a journal instead of just typing them on a computer. There’s something about physical writing that brings clarity and focus to your ideas, making them feel more real and achievable. Starting from scratch requires resilience and a clear vision, and that’s how you build a foundation for success.
Is there a particular handbag from your collections that holds a special place in your heart? Why?
Yes, there is one handbag that holds a special place in my heart: the Creative Jeanius bag. It features authentic Michael Jackson album cassette tapes on the front and is made from a mix of blue jeans and leather. I named it Creative Jeanius because Michael Jackson’s timeless music and genius creativity were a huge part of my upbringing. His sound has always inspired me. What makes this bag even more special is that I handcrafted it entirely by hand, without using a machine. It’s a tribute to the artistry and legacy of a true musical icon, and it reminds me of the power of creating something timeless.
Your designs are conversation pieces. What’s the most memorable reaction or story you’ve heard from someone carrying one of your bags?
One of my favourite stories came from a woman who was at an art gallery opening, carrying one of my cassette tape handbags. A well-dressed gentleman approached her, absolutely intrigued, and said, “I have to ask—does this bag actually play music?” She laughed and explained the design, but it sparked a long conversation about the mixtapes he used to make for road trips with friends, and soon a whole group of people joined in, each sharing their own mixtape memories. By the end of the night, the bag had started a mini reunion of strangers, all bonding over their love of music and the magic of the past. Hearing that one of my designs could bring people together like that is truly priceless.
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned from the challenges of building your brand from the ground up?
The biggest lesson I’ve learned from building my brand is the importance of surrounding myself with positivity. Negative people can drain your energy and derail your vision, so I make it a point to keep uplifting, supportive individuals around me. Another crucial lesson is to always do my own research, even when I hire experts. Understanding the ins and outs of my business has empowered me to make better decisions and stay in control. It’s about protecting your energy and staying informed, two key factors that have helped me overcome challenges and grow my brand.
If you could go back to the early days of Runyaro, what’s one piece of advice you’d give yourself?
If I could go back to the early days of Runyaro, the advice I’d give myself is to stay patient and never waste a single minute on things that aren’t worth it. I’d remind myself that time is our most valuable asset, and it should be treated as such. Looking back, I realise I spent too much time on things and people that didn’t serve my growth. While I know every experience makes you stronger, I’d have been more intentional, treating time like the treasure it is. Life is a journey, but being mindful of how you invest your time can make all the difference.
As an innovator in both fashion and business, where do you see the future of luxury and handmade items heading?
I believe that while trends are important today, there’s a growing appreciation for authentic and innovative pieces from new, creative designers. My goal has always been to make a bold statement in the fashion industry by showcasing designs that are truly one-of-a-kind. I understand that the fashion world often plays it safe with everyday, familiar pieces, but I also know that people crave something different. When the same styles are repeated, it gets boring.
That’s why I aim to break into the industry with luxury fashion pieces that tell a story, not just represent a brand. I want my designs to challenge the norm, pushing the boundaries of creativity and leaving people feeling inspired, happy, and fulfilled with what they wear. By bringing this vision to life, I believe I can change the game and redefine what it means to create innovative, meaningful fashion.
How does music influence your creative process—are there specific songs or genres that inspire your designs?
Music influences my creative process in countless ways! It’s the heartbeat and foundation of my brand. Hip hop has always been a huge inspiration, and each thread I stitch into my handbags is accompanied by the sounds of old-school music that have resonated with me since childhood. I grew up singing along to ‘90s R&B groups, and artists like Brandy were my idols—I still remember belting out her songs as a young girl. Whitney Houston’s powerful voice and timeless songs were also a big influence, filling my world with soulful inspiration. Music infuses my designs with rhythm and emotion, making each piece feel like a harmonious blend of memories and style.
What’s one thing about running a business that surprised you or that you wish more people knew about?
The one thing that truly surprised me about running a business is how tough it really is! The glitz and glamour you see from successful companies don’t show the fire the owner had to walk through to get there. Behind every win are countless surprises and sacrifices—mentally, physically, and emotionally. But if you’re determined and passionate, I promise it does get better and more rewarding.
One crucial lesson I’ve learned is that you can’t do it all alone. It’s tempting to pride yourself on being “self-made,” but if you’re serious about building an empire, you need a team you can trust. Growth requires collaboration and support from people who believe in your vision. So, while being independent is admirable, having the right people by your side is essential to take your business to the next level.
Looking back on your journey, what do you feel most proud of in terms of your brand and its evolution?
Looking back on my journey, I feel incredibly proud that my brand has reached an international audience and has been featured in some of the world’s most prestigious publications, like British Vogue, Vanity Fair, Glamour, Tatler, and many more. This is something I once only dreamed about and had on my vision boards. Seeing it become a reality is beyond rewarding. What means the most to me is knowing that people from all different races and cultures adore my brand. It shows that my creations have the power to bring the human race together, uniting us through a shared appreciation for art and fashion.
What’s next for you and Runyaro?
There are many more innovative creations on the way that I can’t wait to share with the world! I’m also looking forward to collaborating with talented designers to create game-changing pieces that push the boundaries of fashion and design. The future is all about bold innovation, meaningful partnerships, and continuing to make a lasting impact on the fashion industry.
Are there any exciting new projects or designs you can share with us?
I’m thrilled to share that I have some exciting new projects in the works. I’m currently working on a collection that blends unexpected materials and bold, avant-garde designs that will continue to challenge the norms of luxury fashion. Additionally, I’m exploring collaborations with other visionary designers to create pieces that are not only conversation starters but also true works of art. Stay tuned—there’s so much more innovation and creativity coming your way!
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