Meet The Maker: Meriam Chedli

Meriam Chedli has been a part of the Orlando art community for many years and came by way of Tunisia and Belgium, bringing with her a vibrant collection of African textiles that she expertly fashions into beautiful wearable art pieces and home goods. In getting to know Meriam better, we learn the ethos of Bahaari Collection; a brand we are thrilled to host at Veer and whose pieces are as elegant and sophisticated as their maker.

What does Bahaari translate to?

Bahaari means "Ocean" in Swahili and Arabic. Both of these languages reflect a solid and rich culture with beautiful textiles. Bahaari, as a brand, reflects my love for the arts, textiles, and the meaningful conversations I’ve had during my travels. Bahaari is about more than just "escapism"—it’s an invitation to connect authentically and deeply. 

What do you like most about textiles?

I’ve always loved textiles—they’ve been a part of my life for as long as I can remember, even when I didn’t realize it. For me, they symbolize tradition and the empowerment of women. Textiles are a form of communication and have the power to bring people together. Cultures around the world have their own ways of weaving and dyeing fabrics, but textiles are a shared heritage that connects us all.

Beyond the extraordinary messages conveyed by the African wax prints, which I always enjoy rediscovering at different stages of my life (some of them are timeless, and I’ve known them since childhood), I strive to pay tribute to them as best I can. Working with these prints is a labor of love and a beautiful challenge, as the colors and patterns range from the simplest to the most complex. They are a true source of daily inspiration. The fabrics I work with—whether it's African wax prints alone or in combination with fabrics from the Maghreb—are a constant source of inspiration!

How has your style changed over time?

Bahaari has evolved through conversations with my community and clients. The brand has grown to focus on designing small-batch collections that are timeless and versatile, responding to what my clients want while keeping sustainability in mind. I avoid overproduction and prioritize creating a close relationship with everyone who chooses Bahaari pieces. Communication and sharing stories are at the heart of what I do, and they shape the future of Bahaari.

Even though I always have my client’s desires in mind, I also enjoy the new designs and launches by introducing prints that I love! Finding new ways to incorporate them into our daily lives, as well as for special occasions, is what I love to do.

How has your community in Orlando supported or inspired you?

Orlando is a remarkable city with an incredible sense of community. There’s a strong connection between people here, and everyone supports one another. Even in challenging times, being a designer, artist, and small business owner in Orlando feels inspiring and encouraging. It’s lovely to be part of such a creative and supportive community. Moreover, the support between entrepreneurs is also inspiring and unique to Orlando.

What does the word "veer" mean to you?

To me, "veer" is a short, sweet word representing a love for artists and the beautiful sense of community I feel in Orlando. It’s a place where you always feel welcomed, supported and where we can grow together.


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