2026 BIPOC Maker Accelerator Cohort
Mercedes Montano
Skull Baby
Hi there, I'm Mercedes Montano, a 19-year-old entrepreneur and multifaceted artist with a big love for all things creative!
I got my start through a youth maker program, and what began as trying something new quickly turned into a dream of building my own clothing and accessories brand, Skull Baby.
Skull Baby is where I bring together my love for fashion, drawing, and painting to create pieces that feel bold, fun, expressive and most importantly, empowering! I design and hand-make screen-printed & block-printed t-shirts, tote bags, bandanas, and patches, along with handmade press-on nail sets! My style lives in that sweet spot between cutesy and edgy—think punk energy with skulls, bows, and a lot of pink, black, white, and red.
As a Mexican-American maker, my culture plays an important role in my creative process and continues to shape my brand’s identity. Beyond design, I’m deeply committed to using my platform to make an impact! I advocate against prejudice and strive to uplift and represent my community through both my work and my voice!