Our Story

Kelli McMinn is the founder of Manjerico. Made with love. American-born McMinn focuses on the design and creation of luxury European baby and children´s clothes, rich in cotton, wool, silk and cashmere.

Kelli moved to Portugal in 2004 and quickly recognized that style and fashion were much different than that of which she knew. She began sending gifts to her friends back home when the occasion arose…birthdays, holidays and weddings. With her group of friends embarking on the next chapter of life, another occasion to send great things from Portugal presented itself…this time it was baby clothes! Time and time again, her friends would call her and ask “…where did you buy these things? They are absolutely beautiful!” and “…where can I order these online…” The answer was always the same, none of the items were ever sold in any store or online… they were made by lovely Portuguese ladies who had been making clothes for 30 or 40 years.

As far back as fashion guides and historical photos indicate, the children of Portugal were always extremely well dressed. Not only were they well dressed for weddings, baptisms and birthday celebrations, but also day to day, at school, on the playgrounds and for general outings. The soft and comforting texture of the fascinating fabrics, excellent design and quality echoed rich European tradition, luxury and values. Dressing children well, for a Portuguese mother, is the beginning of proper education, a means of pride and a demonstration of love. Nothing less than this would be acceptable for Kelli´s own kids.

Above all, Kelli is a mother. She strives to provide the best of everything for her young children. It is based on this love that she created the brand, Manjerico. Made with love. She puts all her love for her children into the design and production of the clothes, the love literally hugs the children in the clothes they wear.