Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Cercone.
Hi Amanda, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
The idea came to me out of pure necessity. I was constantly losing my essentials—lip gloss, hand sanitizer, earbuds—into the abyss at the bottom of a giant tote bag. I searched everywhere for a pouch that was structured, chic, and sustainably made, but nothing felt right. So, I decided to make one myself. I sewed the first prototypes in my Brooklyn apartment, late at night, when the kids were asleep and the apartment was silent—a rare window of calm to create and design. Once I finally got the silhouette and structure just right, I partnered with a local NYC manufacturer to bring the concept to life in small, thoughtful batches. That’s how The Side Hustle Collection was born—a line of polished pouches designed to keep your daily essentials neat, chic, and together. Made from sturdy canvas and now also offered in leather, what started as a single grab-and-go piece quickly evolved into a full collection, with sleek, jewelry-inspired chains and accessories that transformed the original pouch into a crossbody or shoulder bag. Because I was constantly losing items at the bottom of my tote, I designed the bags with brass carabiners so they could clip securely onto a strap. Each detail was about keeping things chic, tidy, and truly functional.
The latest launch, an accessory capsule line called MMIM (Meet Me In…), is inspired by coastal destinations and the quick getaways that recharge us. The debut drop, Meet Me in Montauk, brought in thoughtful seaside details like natural seashells, playful tassels, and sailing cords with gold accents meant to catch the light. The first piece to launch earlier this month is a long gold pendant necklace—and now, I’m designing two new pieces to continue the story. Next up is Meet Me in Miami—a collection that reflects the city’s vibrant style and relaxed beauty. As a New Yorker, I’ve always been inspired by weekend escapes. There’s something about days spent on the water and evenings drifting from the beach to dinner that feels effortless and elevated. That lifestyle is what inspired the MMIM Collection.” I design with a focus on simplicity, sustainability, and making everyday life feel easy and stylish!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I started during the pandemic, so everything was a challenge! Sourcing materials felt nearly impossible—nothing was available, and I couldn’t find a canvas that was both beautiful and sustainably made. I ordered from everywhere until I finally discovered a textile mill in Spain that produced stunning organic, fair trade canvas and was willing to work in small batches. That canvas became the foundation of the collection. I also had to find the perfect interfacing to give the bags structure—something sturdy enough to stand up to everyday life.
I quickly realized that if I wanted the design to be exactly right, I had to learn how to sew the prototypes myself. It felt like I made the same bag a million times—watching the same tutorial video over and over, teaching myself not just how to sew a bag, but how to sew my bag. The size, the structure, the function—every detail mattered. I wanted a piece that felt elevated and practical—something I could carry from drop-off to a business meeting to dinner out. Brass carabiners kept everything in place. Later, when I moved into leather, I faced the same challenges again—until I found a small-batch supplier committed to sustainability, using the whole animal and non-toxic dyes.
It’s a really simple bag—but simplicity can be the hardest thing to get right. That’s been one of the biggest creative challenges: refining a clean silhouette that works hard, looks chic, and feels effortless without overcomplicating the design.
I was designing while parenting, and creating late at night when the apartment was finally quiet. Building a brand by a woman, for women, has always been my purpose. These pieces are meant to be timeless, thoughtful, and made to move with women through real life.
The challenges now are more nuanced: What do women really want in order to feel together? And when does a trend evolve into something timeless? These are the questions that shape everything I design. I recently started a newsletter called The Trend Report—a mix of runway and street style—to keep a pulse on what’s happening not just in fashion, but also in how we move through the world. It’s become a way for me and my clients to stay connected to the moment while refining what it means to stay current and sophisticated. For me, it’s not just about chasing trends—it’s about designing with intention, and making sure each piece adds something lasting to the conversation.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am inspired by the intersection of fashion, function, and travel—designing from the center of effortless style and simplicity. Women need pieces that can move as seamlessly as they do, and I create accessories and bags meant to be styled easily, worn often, and carried everywhere—from beachside escapes to city nights. Inspired by the rhythm of daily life and the glow of destination style, every element is designed to feel elevated but effortless. Whether it’s a chain that doubles as a necklace or strap, or a pouch that clips into your tote, the goal is always functional ease that complements your look without overthinking it.
What sets the collection apart is how everything works together—chains become jewelry or crossbody straps, pouches clip to totes and are styled in unexpected ways, and each piece is designed to slide right into your wardrobe and lifestyle. It’s that versatility I’m most proud of—watching women make the line their own, whether they’re tucking a pouch under their arm with a cocktail dress or grabbing a bag for a last-minute weekend trip. Each item is designed in my studio and made in small batches in NYC using thoughtfully sourced materials. From the water to the city, it’s a collection that moves with you—and makes showing up with style feel truly effortless. What’s been most rewarding is seeing how women have brought their own creativity to the collection—the way they style, wear, and personalize each piece has inspired not only my work but the evolution of the line itself!
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
Each morning starts with a 10-minute workout, meditation, and coffee—my way of setting the tone for a productive, intentional day. I use the Five-Minute Journal, vision boards, and gratitude practices to keep my mindset focused and clear.
I draw structure and inspiration from The 5 A.M. Club and return often to Shira Gill’s books Minimalista for editing and simplifying life. I find the Enneagram, particularly through Ali Dunn’s lens, to be a powerful tool for understanding creative motivation and productivity. Mel Robbin’s 5-4-3-2-1 method – I love so very much- its simple and it works!
I stay current with The Impressionists Trend Service and listen to Lavendaire, Headspace, to mediate. The Diary of a CEO, How I Built This, The Turnaround by Vogue, and Second Life podcasts – I’m always collecting inspiration from runway shows, street style, and the rhythm of culture and design across cities I travel through
Contact Info:
- Website: https://amandacercone.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cercone_amanda/
