MAX+min is a lifestyle brand built on intentional design, sustainable practices, and a love for elevated minimalism. Founded by Tiarra Smallwood, a Black woman designer with deep roots in both the fashion industry and creative direction, the brand exists at the intersection of refined restraint and quiet strength.

At MAX+min, minimalism isn’t a trend—it’s a design language that includes forever pieces, clean lines, and trans-seasonal essentials. With a philosophy anchored in lasting impact over momentary hype, each piece is meant to last, to live with you, and to speak without saying too much.

MAX+min’s ethos is clear: fashion should endure. Through our evergreen approach to style, the brand invites wearers to build wardrobes with longevity in mind—rooted in calm, clarity, and the power of knowing who you are.

Tiarra Smallwood is the designer behind MAX+min. Born and raised in Elyria, Ohio, a small city just outside of Cleveland, Tiarra’s journey into design began in absence. With limited shopping options in her hometown, she turned to her imagination, sketching pieces she wished existed and ultimately shaping a creative path that led her to the acclaimed fashion program at Kent State University.

Grounded in faith, humility, and an intuitive design sensibility, Tiarra approaches her work with calm intention and quiet strength. She sees her creativity as both personal expression and divine purpose—what began as a passion has become a trust walk with God, who she believes created her to contribute beauty to the world in meaningful ways. For her, design isn’t just about making something to wear—it’s about making people feel seen and rooted in their own sense of self.

Since launching MAX+min in 2018, Tiarra has quickly risen as a formidable voice in the accessories space. Within two years, her brand was picked up by iconic retailers like Saks Fifth Avenue and Bloomingdale’s, even earning a dedicated window display on Fifth Avenue in New York City. But beyond commercial success, MAX+min represents something more enduring: a balance between masculine and feminine energy, beauty and functionality, boldness and restraint.

Tiarra designs for people who know what they like and don’t need validation to stand in it. Her pieces are thoughtful, structured, and made to spark joy and conversation—bags that feel both familiar and fresh, like something you didn’t know you were missing until you had it. Through MAX+min, she hopes to inspire confidence, authenticity, and the belief that less really can be more.

As she continues to grow the brand, Tiarra’s dream is to cultivate a community that connects deeply with her vision. MAX+min is a beloved staple for those drawn to intentional design. Her legacy? To remind us that you don’t need excess to feel confident, powerful, or seen.