Today, the world is brimming with creativity yet starved of visibility, one company dared to challenge the norms of design retail and democratize access to artistic talent. Minted isn’t just a marketplace—it’s a movement, a digital ecosystem that bridges the gap between unknown artists and eager design lovers across the globe. Behind its ever-evolving platform lies a mission deeply rooted in inclusion, authenticity, and the belief that extraordinary design can come from anywhere. Today, Minted is recognized not only as a disruptor in e-commerce and design but as a powerful enabler of creative entrepreneurship—making it one of the Best Entrepreneurs to Watch in 2025.

Where Creative Futures Are Forged

At the heart of Minted is a revolutionary idea: that great design doesn’t come solely from elite schools or renowned agencies, but from kitchens, home studios, and bedrooms around the world. It lives in the hands of the independent artist, the mother exploring watercolors during naptime, the software engineer with a passion for typography, and the young illustrator dreaming big in a small town. These are the creators that Minted celebrates and elevates through technology, community, and unwavering support.

Founded in 2007, Minted began as an experiment in crowdsourced design. The company launched its first design challenge in 2008, inviting artists to submit save-the-date card concepts. Only 66 entries trickled in—but that modest beginning planted the seed for a paradigm shift. Today, Minted hosts regular design competitions that attract thousands of entries from over 100 countries. Consumers vote on submissions through blind judging, a format that erases bias and elevates pure talent. The top-voted designs are turned into premium products—art prints, stationery, home décor, and more—sold through Minted’s vibrant online marketplace.

This open forum model serves a deeper purpose: to uncover the world’s best creative talent and give them a platform to build careers on their own terms. Whether professional designers or curious beginners, Minted empowers its global artist community with resources, exposure, and commissions. Many even operate their own stores on the platform, using Minted’s manufacturing, fulfillment, and customer service infrastructure to run thriving independent businesses.

The Visionary behind the Movement: Mariam Naficy

While Minted’s success is a tribute to collective creativity, it all began with the singular vision of its Founder and Executive Chairman, Mariam Naficy. Born to a development economist, Naficy’s childhood was spent in five countries across the Middle East and Africa—experiences that deeply shaped her worldview and appreciation for underrepresented art.

The road wasn’t easy. Early challenges were met with skepticism, funding hurdles, and media criticism. But Naficy’s quiet determination never wavered. She ran a lean team, preserved capital wisely, and guided the company to cash-flow break-even by 2012. The turning point came in 2013 when Minted raised its first major round of funding—igniting a decade of extraordinary growth.

Today, Naficy is celebrated as one of the most creative minds in business. Named among Fast Company’s “25 Most Creative People in Business” and recognized by LinkedIn as the founder of one of the most in-demand startups, she remains an influential voice in the intersection of design, entrepreneurship, and technology. But perhaps her most profound legacy is the one she continues to shape: a world where anyone, anywhere, can turn creativity into career and passion into power.

A Community that Connects and Elevates

Unlike traditional retailers that prioritize a top-down selection of design trends, Minted listens to its people—the artists and the consumers. It is powered by a participatory, transparent model where every voice matters. From submitting designs to voting in challenges, members of the Minted community shape what the brand becomes.

This global creative network is deeply diverse: painters, textile designers, marketers, engineers, stay-at-home parents, and artists from all walks of life connect here. Some hold design degrees; others are self-taught and learning on the go. What unites them is a shared passion for personal expression, a spirit of experimentation, and a belief in paying it forward.

Building the Future Together

Minted’s operations aren’t simply innovative—they’re intentional. The company’s founding principles echo through every business decision: be transparent, put design first, enable instead of dictate, and always think long-term. Every new product category, every marketplace update, and every artist opportunity is guided by a commitment to serve both creators and customers with integrity.

As Minted moves into its next chapter, the mission remains clear: to uncover the world’s best creative talent and build a future where design belongs to everyone. With its unwavering focus on community, transparency, and empowerment, Minted continues to lead a movement that is redefining what it means to be a creative entrepreneur.

The Visionary behind Minted’s Unwavering Success

Mariam Naficy is a serial entrepreneur who founded Minted in 2007 with the goal of creating a brand that would stay fresh forever. As a pioneer of the creator economy, Mariam created a community of independent artists and designers and a ‘crowdsourcing’ process that includes design competitions to consistently discover the best designers and the hottest trends. Mariam has immersed herself in Minted’s talented community of independent artists, who inspire her every day. She has pioneered consumer Internet models since 1998, when she co-founded the first online cosmetics retailer, Eve.com, which was sold for over $100 million. Mariam is also the Founder and Managing Partner of Heretic Ventures. She sits on the Board of Every Mother Counts, Medium, Victoria’s Secret, and Minted, and is a member of the Stanford Graduate School of Business Advisory Council.

“We believe that great design lives and thrives in the hands of independent artists that people do not have access to through traditional retailers. We use technology to allow consumers to discover great creative talent, making Minted a place where artists can learn, gain exposure, and build their businesses.”