top of page

MBensonDesign Studio

MBensonDesign Studio

Woman wearing a wide-brimmed felt hat with tulle fabric.

MELISSA BENSON

PRODUCT STRATEGY + DESIGN DEVELOPMENT

CREATING PRODUCTS WORTH Making

WHAT TO MAKE — WHY IT SHOULD EXIST — HOW TO MANUFACTURE IT — HOW TO MAKE IT COMMERCIALLY VIABLE — WHAT TO MAKE — WHY IT SHOULD EXIST — HOW TO MANUFACTURE IT — HOW TO MAKE IT COMMERCIALLY VIABLE —

Selected Work

FORMER HEAD OF PRODUCT NEW ERA CAP — FORMER DESIGN DIRECTOR BOLLMAN HAT COMPANY — CONSULTING CPO PONYBACK INC — AND MORE... —

What we do

Mood board with summer hats, swimwear, and fabric swatches.
Brand strategy board for outdoor apparel and accessories.
Hand-drawn sketches of fedora hats with design notes

Trend + Consumer

Identifying emerging opportunities through shifts in culture, behavior, and aesthetics.

Product Strategy

Building the foundation for products that resonate with both consumers and the market.

Design

Creating products with purpose, clarity, and a distinct point of view.

Technical design of a sun visor on a computer screen
Hand using a brass hat sizer inside a black baseball cap.
Tattooed hands placing metal parts into a vibratory bowl.

Product Development

Translating ideas into manufacturable products without compromising intent.

Production Management

Bridging design vision and manufacturing realities from development through production.

Quality Refinement

Elevating product performance through fit, function, and thoughtful refinement.

20+ YRS EXPERIENCE — MILLIONS OF PRODUCTS BROUGHT TO MARKET — GLOBAL MANUFACTURING NETWORK — TRUSTED BY BRANDS FROM STARTUPS TO INDUSTRY LEADERS —

Smiling woman with long hair in a black turtleneck.
MBensonDesign Studio

MBenson Design Studio helps brands build better accessories.

 

From launching new categories and expanding existing product lines to resolving production challenges, we work as an extension of your team, bringing the experience of senior product leadership without the overhead of hiring a full-time specialist.

 

With more than 20 years of experience across design, development, sourcing, and manufacturing, we help brands navigate every stage of the product process. From identifying opportunities and refining concepts to technical development, factory communication, sourcing, and production, our goal is simple: create better products, avoid costly mistakes, and make the path from concept to production more efficient.

 

Whether you need strategic guidance for a new category, support growing an existing business, or experienced leadership to solve complex product challenges, we provide the flexibility to strengthen your team with specialized expertise, exactly when you need it.

Meet the Founder

With more than 20 years of experience in product design and development, Melissa Benson has helped shape accessories and headwear for global brands including New Era, Timberland, and Bollman Hat Company.

 

Known for connecting design, strategy, and manufacturing, she helps brands build products that balance creativity with commercial success. From identifying market opportunities to solving production challenges, Melissa brings hands-on experience across every stage of the product development process.

 

Today, she partners with brands as an extension of their team, providing senior product leadership, strategic direction, and specialized expertise without the need for a full-time hire.

bottom of page