MC Rosenfeld Mercier shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Good morning MC, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? Are you walking a path—or wandering?
I’d say I’m walking a path — one that bridges both glamour and grace. My journey began in the fast-paced world of fashion and PR, where creativity and storytelling defined my days. But through personal transformation, I began to move inward — seeking meaning beyond the surface.
That journey birthed MOVEMENTS, a wellness platform centered on healing, community, and women’s empowerment in Negril, Jamaica. From there came Grieving Hearts- a space for navigating love and loss based on personal experience and now Silent Altars; a project I’ll soon bring to Kyoto, Japan exploring the intersection of grief, art, and spiritual presence.
Today, I no longer see my worlds as separate. The glitz that once defined me now coexists with the stillness that sustains me. Walking this path means embracing both light and shadow — and finding beauty in the balance between them.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Marie-Claire Rosenfeld Mercier but known as simply MC or The Parisian Panda, and I wear a few different hats — all connected by a common thread of storytelling, healing, and human connection. Professionally, I come from the world of fashion and public relations, where I’ve spent years shaping narratives and building brands. But over time, my work has evolved beyond image and into intention.
I founded Movements, a wellness platform dedicated to healing, community, and women’s empowerment — creating safe spaces for transformation both online and in person. From there came Grieving Hearts, a more intimate initiative born from personal loss, exploring grief through art, conversation, and compassion. Most recently, I’m developing Silent Altars, a creative and spiritual project I’ll bring to Kyoto, Japan — an offering of reverence, presence, and love.
In parallel, I’m curating Léira Treasure Trove, my new jewelry line launching in early spring, which celebrates coastal elegance, storytelling, and the timeless beauty of adornment.
Each branch of my work reflects a balance between spirit and style — honoring the truth that we can shine outwardly while nurturing depth within.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
The relationship that has most shaped how I see myself is the one I shared with Ariel Benjamin. He was, and will always be, the heart and pulse of who I am today — the force behind the projects I create, the movements I build, and the spaces I hold for healing and presence. His love taught me the depth of connection I’m capable of, and his absence has guided me toward understanding grief, resilience, and purpose.
Through him, I’ve learned that identity is not fixed; it evolves through love, loss, and intention. Ariel continues to inspire everything I do, reminding me that my work — from Grieving Hearts to Silent Altars — is a living testament to the life and love we shared.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I would tell my younger self: “It’s okay to feel deeply, to grieve fully, and to dream wildly — all at once. Never doubt yourself, even if others do, because you are destined for greatness and must stay the course.”
I’d remind her that the journey isn’t about perfection, but about embracing every step, even the painful ones, because they shape resilience, creativity, and the courage to create meaningful work. Everything I do now — from Movements to Grieving Hearts to Silent Altars — is rooted in learning to honor both light and shadow. I’d want her to know that the woman she will become holds space for all of it — and it will be more beautiful than she can imagine.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
The public version of me is real — but it’s only a snippet of who I am. What people see online or through my work is just a tiny window into a much bigger, more layered story. I share parts of myself that align with my purpose — the creative, the healer, the storyteller — but there’s also the quiet, reflective side that lives beyond the lens.
I’ve learned that authenticity doesn’t mean sharing everything; it means being true in whatever you do choose to share. So yes, the public version of me is real — but it’s just one reflection of a woman who continues to evolve, privately and profoundly, behind the scenes.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
If I had only 10 years left, I wouldn’t stop doing anything. I would continue striving to be the greatest version of myself — helping, inspiring, and creating connections wherever I can. Everything I do now is intentional and rooted in purpose, and I’d want to carry that forward. The next 10 years would be about deepening impact, embracing growth, and living fully, with love and meaning at the center of every action.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/theparisianpanda
- Instagram: @theparisianpanda
- Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/marie-claire-r-a44403129
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@theparisianpanda1688
Image Credits
Dan Maccarone and Kim Staple
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
