Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Melissa-May Tarlton, founder of Melissa-May Designs, located in Horsham, PA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We create your everlasting experience for your special day. Whether it's your 80th birthday celebration, your wedding day, baby shower, etc. We want you to be a guest at your own event.
Our clients are those that see luxury as their first dance with a parent, the blowing of their kid's candles on her sweet sixteen, a baby shower filled will the warmth of all their loved ones there. We take from how you envision the day and bring that to life for our clients by creating a vision they remember.
Tell us about yourself
My journey started at the age of six years old; all aspects of creativity surrounded me. I would sit and watch my grandmother create dresses for me to wear, while I would help cut the fabric and measure the lengths without a pattern. I loved visualizing things, putting them onto paper, and creating anything from scratch. When I was 12, my friend's Mom noticed my handwriting and requested that I create cartoon place cards and address the invitations for her daughter's Bat Mitzvah. Then my best friend asked me to create the invitations and centerpieces for her Debutant ball.
Moments like this influenced me to express my passion and design further. After studying Fashion Design at Moore College of Art & Design, I also went back to school to receive my professional certificate in interior design from Temple University and another professional certificate in event planning and consulting while having a corporate position in Human Resources for close to 14 years.
In 2015, I took the leap on what was my part-time gig and pursued my passion full-time. My family and meeting new clients motivate me. They both push me to think outside the box.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
To see the growth from being a part-time gig to a full-time business as well as being published in Munaluchi Magazine.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Managing a work-life balance.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Start, don't stop, and keep going. You are the face of your brand, and there will be days you want to quit but having your freedom in any business you have is worth it all in the long run.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.melissamay-designs.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melissamaydesigns
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melissamaydesigns/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.