SERIES ONE – EDITION FOUR
In the fourth edition in the Faces behind the business series we caught up with Melyssa, owner of MelyssaMakes; an Arts & Crafts store of handpainted decoupaged items.
When did you first get into the industry?
I first started MelyssaMakes in August 2019 upcycling and selling furniture. I was pregnant at the time and had my son at the end of December. By then, with a newborn, it was impossible to sand and paint furniture in the house so I bought three pots to have a go of painting and decoupaging and posted on my page.
All three sold within five minutes and the orders started coming in and then my pots just took off from there! I didn’t expect them to be so popular but so happy they did otherwise my business wouldn’t be where it is right now and I wouldn’t be able to work from home with my son.
How long have you worked at Melyssa Makes and what is your job role?
I have owned and worked by myself full time at MelyssaMakes since January 2020. I managed to only get one month of maternity before unexpectedly working but I love what I do! I was a a Social Care Worker and fully intended to go back after my maternity but I have been fortunate enough to leave my job and pursure MelyssaMakes full time. I can’t wait to see what the future holds.
What is Melyssa Makes ethos?
Customer commitment is definitely key, without them by business wouldn’t be here. I try to make sure my customers get the best service provided.
Quality – I strive to provide the best quality items for my customers. At the end of the day my businesses would not be here if it wasn’t for them!
Flexibilty and adaptivity – I try my best to produce personalised items for customers depending on what the item is for. All items are made to order to ensure the customer gets exactly what they want rather than choosing from a pre existing stock pile.
What’s the best bit of advice you could give to anyone looking at working in your line of work?
Be persistent. Definitely keep going and don’t give up, especially if it’s something you’re passionate about. If you put the time into making your items and love them then other people will too! Social media is definitely key if you’re starting out without a shop and selling online, particularly during this pandemic.
Make sure you interact with your customers and provide friendly service even if you’re not face to face. I have lots of regular customers and it’s so lovely to see people coming back! Not only that but through social media you get to know alot of amazing people in the same line of work who will help share their tips and tricks and support your business.
What do you love most about Liverpool?
I love the culture and the friendly nature of scousers! I’ve got so many regular customers they’re all amazing. The creativity in the city is also unbelievable! Before starting my business, I never realised how many different and quirky small businesses there were, ranging from restaurants to crafts. Shopping small is definitely the way to go. I’ve bought from so many recently and the service you get from individual pages is always exceptional and so much more personal. The sense of community you get in Liverpool is something you wouldn’t find elsewhere.
If you could describe your business in 3 words what would they be?
Quirky, fun and friendly.
You can check out more information about MelyssaMakes on Instagram @melyssamakes1
Are you a business in the Liverpool City Region and want to feature in our Faces Behind the Business series? Contact us now by emailing hello@explore-liverpool.com or get us on WhatsApp on 07568 532 537
