Hi Mesi, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’m currently an art education major at the University of North Texas and I’ve always been interested in creating and selling my designs. I’ve spent a few years experimenting with different mediums and niches, and earlier this year I discovered I really loved the digital design. Due to the pandemic, I wasn’t able to work my part-time job anymore and had a ton of time on my hands that allowed me to really dive into my own work. Along with this, I’ve always had a hobby of looking for stickers and prints from small businesses to put on laptops, water bottles, and all around my space.
I figured, since I’m not working at the moment, I might as well give it a shot and start putting out my own products, right? I created an etsy shop and Instagram page called MadeByMesi, not really expecting people to be too interested but I’m so happy that they were! Instagram was what really motivated me and helped me to feel confident in myself and my business, I found such an incredible online community of young women that were creating similar content to mine. My work mostly focuses on positivity and self-love, along with some cute designs and doodles here and there. Since the beginning of opening my shop, I’ve expanded to selling vinyl stickers, sticker sheets, prints, and custom portraits.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I wouldn’t say it’s been smooth, but I’ve been incredibly lucky to have so much support from my friends and family. I think the biggest struggle I, and a lot of other artists, the face has to do with comparison. There have been so many days where I compare my designs, sales, followers, etc., to other people in the space to me and it can really get me down if I think about it too long. But as I said, I have an amazing support system around me that allows me to fully express myself and be reminded that I’m doing something that I love and spreading a message that I’m passionate about. I’ve learned along the way that when you’re business is authentic and you really value your products, it really rubs off and you’re able to attract more people.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I currently specialize in digital design, but I’ve done a lot of traditional work in the past as well. Digital design is just so great because you can really work on it anywhere, and there are tons of free programs out there that anyone can use. In my work, I really try to spread an overall message of love and kindness- not only for others but for yourself, too. I’m a huge advocate of self-care and mental health, and decorating your space with art that makes you happy can really make a difference. I love using a ton of warm and vibrant colors in my prints that will bring a little bit of joy and positivity to any room. Especially in my sticker designs, I love lettering motivational quotes as little pick me ups for people to see throughout the day.
I think something that sets me apart is that all of my products and designs are completely from my heart- I would never put out a message that I don’t fully believe in. This also allows me to connect with so many of my customers because I know they have similar values and morals as me. That’s definitely something that I’m really proud of-I always encourage people who buy from my shop to stay connected and follow me on my socials. I love checking in with them to see how they’re doing, and they really do feel more like my friends and people who support me rather than just customers.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
I’m so unbelievably grateful to the people I have around me – they absolutely deserve credit for all the love and motivation they give me. To start, my family moved here from Finland and I’m so lucky that they don’t have a traditional immigrant mindset of having to work in a STEM field. My entire family is really creative in some way, so I’ve always had a ton of support from them and I’m so happy that they allow me to work in a field where I’m truly happy. My parents are constantly asking me about my business and giving me new ideas, and it’s just so sweet to see them as excited as I am. My art teachers in high school definitely also influenced me a lot.
I was always interested in art growing up, but they really gave me the push to pursue it as a career and I’m really glad I still keep in contact with them. Along with them, my friends have always been so encouraging and are always texting me like “I love what you just posted!” or “I need that print for my room!”, so it’s really awesome that I’m surrounded by people who not only care about me but my interests and business as well. And of course, all the people who have ordered from me! Sometimes it can be hard to imagine your artwork in another state or country, so when they leave me reviews or send me pictures of what they ordered, it really does mean so much to me and makes me so appreciative of them.
Pricing:
- Prints are generally between $10 – 15
- Prints are generally between $10 – 15
- Custom portraits are generally between $20 – $35
Contact Info:
- Email: madebymesico@gmail.com
- Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/MadeByMesiCo
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madebymesi/
