Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Austin-Weeks.
Melissa, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I began my first blog, Buzz In Around the Hive, about six years ago as a way to journal my experience as a caregiver to my parents. Sprinkled in between stories of the joys and challenges of caring for aging parents, I shared recipes, ideas for home decor and entertaining, the milestones of being Miss Bee’s mother and a few stories including, Mr. Bee, my husband.
My mother, Earnie, was a big inspiration for my blog material. With her permission, I would share comical things she said or did. She always laughed and found the funny in most everything, even heartache. When Mother died very suddenly in 2013 from a brain aneurysm, my world stopped turning. I missed her daily presence in my home where we lived together as a family for six wonderful years. She was my “zip.” It took me a LONG time to find any reason to write. I had no motivation. My muse was gone. About two years later, I slowly found the desire to write. But, even then, it didn’t seem like anything I was sharing was interesting.
When I was with my three best friends on a getaway, I shared all these feelings I had and, with their help, I realized that my blog had revolved around a life I didn’t have anymore. I had moved on to the next chapter of my life – a life yet to be lived with infinite opportunities to redefine who Melissa is and will be next. However, it is really important to me that I stay close to those ties I had with Mother and the inspiration she gave me throughout her lifetime.
Hence, Home with a Twist. A daughter’s twist on her mother’s traditions. I will still share the same ideas with you on cooking, home keeping, entertaining, my spiritual growth and whatever else I may find interesting. It’s my twist in the tale.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
As fun as social media can be, it can also be a burden to always feel like you are not good enough. I love the quote by Steven Furtick, “The reason we struggle with insecurity is because we compare our behind the scenes with everyone else’s highlight reel.” On the days when I share quick, personal stories about me and my life, they seem to get more “likes” than the beautifully staged photos of something I’ve spent a lot of time on. People want authentic.
We’d love to hear more about Home with a Twist.
I have had such a wonderful professional career as an event producer for almost 20 years. Being able to blend my gifts of hospitality and creativity with my “day job” has been very fulfilling. But, I do look forward to retirement someday when I can blog full time.
Which women have inspired you in your life?
My mother is my inspiration. Growing up pulling on my mother’s apron strings, I learned to prepare fabulous food, entertain guests with style and design a traditional home with a retro twist. She taught me to always be kind, gracious and practice empathy. My sister is also important to me. She was fifteen when I was born, so she has always been more of a Mother figure in my life. She taught me to tie my shoes, count and do multiplication tables. She is very creative and has great personal style.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.homewithatwist.com
- Email: homewithatwist@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homewithatwist/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HomewithaTwist/?ref=bookmarks
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/HomewithaTwist
Image Credit:
Rooted In Love Photography and SRC Photography
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
