Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Manzano.
Hi Melissa, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
In September 2020, during the pandemic, my sister and I loaded up our kiddos to meet my mother in south padre island. While visiting, we purchased 3 hand-painted hats from a local vendor. I remember my mom telling me, “Melissa, you could definitely do this, but a lot better.” Then it was just a chain reaction. In November 2020, I began Meches. Meches is named after my late Great grandmother Doña Meche. A lot of what I paint is what I see when I remember her. The hummingbirds came to me in a dream, and a few days later, I saw one in person. The butterflies are also a strong symbol for her. We visited my husband family in Mexico for the first time in over 13 years. While there, he shed light on the struggles he faced while being a small business, and it caught my attention. So, we brought on a few local Mexican artisan items on board. I continue to sell his tea sets to help generate an income for them plus at 80 years old, it keeps him moving. We started at local pop-ups and farmers’ markets; now, we’re selling at big events and other boutiques across the nation. I love what I do; I love being personal with my customers and hearing their stories. I owe so much to my grandmother for teaching me hard work pays off! Hearing her tell me “Échale Ganas Mija” in the back of my mind while I work or set up for an event. Inspired by “Mi Familia”
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Nothing in life’s easy- lol “Échale ganas mija”
We’ve hit quite a few brick walls in the beginning; shipping was a nightmare during the pandemic. Not to mention the disappointment of not making your money back from an event. It’s all trial and error! I’ve learned to let it all go at the end of the day and move on to the next one.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I hand paint hats and other accessories. I specialize in fedora hats. My sunflowers are my most popular style. I am proud of how quickly we’ve grown in 2 years. I’ve sold over 800 hats. You will always find something similar my hats are not just for vacationing; you can wear them to a wedding/ party/ special occasions etc. Our purses and Fanny packs are always unique.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
My husband- continues to push me out of my comfort zone lol “&the backbone of Meches” Amy Ryan (owner of Flying squirrel coffee co) is a close mentor I continue to always count on for business advice.
Pricing:
- $50 painted straw fedoras
- $80 painted suede hats
- $80 painted Fanny packs
- $50 painted purses
- $10 handmade miniature tea sets
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/this_is_meches?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MechesMessyCloset?mibextid=LQQJ4d
