We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Melanie Jean a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Melanie, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.
I believe confidence and self-esteem comes from knowing your worth and value, and not settling or selling yourself short. You are irreplaceable, no one like you. Created to do amazing things and make an impact on those around you. Be true to yourself. My confidence comes from knowing I am a daughter of God and He created me with a purpose. When I am doing my best, and doing whatever task at hand I’m doing with my whole heart, working as if I am serving the Lord (Colossians 3:23-24) — then I know I can be confident in myself, my work, and who I am.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I create custom hand lettered wedding and event signage! Specializing in acrylic, but I have also written on wood or chalkboards + willing to try whatever you have for me to write on. I found myself turning this hobby into something bigger after having our first son. I knew I wanted to stay home with him and wanted to be able to do something from home, but didn’t know exactly what that would be. I have a background in business administration, and I loved doing admin work — so I figured virtual assistant. But I kept mulling over ideas for almost a year, of what gifts/talents do I have and that I love to do, and landed on creating signage, Jean Calligraphy Co.! I LOVE creating signage for your special day — and as a mom of two boys now, this has been such an amazing outlet for me to be creative and have “work” to look forward to do outside of being a mom. This has been so crucial in keeping a balanced life for me, and I feel so blessed to be able to share my talents with the wedding industry and all of you!
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
The three most impactful things of my journey would have to be: starting, investing in yourself, and keep practicing & learning or trying new things. First, you have to just go for it! You can think about it all you want, but at some point you have to just start — one thing at a time, even if that means learning as you go! Secondly, as I launched my business, I took a calligraphy course, so I could hone in on the skill I wanted to put forth of modern calligraphy. I had made signage in the past for my wedding and a few friends (let’s just say I’ve come a looong way, and thank goodness! haha🙈) So that helped me develop my skill more, by investing in myself. Lastly, it really is learning as you go. Keep practicing, keep learning and trying the new things you want to try. If something excites you, go for it! God puts those desires in your heart for a reason. It’s fun to try new techniques and see if you like it or if it’s something that you could keep developing. And remember everyone starts from the beginning and you grow and get better over time. But no one can offer exactly what you have to offer, you are unique, and your clients choose and hire you for YOUR work!! So believe in yourself💕
What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?
When I am feeling overwhelmed (which can be often as a wife and stay at home mom taking care of two boys, a dog + the house and staying organized with my business), I like to make lists!!! I dump everything out of my brain and onto paper. Lists are so helpful to not forget things and to check things off as you get them done. Lists keep me organized and help me feel accomplished as the list gets smaller, and so you don’t have to worry about forgetting anything. I also use reminders on my phone, if necessary. Another good tip is to focus on ONE task at a time (not the grand view of everything needing to be done), and then move onto the next task. One thing after another is how you will get all your tasks on your list accomplished 🙂
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @jeancalligraphyco
- Facebook: facebook.com/jeancalligraphyco
- Other: email: jeancalligraphyco@gmail.com
Image Credits
Lindsay Elaine Photography, Mikayla Jean & Co., Shanell Photography
