We were lucky to catch up with Melissa Arey recently and have shared our conversation below.
Melissa, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?
Hands down from my parents! Growing up, quitting was just never an option. Whenever things got hard, we tried harder, practiced longer, worked even more. I always admired my parents work ethic, and watched both of them work hard every single day, at one point even working more than one job. Because of them, my sister and I always had what we needed, but I would not say we ever had things “easy”. They not only taught me, but showed me, that working hard for what you want, persevering even when everyone expects you to quit, even if they would understand if you quit, if you just keep going it makes the things you earn so much more rewarding.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Hi! I’m Melissa and I started this little stationery business from absolutely nothing but a big dream in my heart, and a whole lot of sweat and persistence! I’m a one woman show, and while others have encouraged me to expand or hire extra help, I can’t bring myself to do that! I am a perfectionist by default and I have a hard time trusting anyone but myself with the finer details, especially when it comes to something as special as your wedding invitations! Designing wedding invitations is where and how I started hello invite, and will always have my heart! The intimate details and extra special themes and styles that make each wedding unique to every couple. Aside from wedding stationery, I have recently developed a real passion for designing custom party invitations as well as birth announcements! Everyone deserves a custom invite!
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Wow! Ok, this is a tough question. I would have to say: 1.) Persistence: Never giving up. There’s a LOT of ups and downs when you’re carving your own future path. So if you’re finding yourself in a valley or an uphill trek, just keep going. It’s a season and it will eventually pass if you can stay focused.
2.) Personality. I genuinely love working with people and I love more than anything hearing their story and bringing their vision to life, almost feeling like I made their dreams come true!
3.) Design. My design background and passion for art, as well as my design degree has definitely helped! Layout and placement is everything, and also color combinations. When you create a well thought out design, even the untrained eye will see the wow factor!
My advice to others just starting out on this journey is don’t do it for the money! Do it because it genuinely brings you joy and happiness, or a sense of satisfaction from within. The money will come if others can see the passion and happiness exuding from you and your work! And never stop learning. Keep pushing yourself to learn new techniques, new ways of doing things and keep up with the latest trends, even if you don’t implement them, knowing what’s “in”, you can always make that into your own unique style.
Who is your ideal client or what sort of characteristics would make someone an ideal client for you?
Love this one! My ideal client … I have had many! They are the ones who have big visions and give me tons of inspiration photos of their special day, but then without hesitation, they step back and trust me to bring it to life. My most favorite designs have always been when I have had a lot of creative space to do what I do! Knowing your budget ahead of time is also a huge help, so we can level up your design with embellishments – my absolute favorite part!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.helloinvite.com
- Instagram: @helloinvitedesign
Image Credits
Brooke Townsend Melissa Arey
