Marissa Hitt shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Marissa, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
This past summer & during this fall, I have read several memoirs: I enjoy learning about people’s life stories on a written page or from an in-person conversation. I also love just about anything in the thriller genre. Whether I am watching a show or reading a book, I want to be on the edge of my seat. Additionally, you may be able to find me listening to classic rock, which adds some variety to life when you’re painting an elegant nature scene!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I began painting as soon as I could pick up a paintbrush. When I was 5 years old, I began my first art business. I showed my work in galleries, while also giving back locally & internationally. In high school, I began Melane & Co., with “Melane” being my shared middle name with my mom. I create artwork with a child-like wonder while simultaneously building a brand with an established passion. Melane & Co. is more than just a business. It is a lifestyle. Creating keepsake-worthy pet paintings, wall prints, & cards for you & your family is what brings me joy.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
At a young age, I carried a strong sense of who I was. My parents instilled in me a foundation that wasn’t rooted in what is fleeting but what is eternal. Before I could even walk, my parents spoke God’s truths over me, showing me that my identity & purpose is found in Him. Before I was born, God knew me.
Ultimately, identity & purpose can’t be found in something fleeting, such as a a job title. Identity & purpose is only found in the Lord. God freely gives us everything we need to have true, lasting joy. From there, He shows us which paths to take.
All in all, it’s easy to approach identity & purpose in a backwards way. If we see anything in this world, whether that be a professional goal accomplished or a certain stage of life (such as becoming a parent), as the “end goal” we are missing out on something incredibly important, Our entire lives should consist of honoring God, showing others His love, & leading others to His truths. If we base our identity in who God says we are & find our purpose in devoting our lives to Him, we can recognize our purpose during each season of our lives.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
I was in the middle of painting a watercolor deer, & I almost threw away the painting that was one-third of the way finished.
It is rare for me to give up on a painting, but I didn’t see the potential in this piece.
But I kept painting… & now, her cards & wall prints are in many homes.
Sometimes, you can’t see the whole picture, but it’s essential to not give up.
Furthermore, when I’m painting, I have to ensure that I also have the right tools. The same is true for our lives.
Actively seek out mentors, books, & podcasts (shoutout to my mom, Terri Hitt, who will be launching a book in 2025 & who recently rebranded her podcast, Godly Motherhood). When we have the right tools, the masterpiece of our lives can become more apparent.
P.S. Shop the deer worth fawning over, the one that *almost* went unfinished:
“Hello, Deer” 8″ X 10″ Wall Print – www.melaneandco.com/product-page/hello-deer-print
“Hello, Deer” 10 Cards/Pkg (with white envelopes) – www.melaneandco.com/product-page/hello-deer-10-cards-pkg-with-white-envelopes
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I am dedicated to bringing joy into the world – one brushstroke at a time. It is my dream to continue Melane & Co. for the rest of my life. One of my favorite parts about building a lifestyle brand is learning how my work brings people joy. What a gift it is to receive a wall print or card of your favorite flower or animal.
People can tell when a gift was picked with intention.
From Melane & Co.’s wall prints to original paintings, each product is a hand-painted piece of artwork, crafted to bring beauty into the home.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
There have been a lot of deaths in my family, but because we have a biblical, eternal perspective, we have an anchor. As a result, we, as a family, don’t avoid talking about things like funerals & what we want our legacies to be.
One day, my mom told me, “after I die from natural causes, I want you to have the gospel preached at my funeral.” I have the same desire as my mom. It is my greatest hope that the living, breathing story of Jesus’s death, burial, resurrection is not just heard, but accepted from those I know & those I don’t know (Acts 4;12, Romans 10:9-13). Life goes by so quickly, but when we trust Jesus, everything (including our eternities) falls into the best place possible.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://melaneandco.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/marissamelanehitt/ & www.instagram.com/melaneandco/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melaneandco
- Other: Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/melaneandco/
Image Credits
Photos by Jenny Shipley
Photo with Marissa in the neutral pink dress: Hair by Sarah Lovell
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
