Today we’d like to introduce you to Melinh Nguyen.
Melinh, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I’ve always loved working with plants. It’s probably because my father is a botanist and his backyard in La Jolla has 25+ different types of fruits and vegetables. But unfortunately, I do not have the space nor the green thumb like he does. However, tillandsias (air plants) require very little work or even water for that matter. In addition, they grow beautifully in San Diego and they have some of the most beautiful blooms. More than a year ago I wanted to create a vessel for air plants that was sturdy, looked sleek and minimal and was unique. I was able to achieve that with cement and tilly + wren was thus born (tilly is for the air plants and wren is the name of my wiener dog).
I opened my Etsy shop with little expectations with only 4 different listings. but now I have 13 different products!
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?
It hasn’t been smooth at all! I work a full-time job and have other side-hustles so at times I am not giving tilly + wren the time and energy it needs. Also, I have no artistic background. So, taking product photos, having a business Instagram and making my brand what it is was all very new to me. However, I think the biggest advice I have would be to just do it. I read so many articles on how to shoot high-quality photos with a low-quality camera but I absolutely made mistakes but those have helped me along the way. If you have an idea, even if it’s super farfetched, just start making it or create that blog or open that Etsy shop. You won’t go anywhere if you don’t start.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with tilly + wren – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I create (by hand) minimal cement planters for air plants. I emphasize minimal as that is my own aesthetic in real life and wanted it to be reflected with tilly + wren. I am most known for creating a marbled look with the cement, allowing it to look a bit more unique (no vessel is the same as the other).
I am most proud of creating an affordable line of home goods that merges the outside with the inside. In addition, I’ve always used air plants which many people do not as they are an easy plant to take care of but more importantly thrive in an indoor environment.
Do you think there are structural or other barriers impeding the emergence of more female leaders?
I also work in tech and I would say we are vastly underrepresented in this industry. I would say partially and unfortunately, it has to do with discrimination. I’ve also noticed that many people don’t take female leaders seriously which is slowly changing but not fast enough.
Pricing:
- Marbled geometric cement planter with air plant $18.50
- Mini marbled geometric cementer planter with air plant $13.50
- Tiny gem cement planters $10
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/tillyandwren
- Email: tillyandwren@gmail.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/tillyandwren
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