Today we’d like to introduce you to Meli Nies.
Meli, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I am originally from Germany and moved to California when I was 19 with a 4-week old baby. You call that young and stupid 😉. That whole thing lasted for about three years. After that, I waited about two more years to finally tell my family back in the Motherland that I am no longer married. The reason for me waiting this long was that I did not want to hear “I TOLD YOU SO” 😉 #stubberngerman.
I was a single Mom for about four years until I met my forever roommate/ Husband Jon 🙂. Let me tell you… it is not the easiest to be alone without Family on the other side of earth.But I guess what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. As longest you learn from your not so wise choices. After all the stress and hard work, I am proud of how my Loraina and I turned out. I always say we grew up together since I was basically a kid my self.
This year will be the beginning of a new chapter and probably the most emotional one yet of my life. Since my sidekick graduated high school. I was only 18 when I found out that there was something cooking in me. I didn’t know what was going to happen or little did I know that my A@# would end up in AMERICA. So for the last 17 years, Raina was my main focus and always by my side. I know many of you can’t wait to finally be kid free 😉… me not so much😭 I wasn’t even sure if I was going to survive the actual graduation… But here I am… I made itttt!… I am proud of what my human molded into and I am excited what the next chapter will have in store for her.
So in order for me to keep my sanity, I thought a couple of months ago: “Mel it’s time to get some S@$# done and come up with something that will keep my A#$ busy”… So what I came up with is… “The Empty Nest” …making clay Danglezz with a sprinkle of me. MY MOTTO IS “Things don’t have to match.”
I work on Teeth during the day and at night I am a Danglezz maker❤
Has it been a smooth road?
Heck no it wasn’t smooth lol… lots of stress and sleepiness nights. Always stressing of who will watch Loraina when she was little so I can go to work… but it always worked out after all 🙂 .
We’d love to hear more about your business.
I am making ear danglezz out of polymer clay. Very lightweight and just a fun addition to your daily style. I am known for Asymmetrical shapes and non Matching Pairs… Each pair is unique and fun. The reason for choosing non Matching is… I feel that us Humans always focus on perfection and that things have to be perfect/matching. I remember… when my daughter was little and started dressing her self. I was going to send her back to her room one morning to have her change again since her outfit was farrrrrr from Matching. She looked at me and said, “Mommy things don’t have to match.” I looked at her and said damn skippy things do NOT have to match 😉 We all have to loosen up a little and just have fun ❤.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
I never thought in my wildest dreams that I would get such positive responses from around the world. My danglezzz made it all the way to France, Spain, Italy, Germany, Australia, Canada and around the US… Alaska, Hawaii, etc. Therefore I am thankful for all the peepz that believe in me and show their support. After a “few” waisted clay blocks and many hours I am happy how my product turned out. Always work hard for what you believe in and don’t give up. Get the word out, have good customer service and have Fun with what you are doing. ✌🏼☀️
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
Hmmm I would have to say leaving the house in the Morning to hang out with my friends and not come home until sunset.☀️
Contact Info:
- Email: Meli_Nies@yahoo.com
- Instagram: The_empty_nest_
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