Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa D. Mueller.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Melissa. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Being creative has always come naturally to me. I’ve been blessed to have had the opportunities to nurture and support that creativity throughout my life, solidifying in me the passion to pursue it as a career.
After graduating from college with an Arts degree (with a specialization in Graphic Design), I landed my first creative job as a Graphic Designer for a sign company. I realized early on, despite the creative aspect of the job, working for somebody else was killing my soul. I had to find another way, and so I quit!
Was it impetuous to quit? Absolutely! But as a hardcore daydreamer, the idea of being creative under my own name and terms was going to happen. And so the journey of becoming a creative leader began.
This journey started with selling my handmade bags (which I sewed and constructed myself) under the moniker “Just Peachy Keen” on Etsy, through various markets, fairs, events and consignment shops to starting a seed business called “JPK Seed Co.” selling on Amazon. While it felt like my dreams were becoming a reality, negative feelings and thoughts were taking up residency in my heart and mind. So much so, I decided to end all creative endeavors and make the decision to go back to working for somebody else.
Working for somebody else?! Impetuous, I know! It was during this time (two years), I was able to collect myself, and build the confidence I needed. It was a period of serious growth full of learning new skills and educating myself to help me achieve my aspirations. And so the creative journey has once again, begun. This time around, I’ve got a longer belt of tools, knowledge, and skills that will help me live out my creative dreams.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It has been a rough road full of speed bumps! But, quoting my husband, “If it were easy everyone would be doing it!”
I’ve always been self-critical, and it’s been my biggest struggle. It’s something I have to work on every day through positive affirmations and being kind to myself. I think a lot of people who are trying to pursue their creative passions can relate. We want to produce work that people will love but sometimes we are so hard on ourselves that we start believing our work isn’t good enough. This way of thinking leads to self-destruction. We have to wake up every day believing in ourselves and our abilities.
Managing the “business side” of the business has also been a struggle. Understanding taxes, choosing the right business structure, keeping track of costs, building a website, and SEO are just some of the aspects of the business that have proven to be difficult. Thankfully, there is an abundance of resources online and classes at my local community college that I am able to take advantage of to help me understand and manage that side of the business.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Olive Jam & Co. specializes in a line of handmade bags. Our focus is on bold prints, bright colors, and positive/uplifting messages. With so much negativity taking place in society, our goal is to change the narrative and fight the good fight. In doing so, we hope to influence our audience to “live fearlessly”.
We are proud to be a faith-based company and our goal is to help those in need by giving a percentage of our sales to various charities and organizations.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
I don’t think about what I would have done differently if I had to start my journey over. I’m stronger, smarter, and wiser today because of everything I’ve been through. Falling down is a part of life, and what I try to focus on is my attitude when I get back up and continue in my journey. I’ve learned to have an attitude of gratitude no matter what season I’m in. It’s a great mantra to have when running your own business.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.olivejamco.com
- Email: olivejamco@gmail.com
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