Melanie, please tell us a bit about yourself.
I opened my shop in February 2011 and I love having an
outlet to sell my creations. I left a
career as a floral designer many years ago to work in several other fields that
opened to me, none of them in any way creative.
I am so thankful now to have the opportunity to be creative on a daily
basis and be my own boss! I’ve been
married for 32 years to my pastor husband and have four grown children, one
daughter-in-law and five grandchildren.
I‘m blessed to be able to stay home, be creative and build my business, and
be available for our ministry work.
How did you get your start on Etsy?
I actually heard of Etsy on Good Morning America several
years ago, but didn’t even take the time to look at the site. A year and a half ago, I wanted to make
something special for my niece’s wedding gift and came up with my Wedding
Keepsake Art. After friends and family
saw it, everyone insisted that I need to make and sell them. I didn’t pursue it, but a couple of months
later, my son began dating a young lady in Toledo, Ohio, where he still lived
and where we moved from to our current location, and he began to tell me about
her mom and how she was so much like me.
She was always sewing and crafting and she even sold her “stuff” (his
word) on line. After several months, I
contacted her to introduce myself….our children were dating after all….and we
began to talk about her business on….Etsy!
Cherie Wheeler is actually a member of this team and has been a huge
blessing to me! She encouraged me to
give it a try….so here I am! And, yes,
our children are still dating…..maybe another daughter-in-law to add to our
family? :)
How did you choose your shop name?
Since I started with the Wedding Keepsake Art, my name came
from the fact that a wedding day was a forever cherished day in our lives.
Since adding my hair accessories, I found that they are often being purchased
for special occasions and cherished events, so the name has worked well.
What does a typical
day look like for you?
I usually begin the day quite early with some form of
physical exercise, then some spiritual exercise with my Bible and then once I
see the family off to work, I begin to tackle my plans for the day. That could include caring for our home,
working on the business, or ministering to God’s people.
If you could be anywhere in the world for one day, where
would it be?
Growing up in a constantly moving military family, moving
several times for our ministry work and having the opportunity to do quite a
bit of traveling on missions trips, I have been blessed to see many places in
our beautiful world. While there are a
few places I still would like to travel to, I would choose to have all of our
children and grandchildren gathered together in our home. Those rare occasions are a blessing greater than
seeing a far off place!
What is your favorite Bible verse?
Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and
lean not unto thine own understanding.
In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."
Even though, I don’t always understand His leading and
direction, I want to trust that His plan is best for me.
What is your favorite Etsy item listing to feature?
My cobalt blue accessories have been my most popular item
for this prom/bridal season.
Please share the URLs to where else we can find you on the internet
(Facebook fan page, Twitter, your own dot.com,
your blog, etc)
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/
Melanie is graciously offering this lovely White Embroidered Flower Hair Clip as a giveaway. If you want to be entered in this giveaway, please visit Forever Cherish Design then share one of your favorite items in your comment. If you don't wish to be entered in the giveaway, please leave a comment of encouragement for Melanie.
Melanie is graciously offering this lovely White Embroidered Flower Hair Clip as a giveaway. If you want to be entered in this giveaway, please visit Forever Cherish Design then share one of your favorite items in your comment. If you don't wish to be entered in the giveaway, please leave a comment of encouragement for Melanie.
Last Week's Giveaway Winner!!!
The winner of the adorable sheep soap from last week's Featured Artist Giveaway is......
Comment #5!! WooHoo!!!! Congrats Julia!!!
Many Blessings, Zuda Gay Pease
The winner of the adorable sheep soap from last week's Featured Artist Giveaway is......
Comment #5!! WooHoo!!!! Congrats Julia!!!
Many Blessings, Zuda Gay Pease
Comments (8)
Thanks for sharing this lovely shop. Beautiful work!
Thanks for sharing this lovely shop. Beautiful work!
I loved your story of your circuitous route to etsy. You have a lovely shop and a wonderful niche.
Beautiful shop! I love everything. :) If I had to pick just one favorite it would be the purple bridesmaid headband http://www.etsy.com/listing/92719577/bridesmaid-headband-purple-grape-silver
Wonderful shop! Favorited you! Many blessings!
Wow!! The 'Fuchsia Pink Magenta Black Bridesmaid Flower Fascinator' is absolutely stunning!! I enjoyed your interview too! :)
You have such lovely products Melanie!
I love the variety of colors & styles that you include in your shop; I had a hard time picking just one to mention, but decided on this sweet blush pink hair flower:
http://www.etsy.com/listing/104921546/blush-pink-peach-flower-fascinator-hair
Blessings to you & your family!
~Catherine
Thank you for all the sweet and encouraging comments! It's been an honor and a blessing!