
On today’s episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we’re talking about embroidery with my guest Melissa Galbraith.
Melissa is the fiber artist behind MCreativeJ. She was born and raised in the desert of Washington state where her mother instilled a love of making things by hand at an early age. Melissa shares her love of nature through whimsical and modern hand embroidery kits, hands-on workshops, and her books, How to Embroider Texture and Pattern and DIY Embroidered Shoes.
This episode is sponsored by The Academy for Virtual Teaching.
Make a promotional video in 3 easy steps.
You know video is the most effective way to market your brand, but as the “CEO of everything,” you have NO time to make it happen. It’s overwhelming. We get it! We want to help you to stop leaving money on the table.
The Academy for Virtual Teaching FREE webinar, “Make a Promotional Video in 3 Easy Steps!” No stress, no fancy gear—just your phone. Learn how to create quick, engaging videos that work. Register now at AcademyForVirtualTeaching.com or a4vt.com—that’s A, the number 4, VT.com.
Melissa at a trade show recently. We discuss the value she sees in attending trade shows.
Melissa begins by sharing her childhood experiences growing up in the desert of Washington State, where she developed a love for nature and crafting. Her mother, a chemical engineer, introduced her to various crafts, including embroidery, quilting, bobbin lace, and paper mache. Melissa’s current embroidery designs focus on nature, reflecting her childhood experiences and her current interest in observing the beauty of everyday nature.
Melissa studied graphic design in college, and then worked in communications and social media. She sought out a more tactile experience away from a screen which led her to embroidery.
Melissa shared how her experience at the Bezos Foundation, where she worked on various campaigns and learned about different target audiences, helped her in her current business.
A pair of sneakers Melissa embroidered.
Melissa’s business initially focused on selling finished embroideries, but she later shifted to creating kits and teaching workshops as well as writing books.
She talks about making the jump from working on her business as a side hustle to making it a full-time job and the stress and uncertainty that initially caused. We discussed the importance of finding reliable help and letting go of control.
We talked about the evolution of Melissa’s embroidery kits. She emphasized the importance of understanding her customers’ needs and preferences, as well as her own design style, in creating successful kits. We also touched on the interplay between teaching and designing Melissa’s business.
Melissa with a project from her book, DIY Embroidered Shoes.
A cyanotype-style embroidery kit Melissa has in her line.
And, of course, I ask Melissa to recommend great stuff she’s enjoying right now. Melissa recommends:
- hot yoga classes
- craft nights with creative friends
- Artful Fox Mighty Frame
Keep up with Melissa by subscribing to her newsletter on her website and on Instagram.