Fierce & Fearless Biz Owners - Melissa Hyatt

Fierce & Fearless Biz Owners is an ongoing series in which we highlight other awesome creative business owners, how they got started, and the joys and challenges in running your own creative business! See the rest of our series here! 

This week in our Fierce & Fearless Biz Owners series, we're highlighting artist and designer Melissa Hyatt. Melissa is a super-talented artist and textile designer, and I'm excited to share her story!

Hi Melissa! What's your biz? Melissa Hyatt!

Where can we keep up with you? On Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest!

Tell us about your business! 

I am a Watercolor Artist and Surface Pattern Designer. I have a website where I feature items I design which include hand printed fabrics, custom pillows, Art prints of my watercolors, greeting cards and calendars. I feel so fortunate to love what I do!

How did you get started in this industry? 

I graduated from Syracuse University with a BFA in Surface Pattern Design. Upon graduation I moved to NYC to work in the textile industry which I am still working in over 25 years later.

What did you do before starting your business? 

I was a Design Director for Waverly Fabrics until 1999 when my first child Matthew was born. After his birth I balanced being a Mom with freelancing for major Home Furnishing companies. I continue to freelance for a select few companies but now I spend most of my time on my creative business.

Melissa's stylish art prints pictured here!

When did you make the leap to decide to open your own business? 

I launched my business and website in Fall 2015.

I signed up for a watercolor painting class at my local library about 5 years ago. It reignited my passion for watercolors and now I just want to paint! My vision is to marry my watercolor painting with my surface pattern design skills. I am now focusing on licensing my artwork for stationary, wall art, ceramics and more!

What are the biggest rewards in owning your own business? 

I love to create my own designs and paint. The flexibility of my schedule is ideal for raising my 2 children.

What are the biggest challenges? 

It’s challenging to schedule and balance everything that needs to get done. You have to juggle so many things like finances, marketing and creating.Working alone is challenging but I’m not hesitant to ask the questions and get the answers I need.

What's your favorite recent creation? Tell us why you love it so much.

 This is one of my most popular Giclee prints and card designs and he’s also one of the first I offered in my shop!

What's your favorite social media platform to use in your business? 

I love Instagram, it’s like an online portfolio.

Give us one fun fact about yourself!

 In the summer I love to paddleboard! It sparks my creativity, too!