We had the good fortune of connecting with Melissa Belio and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Melissa, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
When I had my first son in 2015 I was supposed to return back to my interior design career 2 months after he was born . My maternity leave was coming to an end and I was so sad thinking of having to leave my son. Having a bachelors in fine arts and design I knew I could use my creative design side and start a side hustle so I started Miss Darling Designs In My Spare bedroom of our home making trucker hats, shirts and stickers for local boutiques.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Starting a small business in 2015 was a way to be able to stay home with my son. I didn’t expect it to be as successful as it is today! I was learning the business side, getting my creative side going and was able to connect with local boutiques and starting selling to them., wasn’t very busy but i was starting out and getting my name out there .

2 years later my 2nd child was born . I then experienced the challenges of trying to keep business going, stay at home mom of 2 , and finding time to work and keep a steady income.
These challenges made me strive for more and to show my kids what hard work intales. The best part of this was having my kids help in the office with different tasks . If they werent helping me in the office they were right along side me doing art and crafts and playing .below my feet as I worked.

2020 we moved into a new home where we had more room for the kids .my husband turned our spare bedroom into a full workshop and creative space to keep my business growing.

Fast forward to 2022 7 years later and Iam beyond amazed how far this “ side hustle” has turned into ..
I bought my first commercial embroidery machine and have another one on the way! This year has really showed me what hard work , dedication , and giving it your all means.

2022 was the start of the new branding of Miss Darling designs. We are no longer JUST making vinyl trucker hats We are a full embroidery business with employees and are continuing to grow everyday!

These 7.5 years of this business were difficult and rewarding at the same time.
Working from your home everyday you never fully can turn ioff work mode and the days of working a 9-5 job are non existing.

You know what’s the most rewarding about this business is Watching my kids learn the trade and to work hard , Iam able to not miss a moment in there childhood and be home with them, Iam able to be apart of there academic and homeschool them 2 days a week , and work my dream job that I have worked so hard for is the most rewarding of it all and has given me and my family so much.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My husband was so supportive and helpful in starting Miss Darling Designs. In 2015 when I had this idea of quitting my career job to start my own business out of our house he was so encouraging and inspired me to go for it! He Has built me my dream office that I work out of now in our new home and helps me after he gets home from work to finish work jobs . He is the real MVP!

Instagram: @miss_darling_designs

Facebook: miss_darling_designs

Other: Email Missdarlingdesigns@yahoo.com

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