Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Melody Shirazi. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Melody, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What’s been the best thing you’ve ever seen (or done yourself) to show a customer that you appreciate them?

For me, expressing my gratitude to my customers is a combination of authenticity and connection. My approach centers on creating handcrafted pieces that are not only sustainable but also carry a unique touch. By prioritizing ethical sourcing, sustainable package design and quality craftsmanship, I’m showcasing my respect for the values of my customers.

Additionally, my commitment to philanthropy is a crucial part of this. Supporting causes like END THE BACKLOG, a nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness about untested rape kits, fundraising for those affected California wildfires, is a way of showing my appreciation for my customers and their support. It’s about making a genuine impact in the world as a token of gratitude.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My journey into the world of starting a small business began with a strong passion for art and design. It was during my university studies that I started exploring the intersection of creativity, culture, and identity. This deep-rooted passion eventually led me to establish Tavy Tavy in 2022.

Tavy Tavy is all about offering timeless, sustainable style. I specialize in crafting naturally dyed cashmere goods and sculptural jewelry that are designed to empower and respect the wearer. Our products are not just everyday items, but modern heirlooms that you can cherish for a lifetime. I want people to care about the things they wear, and I aim to make that possible through my unique designs and ethical approach.

What sets Tavy Tavy apart from others is the fusion of my multicultural upbringing and my interdisciplinary background in art and design. Inspired by my home on the California Coast and my Iranian heritage, I approach jewelry and fiber arts as more than just accessories; they are objects of culture and identity. Each piece I create carries a subtle yet distinct narrative, representing the beauty of unexpected connections between materials and cultures.

I’m most proud of the ongoing exploration and evolution of Tavy Tavy. It’s a space where I get to continually experiment with material and cultural intersections, showcasing the natural ways in which things come together and the innovative approaches that produce remarkable connections.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

In my experience, the best source of new clients and shoppers has always been word of mouth. There’s a level of trust and authenticity that comes from recommendations made by “the taste-makers” or “the researcher” within my friend group. I trust their judgment, and I believe they truly know what’s in vogue and of high quality.

However, during the first few years of building a business, getting out into the community is crucial. People love hearing the story behind why you started doing what you do. They appreciate the opportunity to put a face to the product or service. For me, it’s a true honor to witness people discovering my creations and falling in love with them. It’s a special feeling to see them value the time and effort I’ve invested in designing and crafting each piece, knowing they’ll cherish it as a unique gift. Building that personal connection with the community is invaluable and has been an essential source of new clients and supporters.

We’d love to hear the story of how you turned a side-hustle into a something much bigger.

My journey into small business ownership started during a period of unemployment after graduating from university. I had initially planned to return to the Bay Area to reconnect with my BIPOC communities, but I quickly realized how challenging it was to find a job in San Francisco, especially in fields like design, photography, or community work.

I experienced over a year of unemployment, which took a toll on my self-esteem. That’s when I turned to self-employment as a way to regain control over my life. Over the past decade, I’ve alternated between full-time self-employment and office jobs. Office jobs provided financial stability and better insurance, but my preference has always been self-employment.

Working for myself and pursuing my passions remains my ultimate goal, even though I’ve balanced both paths. I can confidently say there is no right or wrong way to run a business, you just gotta do what you gotta do to make it work.

Contact Info:

• Website: tavytavy.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/shoptavytavy