We recently connected with Elise Kendrick and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Elise thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you tell us a bit about who your hero is and the influence they’ve had on you?
I know it sounds cliché, but one of my hero’s and creative inspirations is definitely my mom. As a fellow artist, I watched her put her career on hold to raise a family as a stay-at-home mom. While she baked cookies, made lunches, and wiped tears she also made a point to pursue her passion. She continued to make art, took classes and taught all while helping raise 3 kids. From her I learned perseverance, dedication, and sacrifice to a craft that’s hard to pursue. From her I also gained the courage to do the hard thing, even when it’s easier to give up.
Elise, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I am an artist through and through. A painter, printmaker and now the owner of Melanated Mothership, which is an apparel brand that specializes in creating one of a kind pieces. I either thrift or purchase items in small quantities to maintain the individuality of the clothing then alter them through bleach, ice dye, paint, or stamps I make from hand carved blocks. While I’ve always loved clothing, I never thought I’d create my own apparel brand. What began as a fun way to channel my creativity became a small business that allowed me to connect with those around me. With the intention of highlighting the wearer and encouraging individuality, Melanated Mothership is a love letter to all those who dare to be different, a call to take up space, and to encourage others to never dim their light.
Have you ever had to pivot?
After undergrad, I had to pivot when I wasn’t accepted into a graduate program for metal smithing. Even though I only applied to a few schools, each having 2-3 open slots, I really questioned if I was an artist. Afterwards, I continued to paint and eventually started printmaking again which led me to start making shirts. But if I wasn’t forced to pivot, I never would have started my business. So while I didn’t understand it at the time, everything happened how it was supposed to.
What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?
I think authenticity and the desire to connect has definitely helped grow clientele.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.themelanatedmothership.com/
- Instagram: Melanatedmothership