We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Melissa Monroy. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Melissa below.

Melissa, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

Since 2018, the #MoreLoveTee x #IStandForGirls campaign has raised over $1,000 for girls education!

It started out as a simple plea. I had turned on the news one evening and everything was ugly and hateful. I turned it off and jumped on my instagram, hoping to find joy…and instead, was confronted with posts of loss, grief and sadness. Everything felt so heavy and I just wanted to scream—PLEASE MORE LOVE MORE LOVE MORE LOVE MORE LOVE MORE LOVE.

After attending the Yellow Conference and hearing stories of speakers and attendees using their business for good, I was inspired to do the same. I came across the Bonfire platform shortly after, and knew it was a sign—I had to do some good with the More Love design that I couldn’t get out of my mind.

I reached out to the Yellow network about collaborating with a non-profit, and Elisabetta, the founder of KURANDZA, reached out right away. She told me that Kurandza means “to love”…and her organization (a small grassroots non-profit in Mozambique) needed help with funding to provide sustainable education and mentorship to girls.

As a young girl, I loved to read and wanted to pursue teaching as a career. Despite having changed career paths, the importance of education was never lost on me. I launched the More Love Tee campaign in May of 2018—and it was a hit. Proceeds from the campaign has helped provide girls with a holistic education, by covering school fees, offering tutoring, mentorship and psychosocial support, as well as providing school uniforms and transportation.

This work is so important. According to the UN, education for girls has been identified as one of the best solutions to reversing the relentless trend of poverty and disease devastating large portions of sub-Saharan Africa. Educating a girl changes her destiny, as well as those of her future children, and ensures that she can contribute to the economic life of her community.

Now, when tragedy hits or the world starts to feel heavy, I wear my MORE LOVE tee shirt to remind myself of the girls who have been given chance to DREAM through this project. It is a beautiful reminder of the good still left in this world, and I can smile knowing that my work makes a difference—and I’m overwhelmed with gratitude and HOPE for the future.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

ABOUT ME:

My name is Melissa Monroy, and I am the Founder and Creative behind Mint and Merit. I earned a B.A in Applied Arts and Sciences from SDSU, and have 15+ years of experience in branding and print design. I am an independent creative professional, who has intentionally built a heart-fueled and purpose-driven design studio in San Diego, California.

I LOVE:

+ Working with individuals and businesses who strive to create meaningful work.
+ Turning a blank slate into a masterpiece
+ Capturing the world through a camera lens
+ The beach, books, music and ice cream.
+ Making the world a better place, one design at a time…

MY MISSION:

To create goodness—with honesty, love and typography.

When life gets hard, I find joy in the design process. When I feel overwhelmed or stressed, going to the beach and taking photos brings me peace. When the lies, doubt and negativity start to overpower my thinking, I remind myself and focus on what I have been able to accomplish with my work.

Striving to make a difference, albeit how small, helps me get out of bed in the mornings. It is the motivating factor to keep me going, showing up, and holding on to hope. More than anything, it keeps me sane in this crazy, crazy world.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

The Yellow Conference has significantly impacted my life, and my business. Attending the yearly event, and becoming a member, introduced me to an amazing network of creatives, entrepreneurs, and friends. Attending the first conference was the catalyst to my business and gave me the motivation to lean into my gift to create meaningful work. I have learned so much about my self through this process and am so grateful for everyone I’ve met along the way. Running your own business is tough, and can feel isolating at times, but finding like-minded individuals, that inspire and motivate you, is a game changer.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect of being a creative, is using my voice and my talent to educate and uplift. Design is more than just making things look pretty. It has the power to make people pause, to read, to think, but my favorite is creating work that brings people joy.

Contact Info:

• Website: mintandmerit.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mintandmerit/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissamonroy/