We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Melanie Symanski a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Melanie, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.
The risk: we just became business partners! Kate and I both found ourselves at crossroads in our careers for different reasons. I started this company 2 years ago and found myself at a place of closing it without loss or keeping it as a hobby company. I’ve known Kate for the better part of a decade and timing felt impeccably right for this opportunity to partner and ignite our creative and communal similarities. -Melanie
The Fortune 500 company I worked for closed unexpectedly so I immediately found work as a delivery driver until I could figure it out. Melanie and I ran into each out of the blue after not seeing each other for some time and our creative energies felt divinely guided right away. When she asked me to partner with her, I was in a position to either decline or go all in. The risk. I am incredibly excited for this opportunity to collaborate creatively in our community. -Kate
Melanie, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I ended my big girl career as a Human Resources Director and opened 33 Meraki Tales in honor of my late Vereran sister that passed at age 33. Darcy had a contagious and spirited personality, a cool vibe and brought smiles and cackle-laughs to everyone. Unfortunately mental health issues are very real and we lost her shortly after she honorably discharged from the Navy.
Art saved my soul and turned my grief into a love only describable with Meraki.
Meraki – to do something with love, soul and creativity. An essence of you.
When I would share my healing processes through art with people, it surprised me that so many people were intimidated, scared, insecure and even uninterested in art. I didn’t understand. I wanted a playful approach to creativity as well as a way for you to sit with yourself. I added some cool vibes and positive feels-goods like LED lights and glow sticks. I then discovered that my Vibe Vessels, art kits, were amazing for team building in the office, fantastic date night adventures as well as perfect gifts for anything. We donate part of our proceeds to our community mental health programs as well as our Vibe Vessels. You can donate a VV via our website.
Kate and I are extending our community outreach time, expanding our products and services and fully intend to show up and do our part in the global fight against mental health.
We’re doing it with love, soul and creativity.
Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
I wish there had been more affordable classes and/or community programs offering art in general. I wasn’t always exposed to or had the resources for art time.
I’m soon launching a mobile arts and crafts class that will integrate creativity and nature. Primal Painting will be affordable and accessible.
-Melanie
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
Freedom.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.33merakitales.com
- Instagram: 33MerakiTales
- Facebook: 33merakitales
- Other: TikTok- @melaniesanski
Image Credits
These images are the property of 33 Meraki Tales.