We were lucky to catch up with Marina Messura recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Marina, thanks for joining us today. 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.

Investing money and time into a small business while balancing being a student was one of the biggest risks I’ve ever taken. But, 10 months into running my small business, I can now say it’s one of the best decisions I’ve made. It was daunting and scary to start selling items, running a social media, and putting myself and my work out there, but it’s been a great experience so far. Taking this risk helped me learn a lot of valuable skills like social media management, finance management, and communication. Not only that, but it helped me grow as a person as well. I’ve become more confident in both my work and myself, and have gotten much more comfortable with being outside of my comfort zone and taking more risks in my life. Though it was a scary first step to make, starting my business has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

Marina, 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?

My name is Marina, and I own a small business, Made by Mar! Through my business I sell crocheted items and jewelry products. I make a variety of different crocheted products, ranging from stuffed animals to keychains to my favorite thing to make, flower bouquets. I also recently got into jewelry making, and started making earrings that I’ve added to my shop this summer as well.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

My biggest goal in my creative journey is to keep being creative. I want to be able to continue making what I want to make and what makes me happy. Being able to do this has been the biggest motivator for me in my business, because I’ve gotten to create what I want to, and not what I feel I have to. This keeps me from being burned out or losing motivation, and as well as confident and happy in what I’m making.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

Personally, the most rewarding aspect of being a creative has been getting to connect with other creatives, especially on UNC Chapel Hill’s campus. Getting involved as a creator on campus has connected me with so many other student artists and creatives, and has given me a network of close friends and people I can relate to. Not only this, but it’s also been a very motivating experience, which has made me a lot happier in my day-to-day life because I get to keep creating and making products.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.studentmadeunc.com/shop?tag=Marina%20Messura
• Instagram: @madebymar_art
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marina-messura-965737261/