Today we’d like to introduce you to Mel X..
Hi Mel, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I started my entrepreneurial journey as a traveling artist who was tired of the 9-5 grind. Outside of my day job, I was designing products to sell at conventions across the Midwest. I loved every part of it from designing to ordering and selling at events. However, once the pandemic hit, I was no longer able to sell in-person, which was my primary source of sales. At this time, I also noticed other artists who were having issues with their manufacturers overseas. After years of thinking and planning, I decided to pivot and become a manufacturer in the United States to fill in the need for a domestic manufacturer.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Has it been a smooth road? Not in the least. While everything on paper was fine in theory, actually putting the plan into action was and is still a challenge. There were a lot of variables I didn’t account for, such as technical equipment issues, balancing two jobs, and trying to transition. At the time, I was also struggling in my personal life. So, while trying to work out the kinks in my business, I was trying to keep my personal life together. I am doing much better now, and I am still refining my processes and workflow. I am extremely grateful for my outstanding friends and clients who have been so supportive and patient with me while I work on improving my business.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
XioPrints LLC, pronounced like show prints, is an e-commerce custom wholesale and retail manufacturing company. We specialize in creating custom acrylic keychains. My business is very niche. It’s mainly an overseas industry. What sets my business apart is that I market to anime and indie artists. As an artist myself, I know exactly what struggles my customers are facing and what they want. Unlike my competitors, I treat my customers as partners, not just transactions. We’re here to build relationships and uphold integrity and transparency. While we specialize in manufacturing keychains, there’s almost no limit to what we can produce from acrylic. Customer favorites aside from keychains are ornaments and pins. I sometimes have people who ask if I can manufacture x, y, or z and so far, the answer has been yes. That’s how I came to add Linky Charms, pins, and signage to my product list. If you have an idea, shoot us an email. I’m here to work with you to make your ideas come to life.
What were you like growing up?
Oh man, this is embarrassing. Reflecting back on my childhood, I would say I was selfish and bratty with no filter, but isn’t it fair to say that most kids are like that to some capacity? I was that naughty kid who always got in trouble at school, was friends with everyone, but also unintentionally a bully? I frequently saw my principal in elementary school because I was such a troublemaker, but I also excelled at school. As I got older, I changed quite drastically into a milder and obedient teenager. As an adult, I think I’ve managed to reel in both sides of my childish and reserved sides to an even balance. My mascot, Melon E., allows me the freedom to embrace my inner child: selfish, blunt, goofy, and confident in a humorous way.
Pricing:
- Keychains: $10-20
- Pins: $10-20
- Ornaments: $15-50
- Design/Illustration Services: $25/hr
- *Wholesale pricing varies
Contact Info:
- Website: https://xioprints.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xioprints/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090831452065
Image Credits
XioPrints LLC