We recently connected with Melanie Morales and have shared our conversation below.

Melanie, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

The most meaningful project I’ve worked on may seem simple at first, but it’s had a lasting impact—creating custom letter crayons. I started this project with the goal of making something fun and engaging, but it quickly became more meaningful as I saw how it resonated with both kids and adults.

I design and create crayons in a wide variety of colors, allowing people to spell out names, words, or messages. What makes this special is that it goes beyond just coloring—it becomes both a creative and educational experience. Children aren’t just using crayons; they’re actively learning letters, recognizing their names, and expressing themselves in a hands-on way.

Seeing the excitement and pride people feel when they create or receive something personalized is what makes this project so meaningful to me. It combines creativity, learning, and connection, which is exactly the kind of impact I strive to have in the work I do.

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.

My name is Melanie, and I’m the creator behind a small, creative business focused on making fun, hands-on art experiences for kids. What started as a simple hobby—making personalized gifts for family and friends—quickly grew into something much bigger than I expected. At the time, I wasn’t thinking about building a business; I just wanted to create something meaningful, especially for children, that felt personal and memorable.

I began by making custom letter crayons, designed so kids could spell out their names and interact with something uniquely theirs. I loved the idea that it wasn’t just a gift—it was also a learning tool. Kids could play, create, and learn all at the same time. Seeing their excitement and connection to something made just for them is what pushed me to keep going.

As my business grew, I expanded my products to include character-themed crayons, homemade paint sets, and custom chalk names—basically everything a kid would be excited to use and explore creatively. My goal has always been to create products that encourage imagination, hands-on play, and early learning in a fun and engaging way.

What sets me apart is my focus on children in spaces where they’re often overlooked. At local markets and festivals, many vendors cater to adults, so I’ve intentionally built something that draws kids in and gives them their own special experience. My products aren’t just items to buy—they’re interactive, colorful, and designed to spark creativity.

What I’m most proud of is turning something that started as a small, personal idea into something that brings joy to so many families. I’ve been able to create a brand that’s not only creative but meaningful—where every product is made with care and purpose.

I want potential customers and supporters to know that my work is all about creating moments—whether it’s a child learning to spell their name, getting excited about art, or simply enjoying something made just for them. That connection is what drives everything I do.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

I built my audience on social media by starting in real life first—through craft fairs and local festivals. Those events gave me the opportunity to connect directly with people, especially families, and let them experience my products in person. From there, many customers naturally wanted to stay connected, which helped grow my social media following.

The communities I’ve been a part of have been incredibly supportive and welcoming, and that word-of-mouth has played a big role in my growth. I also make it a point to include my social media handles on my products and packaging. Since most people use social media daily, it makes it easy for them to find me, follow along, and share my work with others.

For anyone just starting out, my biggest advice is to not rely only on posting online—get out into your community if you can. In-person connections build trust much faster and often turn into loyal followers. Also, make it easy for people to find you by consistently sharing your handle, posting regularly, and showing the process behind your work. People love seeing how things are made and the story behind your brand.

Most importantly, be consistent and authentic. Growth doesn’t happen overnight, but when people connect with what you do and why you do it, your audience will grow naturally.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

One thing I think non-creatives sometimes struggle to understand is that creativity isn’t just about how simple something looks or whether it seems easy to make. I’ve had people say things like, “I can do that” or “that’s not art,” but to me, it’s not about complexity—it’s about the joy, creativity, and experience it brings to others.

In my line of work, it’s true that someone could technically make similar products, but what often goes unseen is the time, effort, and intention behind each piece, as well as the experience I create for my customers. There’s also a reason you don’t see many vendors doing exactly what I do at markets—it takes consistency, creativity, and a lot of behind-the-scenes work to make it all come together.

I also think people underestimate how much goes into running a small creative business. It’s not just making products—it’s the cost of materials, time spent designing and preparing, showing up to events, and building connections with customers. There’s a lot of work that happens outside of what people see on the table.

At the end of the day, being a creative is about more than the final product—it’s about passion, persistence, and the impact you’re able to make through something you’ve created.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @MELty_Crayons
• Facebook: MELty Crayons