We recently connected with Melarie Odelusi and have shared our conversation below.
Melarie , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.
The most meaningful project I have worked on is my first collection Woman in Bloom in 2018. It was created in a season of major transition for me as a women, wife, mom and artist.
It all began with a profound shift within me, a transformation I never expected. It felt like a battle between two versions of myself: the old familiar one and this new, blossoming woman I was becoming. The intensity of this internal struggle was unlike anything I had ever experienced before. It was as if the woman I was and the woman I was meant to be couldn’t possibly occupy the same space.
Being a wife and mother of two, the pressure I felt was immense. And to make matters even more challenging, postpartum depression hit me doubly hard this time around. I was in my 30s, entering a new phase of life that made me reflect on my journey. Looking back, I understand that I was going through a profound change, one that required me to make room for this emerging version of myself. It felt like experiencing both growing pains and freedom at the same time.
From this transformative experience, something extraordinary was born – Woman in Bloom, a collection that allowed me to share my story, foster community with incredible women and forever altered the course of my creative career. It compelled me to step into vulnerability and share the hardships I had faced during that challenging season of my life.
What truly moves me about this season of life and this collection of work is how it resonated with women. It served as a reminder that we are not alone in our experiences, and together, we can conquer any adversity that life throws our way. The collection created a safe space for women to open up and share their own stories with me, creating a beautiful cycle of inspiration and growth.
That’s the story behind the most meaningful project I’ve worked on – Woman in Bloom. It allowed me to embrace my own journey of personal growth and inspired a community of women to do the same. And the best part? This experience sparked a myriad of new creations, collaborations and partnerships that have helped me grow my business, connect with amazing people and create new opportunities.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
My name is Melarie Odelusi, wife, mom of two and visual artist based in Dallas-Fort Worth. I am passionate about empowerment, representation, and storytelling, and this passion is reflected in the art I create.
From the moment I could pick up a pencil or brush, creating art became the way I expressed my true self. It’s always been like an invisible thread that weaved through every phase of my life as a way to navigate the world around me. Through creating, I’ve found a way to share my emotions, thoughts, and experiences in a way that words could never capture. I was the girl that always carried the sketch book around, skipped lunch to paint and tell everyone my dreams of being an artist. It is wild that I am here now doing exactly what I always wanted.
After graduating from college with my bachelor’s in Fashion Merchandising and a minor in Business administration, I knew that my career path would consist of me creating at some capacity. During my time at Texas State University, I started a t-shirt brand called FashionSick, cofounded a fashion organization called FashioNation and participated in fashion events. Let’s just say, I knew exactly what I wanted and went for it.
Years later I started my own business, wanting to tap back into my creativity and rediscover my love for art. I had just given birth to my daughter and needed to reconnect with my creative self. I am so glad I did because it was the start to a wonderful journey that brought me to where I am now. It started with me need to be encouraged in a season of post pardum depression. I would write quotes and words in calligraphy as well as paint pictures that I would hang in my home. I realized the power that both art and what we surround ourselves with have on our lives. It was then that I decided to share my work with others.
Since then, I have been dedicated to creating art that uplifts and empowers. My body of work centers around themes that celebrate the beauty and complexity of women. I focus on subjects such as self-care, mental health, social justice, intersectional feminism, and body positivity.
My product range includes original artwork, prints, and customized pieces tailored to individual preferences. The problem I solve for my clients is the ability to collaboratively create unique and personalized art that perfectly captures the essence of their vision, voice, and mission. I pride myself on being able to connect with clients on a personal level, bringing a sense of comfort, ease, and empowerment to the creative process.
What sets me apart from others is my ability to fuse traditional artistic skill with my unique and proprietary technique and aesthetic. I make use of both traditional mediums such as watercolor and ink and digital art to create whimsical and vibrant pieces. It is also my recognition that I have my own unique story, experiences, and style to share. No one else has walked the exact path that I have, and that’s where the magic lies. My art is an authentic expression of who I am, my challenges, growth, and the lessons I’ve learned along the way.
What I am most proud of is being able to create a community through my creative works that inspire, uplift, and impact people. I also take immense pride in the fact that my work has been featured in various campaigns and brand activations across the United States, including partnerships with renowned entities such as Michelle Obama, philosophy, Michaels Stores, and Macy’s . These collaborations have given me the opportunity to amplify my creative voice to a wider audience.
For potential clients, followers, and fans, I want them to know that when they engage with my brand and my work, they are not just purchasing a piece of art. They are joining a movement that celebrates the inherent beauty, strength, and worthiness of women. My aim is for individuals to see themselves reflected in my art – to recognize their own beauty, embrace their capabilities, and feel seen, heard and valued.
How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?
Art is beautiful expression of creativity and a vital force that enriches our lives in countless ways. It’s in the design of the chair you sit on, the color scheme of your favorite restaurant, and the branding behind your morning coffee. Art is an essential part of our daily experience, and it deserves more recognition and investment.
Unfortunately, society often underestimates the power and value of art. Many people view it as a luxury or a hobby, rather than an essential part of our culture and economy. Artists and creatives frequently face the challenge of being undervalued and underpaid for their work, which can lead to a lack of resources, opportunities, and support.
The shift of mindset to recognize the value of art is how society can support the creative ecosystem. It’s a vital and valuable part of our world that deserves respect, recognition, and investment.
To that end, we can support artists and creatives by investing in their work, both as individuals and as a community. This can be done through funding art programs, exhibitions, and events, buying original artwork, or paying fair wages for creative services.
Another crucial way to support artists is to amplify their voices and share their work with others. Social media has made this easier than ever before, allowing us to discover and share art from all around the world. By celebrating and promoting creativity, we can help to create a cultural shift that values and uplifts artists and creatives.
Finally, we should also recognize that artists and creatives need resources not just to create but also to nourish their minds, hearts, and souls. The creative process can be challenging, emotionally and mentally, and it’s essential to prioritize self-care, personal growth, and finding joy in the process of creating.
By investing in artists, creatives, and a thriving creative ecosystem, we can cultivate a world that celebrates the beauty, power, and impact of art.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
One lesson that I’ve unlearned is the belief that I have to create or show up like anyone else. When I started my business, I felt under pressure to create artwork that aligned with the tastes and preferences of others, to have a particular style or offering that matched the status quo. It all became stressful and so unaligned. Everyone’s journey is unique, and that includes the creative process. I realized that my journey was not the same as that of anyone else, and that what was for me would come if I continued living and creating from a genuinely authentic space.
When we stay true to ourselves, our work flows more smoothly, allowing for ease of opportunities, clients, and community growth. We don’t have to force ourselves to adopt styles or methods that don’t align with us. Instead, we can use our uniqueness to our advantage, making the most of our talents to shape our creations and businesses.
The journey is not easy, but when we operate from our authentic space, and lean into what works for us, we open ourselves up to endless opportunities for growth and fulfillment.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.melarieodelusi.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melarieodelusi/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melarieo?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/melarieodelusi
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@melarieodelusi
- Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-rough-concept-podcast/id1696374842
Image Credits
Head Shot Image : Marrica Evans