We were lucky to catch up with Melissa Dillon recently and have shared our conversation below.

Melissa, appreciate you joining us today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

The idea of “The Dallas” Creative Maker Space came about as a means to honor my father who passed away in February of 2022. His name was Dallas Dillon and he was known to be a father to all. He was also an amazing singer in a Gospel Quartet, a hard blue collar worker who prided himself on DIY craftsmanship. Keeping his spirit alive and with the opportunity to use the building granted by Rick Mann, I signed a lease to give a platform, creation space and sales shop for creatives, holistic healers and more to get their businesses up and running for affordable prices and beneficial community. We’re aware that the artistic community in a shift, some are choosing corporate over community. We’re choosing community and culture over everything else. What’s most exciting is to have a beautiful plan like this set in place and watch it come to life as those willing to the the work with good intentions see the the opportunity, sign up and cease it. We are currently in that phase and it’s awesome to see it play out as we continue to build up.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I have 30 years of experience in oddity arts but have only within the last 3 years have had professional/commercial success. Since I was a little girl I was worried with crystals, bones, moss, bugs and other things that may turn away most has always intrigued me. What’s its story, what story can I continue to tell and how can I connect this piece with the person who needs it! I also have 30+ years of experience in photography holding a manger position at Cord Camera for several years and being a professional photographer for weddings, performances, lifestyle, celebrations, headshots and so much more. Aside from that my professional background includes several managerial positions in the finance/banking industries for over a decade. I am most proud of my ability to connect others. Something my partner shares with me. Getting people opportunities in the arts, making it affordable and connecting it genuinely to community so they’re set up for success. I’ve been doing throughout my life and with the new development of “The Dallas” we’re able to give so much more opportunities in a regular basis. The community of creative entrepreneurs we have gathered at The Dallas includes oddity artists, photographers, major musicians and music curators, videographers, an arts collective, reason artists, digital artists and they’re all ready to do there part in renovating their respective spaces and common areas during group projects to help us shine together.

We’d love to hear about how you met your business partner.

I met Terry Tertiary during the George Floyd protests. We shared a similar interest in change but we also both aware of the local governments inability to do so within our lifetimes. We also were unable to see the change we were seeking during those protests. Knowing the strong influence culture and community have on long lasting social change we returned to our passions to assist with these issues and have had more impact in less time and way less energy. Giving platforms for creatives and people local to Columbus who want to see that social and societal change. Giving individuals places to gather, express, create, sell, connect, heal and evolve.

I would also like to give mention of the members who have already joined The Dallas because even though they are not partners, they greatly contribute to what The Dallas is becoming. Michael Lea, the founder of Art Love Collective has assisted in renovations, donating community equipment and helping facilitate weekly workshops. Karma Tsering has helped with renovations, beautification and heavy lifting.

Have you ever had to pivot?

Like many others, I was working a full time job before the Pandemic/Shut Down. As we entered the Fall months of 2020 I began to spend more time with Terry and he saw my oddity art, spiritual jewelry, art and decor. He began encouraging me to share it. As a result of both of us doing so, we made many online sales. This encouraged us to start vending a few months later and since that time, I’ve been in several galleries, we make a living off of our art and merchandise sales. This hard work and involvement in community made me an easy selection to manage The Dallas and it’s why I believe I was chosen. Resilience, adaptability, discernment, creative background, managerial experience and love for people, community and culture.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/thedallasatmilo

Image Credits
Melissa “TreeGoddess” Dillon Justin Wizdorf