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

Melissa , appreciate you joining us today. Any thoughts about whether to ask friends and family to support your business. What’s okay in your view?

Asking friends and family to support my business feels natural but also requires balance. It’s appropriate to share your passion and invite them to engage with your brand, whether that’s through following, sharing, or trying out products. However, I believe it’s important not to pressure them into purchases or obligations; their support should come from genuine interest, not guilt.

I’ve learned that setting boundaries is key. For example, in the early days of my business, I was eager for validation and constantly sought feedback from my closest circle. Over time, I realized that not everyone will—or needs to—be my customer, and that’s okay. I now focus on sharing updates without expectations, appreciating any support they offer, and understanding that the most authentic connections often come from strangers who truly resonate with my brand. This approach has made both my business and personal relationships healthier and more fulfilling.

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.

I’m a graphic designer and brand developer with a passion for helping businesses and creators build their visual identities from the ground up. My journey into this field began with a deep love for art and design, which evolved into a career focused on brand development. Over the years, I’ve honed my skills in creating compelling logos, brand strategies, marketing materials, and visual content that not only look good but also communicate the essence of each client’s unique story.

I specialize in crafting cohesive brand experiences that resonate with audiences, helping my clients stand out in their industries by solving problems like inconsistent branding, unclear messaging, and outdated visuals. What sets me apart is my holistic approach—I don’t just design; I dive deep into understanding the heart of each brand, ensuring that every element aligns with the client’s vision and goals.

I’m most proud of the impact my work has had on helping businesses elevate their presence and connect authentically with their audiences. The main thing I want potential clients and followers to know is that I’m dedicated to bringing their brand visions to life through thoughtful, strategic design that leaves a lasting impression. My goal is to empower brands to tell their stories boldly and beautifully, turning creative ideas into memorable experiences.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

One story that stands out in my journey as a graphic designer and brand developer is when I decided to rebrand my business during a particularly challenging time in my life. I was navigating personal loss and major life changes, which made it difficult to find the creative spark that had always fueled my work. I realized that I needed to evolve, not just in my business but also in my approach to life.

Instead of giving up, I used this period of hardship as an opportunity to reinvent my brand, diving into the process with renewed purpose. I pushed myself to explore new design techniques, took on challenging projects, and connected with clients who inspired me to think outside the box. This rebranding journey wasn’t easy—there were moments of doubt and burnout—but I learned to embrace the discomfort as part of the creative process.

What kept me going was my belief in my vision and the support of my community. I came out on the other side with a stronger brand and a deeper understanding of resilience, proving to myself that even in the toughest times, growth is possible. This experience taught me that setbacks aren’t the end; they’re often just the beginning of something even better, a philosophy I now bring to every project and client I work with.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

One of the most significant lessons I had to learn was the importance of setting boundaries, both in business and personal life. Early in my career, I was eager to please and took on every project that came my way, often sacrificing my time, energy, and sometimes even my creative vision to meet client demands. I wanted to be seen as dependable and talented, but I quickly found myself overwhelmed, burnt out, and disconnected from the passion that had initially drawn me to design.

The turning point came during a particularly demanding project where I found myself working late nights, redoing designs multiple times, and struggling to meet unrealistic expectations. I realized that my lack of boundaries was not only affecting the quality of my work but also my well-being. This experience forced me to reassess how I managed my time, communicated with clients, and valued my creative process.

I learned to establish clear expectations upfront, confidently say no when necessary, and prioritize projects that aligned with my values and strengths. This shift not only improved my work-life balance but also allowed me to attract clients who truly valued my expertise. The lesson in boundaries taught me that protecting my creative energy is essential for both my personal fulfillment and the success of my business.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.melbblueprints.com
• Instagram: @melb.blueprints