Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Melissa Minh Truex. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Melissa Minh, appreciate you joining us today. One of the toughest things about progressing in your creative career is that there are almost always unexpected problems that come up – problems that you often can’t read about in advance, can’t prepare for, etc. Have you had such and experience and if so, can you tell us the story of one of those unexpected problems you’ve encountered?
Sometimes things don’t go according to plan. That’s why I’ve made it a habit to always have a backup plan ready. I approach challenges with a problem-solving mindset. Forging ahead is the only option, particularly when you’re your own boss. Over time, I’ve discovered that such challenges can often lead to unexpectedly positive outcomes.
Take, for instance, the experience with a floral ceiling project. The client wanted a feeling of abundance with no ceiling showing through the dried florals. We were working within a strict timeline as the store opening date had already been set and the remaining florals would not be delivered in time for installation. Rather than waiting for post-opening to finish the installation, we opted for an alternative solution. We purchased bundles of fresh eucalyptus, chamomile, and other seasonal blooms to fill in the gaps. These live florals not only blended harmoniously over time as they dried, but they provided an unexpected and vibrant pop of color and delightful scent throughout the store for the opening. This scenario only underscored the power of adaptability for me as the final installation was enhanced by the additional element of fresh florals.
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.
After studying studio and digital art in college, I started a seven year stint with a large lifestyle and fashion company working on their window and interior store displays. This hands-on experience with a wide range of materials and techniques laid the foundation for my entrepreneurial venture, Melissa Minh Design.
Everyday and every project is different as my work spans across designing, fabricating, and installing displays, private and commercial artworks, and immersive event and art installations. From creating whimsical floral ceilings and murals to customizing unique light fixtures and even creating a freestanding infinity room, my portfolio showcases the diversity of my creations.
My creative journey has led me to collaborate with a diverse range of brands, spanning from menswear lines to regenerative women’s fashion, makeup and cosmetics, and crafting and fragrance brands. Detail-oriented by nature, I approach each project with a strong foundation in artistry and a dedication to client satisfaction. A source of immense pride for me is my ability to seamlessly adapt to each client’s distinctive aesthetic and preferences. I thrive on transforming their visions into tangible realities, even when faced with practical challenges. I’m a firm believer in finding innovative solutions to bring the envisioned piece to life or making necessary adaptations that align with my client’s needs.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
I spent the beginning of my post-college career working for a large corporation where I learned a great deal, but also adopted some unfavorable habits that proved challenging to shed. Working for a large company, I understandably operated within tight budgets, perfect standards and rigid timelines. This often created an atmosphere of perpetual urgency, which isn’t always conducive to the creative process. I had to rediscover the importance of allowing myself to slow down and invest more time in my projects. Now, if something isn’t progressing as intended, I’m more inclined to reassess my approach or even take a moment to step back and regain perspective.
Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?
I believe that the conventional path in life, the one that’s often expected, can be the simpler route to take. However, for me and many other creatives, our perspectives differ. While some people might adhere to the notion that life follows a singular, predetermined path, that’s not the reality we experience. I hope for people to approach the lives of creatives with an open mind, without dismissing our journey simply because it doesn’t mirror their own. The richness of creativity lies in its uniqueness, and appreciating that can broaden our understanding of diverse journeys.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.melissaminhdesign.com/
- Instagram: @melissa.minh.design