Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Melissa “missy” Miles. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Melissa “Missy”, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We believe kindness is contagious and so we’d love for you to share with us and our audience about the kindest thing anyone has ever done for you?
Backstory- 2005 boyfriend gifted me truckload of gourds for Valentine’s Day. We shortly after married. His gift of gourds changed my life. I joined Alabama Gourd Society, and the American Gourd society and thru juried Gourd shows I became Alabama Gourd Queen 2008,2009, and 2012. His gift unlocked my creativity and I was hooked. I have not found an animal or person they could not become. His uncommon gift of molded fruit opened doors I never would have planned. This November we will be celebrating 19 years of joyful marriage together.
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?
I’m known throughout Alabama for my Gourd art and Murals. I have always excelled in Art and Art has always been a part of my life. I hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Interior Design from NEC-Bauer College in Ft. Lauderdale FL. (1992) My first projects in the field include roles with Alene Workman ASID in Hollywood FL and Kathleen Evers ASID in Nashville TN at Opryland Hotel. I held many positions with Lowe’s Home Center and as its District Trainer for Installed Sales, I helped open 70 stores in the midwest. My background provides a great foundation of knowledge on being professional, and knowledgeable for planning projects. Scheduling time, color selections and cost are important to provide accurate quotes. Never promising something I cannot deliver is important to me. Much thought is given in client interviews to make sure the right questions are asked for the design image to tell the right story. My work is not about me, it is about the clients needs or wants. The majority of my work is for rural communities that are struggling. I am so grateful to be able to facilitate Public Art in small towns to share their history, culture and events. My work often fixes problem walls and provides backdrops to highlight features that may have been missed. Public Art increases tourism and for small rural towns this is huge.
I have done mural work since 2008 and on 9/23/24 I completed my #122 mural. They can be found in Marion, Fayette, Lamar, Walker, Winston, Colbert, and Jefferson Counties in AL.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
Dedication and hard work has been the driving factor for me in establishing a good reputation. I feel it is import to have connections or memberships with Main Street programs, Chamber of Commerce, and Tourism associations. These connections help share your business for futures jobs and referrals. No one knows what you are doing unless you share your story of what your business is doing. Communication is also key. I am authentic and never present myself as something I am not. I love what I do and this makes my work a joy. If you enjoy what you do, it will be self evident. I think of a project from many perspectives. I do my best to address concerns and problems before they happen.
I also do my best to be upfront on cost. I love the Kiss method ( keep it Simple) No hidden charges. If I have made an error, I address it immediately to fix.
God has blessed me with my gift of artistic talent and I let the lord lead my brush.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
In 2018 I was working on one of my largest murals to date. It measures 120’ x 23’ located in Fayette. “Golden Eagle Syrup”. This project took me two months to complete. During this project I began having health issues. I struggled climbing scaffolding and had stabbing pain in my right hip. I visited an Orthopedic and MRI showed I had arthritis and a spur causing the pain. I was told I might have a year before I needed a hip replacement. I was 50 at the time and tried to continue. I pivoted to canvas artwork for a while. Rented a booth at local market place and tried waiting for surgery. My husband and I also started building our home at this time. I made it about 6 months before scheduling surgery. My mind went spinning on what was I going to do if surgery did not fix me. What was I going to do. It was so unsettling and territory I was not familiar with. I am grateful my surgery was successful. I was able to return to mural work in three months. My job in Haleyville met with me before my surgery and I tried options with other artist and they were willing to wait for my recovery. I pivoted again with new concept of murals on sign boards. These I could work on in studio with out climbing. Multiple 4×8 sign boards to achieve large images. I’m beyond grateful of their trust in me to achieve what they desired. This pivot has been very beneficial to current work. This option saves me from working in 100 degree days and saves money in travel expenses.
Contact Info:
- Facebook: Facebook/Missy.Miles
