We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Melody Sipp a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Melody thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Almost all entrepreneurs have had to decide whether to start now or later? There are always pros and cons for waiting and so we’d love to hear what you think about your decision in retrospect. If you could go back in time, would you have started your business sooner, later or at the exact time you started?

I started out as a student at Georgia Southern University, pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing. From high school, I knew I dreamed of owning a business, though I was unsure of the type of business I wanted to start. I had hoped my college experience would guide me in the direction I wanted to be in. My college experience was soon cut short due to a major blessing that started it all. Though, I did gain friends and knowledge that I’d never forget. I like to say Graphic Designing called me. I started my business in 2018 after having my daughter. I was a single mom, having her first child, and needed a way to provide for my daughter while also being able to work from home to take care of her. I thought being a makeup artist/enthusiast would be the route for me. So, in order to make my vision a reality, I decided to utilize my tech skills and creative eye to create my own business logo. When I posted my business on social media, it seemed to grab some attention. Not because of the business itself, but because of the logo in particular. I was complimented and asked about the logo so much it sparked some curiosity in me. I started to realize maybe brand design was the business I was supposed to pursue all along.

Would I change my experience or the timing of my business venture?- I wouldn’t. The thought of dabbling into Brand Design wouldn’t have crossed my mind if I hadn’t had my child. If I hadn’t left school. If I hadn’t had the college experience I was able to get. I feel like these experiences put me on the correct path and were all apart of God’s Plan (A song that was also very popular at the time that resonated with me.). I was exactly where I was supposed to be at the exact time I was supposed to be there.

Melody, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am a graphic designer who specializes in brand identity, web development, and product/packaging design, I am most proud of my ability to grow with my clients as they are the ones that keep me afloat and motivated. My clients need me and I need them which keeps all of us in business together forever. I feel what sets me apart from other designers is that close relationship that I try to build with each client and also the free knowledge that I give through consultations. Through this connection I am able to know my client and see their vision more clearly by understanding them and their thought process better. This helps take their business far from the design space and into reality.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

The most effective strategy for me has been word of mouth. Making sure my clients leave with the best experience and results leads to a great review and more referrals. It also keeps my clientele coming back and allows us to grow together. A lot of the time I can gain clientele from word of mouth alone without having to post much to draw in more clientele. Posting and sharing these reviews on social media also helps those who are watching but may need the extra push to book a free consultation because they may be hesitant with spending time and money with someone they don’t know, which is understandable. The free call establishes that connection and allows me and new clients to officially meet, leading to a more comfortable client and a smoother process.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

I feel non-creatives may not see the time, knowledge, and skill it takes to put into each project for the results to be at it’s best in any given creative career. This results in unrealistic time-frames with high expectations. In order to have great results with longevity in those results, time and heavy thought needs be put in. As a creative our job also never ends. We are our own service provider, social media manager, customer support, and accountant majority of the time.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.Melodramaticmedia.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melodramatic.media/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melodramaticmedia
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/melodramaticmed

Image Credits
Cedric Bacon Photography