Today we’d like to introduce you to Marissa Hitt.

Hi Marissa, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?

I began showing my artwork in galleries at the age of 5. Back then, I used acrylic paint to create my art pieces. I would make paintings for hours, then visit galleries in Kansas City.

After years of other exciting endeavors such as ballet & scholarship pageants, in high school, I knew I wanted to pursue something for the long term. I was led back to art, as well as business.

At first, when I launched Melane & Co., (“Melane” is the middle name I share with my mother), I hadn’t yet realized that the brand would become more than just a business, but a lifestyle.

Through Melane & Co., I create watercolor pet paintings, stationery, & home decor.

Melane & Co. is inspired by childhood memories—a joy that can be cultivated at any age.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?

One of the smaller challenges I have faced as a business owner is deciding where to dedicate my time online… With a variety of social media channels, there are a lot of opportunities.

That being said, I am most active on Instagram & Pinterest. Most importantly, my email list receives some of the best content: My email list is the first to know about when my pet painting openings take place.

My original paintings (in addition to dogs & cats, I also create floral paintings) have been booked until May 2025 since the late fall/early winter… so becoming a part of my email list on melaneandco.com means being the first to know about my painting openings.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?

One of the main compliments I receive is, “your Instagram photos are so pretty.” My content has been described as “light,” “airy,” & “joyful,” which is exactly what I want my work to reflect.

Through my pet paintings, wall prints, & stationery (by the way, I must note that pet painting & floral commissions can be made into wall prints & cards), a main comment that’s said is “there’s so much life in the eyes.”

Here’s one of the reasons why I create keepsake-worthy pieces:

“[W]hen I received the painting of our beloved Golden Doodle, Toby, I was blown away. Marissa was able to capture Toby’s soul in her work. His eyes and expression are more life-like than the photograph we sent to Marissa to work from. We walk by our painting every day and are amazed by its beauty and detail.”

Those kinds of experiences are why my pet paintings exist.

P.S. All testimonials can be found on melaneandco.com

If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?

Mom & Dad always prayed for me to shine God’s light to others. As a result, I strive to reflect the Lord’s light to others. I cannot take credit for the success, because it is always God’s work through me.

Pricing:

• Wall prints – $ 24.97
• Box of 10 Cards (with envelopes) – $ 24.97
• 6″ X 6″ original painting – approx. 220.00
• 8″ X 10″ original painting – approx. 470.00
• 11″ X 14″ original painting – approx. 540.00

Contact Info:

• Website: https://melaneandco.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marissamelanehitt/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melaneandco
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MelaneandCo/featured
• Other: Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/melaneandco/_created/

Image Credits

Photos by Jenny Shipley

White florals by Victorian Gardens