WELL, ONCE UPON a time there lived a little girl who loved to dream. Really, y'all, I've always been a vivid dreamer, glass half full, god-believing, future planning kind of girl. Growing up in Austin, Texas with a mom as a graphic designer and a dad specializing in finance and photography, my house was always steaming with the commotion of creative projects. Painting, art camps, there was always something going on- a crafty heaven with every possible art supply you could ever imagine in our upstairs art closet! That's not to mention the sweet smell of chocolate chip cookies wafting throughout our home in all hours of the day! Elementary school, middle school, creating away until we moved to Dripping Springs,TX my 8th grade year.

Starting CiMi Shine with my mom, a business designing personalized plates, stationery, stickers, gifty goods, I gained my first real insight into crafting for business- turning my art into sellable products. As our business progressed throughout the years, I grew not only in my artistic ability, but became addicted to Adobe Illustrator as graphic design became second nature in everything I did. As senior year came around, covid hitting, I  found that I wanted to explore my style- my art- spread my wings a little bit, so I founded Mel Makes based on my Instagram account @melmadeart. 

It was here that I've experienced building a clothing line, Created volunteer opportunities for kids in my school, experimented with podcasts and course creation, freelance work in baking and art alike, a wild ride of exploration with a purpose of aspiring to inspire. Inspire others to find their creative joy, empower girls and women- but honestly, humanity in general- that they can overcome anything in front of them, and express not only my inner shine, but compose a place and shop to inspire you to be the YOU-nique human that you are and be PROUD of YOU!

As a website that's constantly changing, exploring new things, experimenting, stay in touch via instagram and sign up for my monthly newsletter to experience the wonders created by a driven pursuit of curiosity!