Meet Melinda Hunter of Handkrafted by MHM

Today we’d like to introduce you to Melinda Hunter.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Melinda. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Art has always been an integral part of my life since childhood. It’s been the most freeing and inviting passion I have. I created Handkrafted by MHM in the summer of 2006 after years of volunteering as an arts & crafts instructor for several programs during high school. I started by offering instructed paint services and art project request to only members of my family, neighbors and close friends. Since its conception, it has blossomed from a fun hobby to an exciting business.

In January 2018, I re-launched Handkrafted by MHM with a focus on providing not just instructed paint services, but AFFORDABLE painting events. I also wanted to focus on providing my customers with convenience and comfort. We live in an era of convenience now. Where everything is accessible with one click of the mouse or smartphone. We want one-stop shops. And we want to do it without leaving the comfort of our homes. I’m definitely that We. So it was extremely important for those aspects to be incorporated into my business plan and ultimately became what defines Handkrafted by MHM. We are a mobile paint party company!

There is an indescribable atmosphere that comes from hosting at client locations versus customers having to go into a congested strip mall location or unfamiliar place. When they are at home, they will kick off their shoes. Grab some snacks from their fridge. Invite friends and neighbors. Joke, laugh, and relax. The experience is one of a kind.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
That gave me a good chuckle! Whew no, smooth is not the word. Becoming a first-time business owner is a challenge within itself but rewarding beyond anything I could have imagined. Having a passion is one thing but turning that passion into a business, a great business, is a totally different ballgame. When I re-launched, I didn’t have a blueprint or a thorough business plan. There were no cookie-cutter steps to follow. I had a vision. I had a talent. And I had Faith. I just needed to execute.

Personally, learning is the epitome of what this has been all about. The biggest lesson is expecting to learn something new everyday and embracing the unknown that comes along with it. I’ve had to learn the legalities of the business, hone my time management skills, learn the specific needs of the customer, learn new techniques of marketing. These things were foreign to me when I initially started. So I stepped out of my comfort zone, turned myself into a learning sponge and I was able to go further. The best comparison I’ve heard to entrepreneurship was jumping off a cliff and assembling your parachute on the way down.

Handkrafted by MHM – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Handkrafted by MHM is a mobile paint party company that specializes in creating one of a kind experiences and arts and crafts! My goal is to make each experience memorable. When my customers look back at their paintings and art pieces, I want them to recall the laughter they experienced with the friends and family they were surrounded by. We aim to inspire and cultivate a love for the arts! I can not tell you how many times, I’ve been blessed to hear a client say “I didn’t know I could paint this well” , “I can’t wait to do this again” , “this was my child’s first opportunity to do something like this”. Those moments are priceless. And the icing on the cake for them is, We bring everything! You just pick the place and grab your friends and family! If you’re looking for convenience, comfort, paint and laughter, We are the company for you. We cover Houston and surrounding areas and are currently expanding to reach more areas.

What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
The proudest moment of my career was being offered the opportunity to host a painting party celebrating Black Girl Magic in the arts during Black History Month alongside the Lady Texans and Houston Texans Cheerleaders for students of Yes Prep Academy. Only having re-launched a month prior, being considered was an honor. It reaffirmed why I was pursuing my passion. I remember being so nervous so I prayed on it and God told me I was exactly where I needed to be, doing what He called me to do. I had such a great time and the energy in the room was amazing. One of my most memorable experiences.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.handkraftedbymhm.com
• Phone: 2253668890
• Email: handkraftedmhm@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/handkraftedbymhm/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HandKraftedbyMHM/

Image Credit:
ReyBryant Marketing

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