Today we’d like to introduce you to Melanie Sandlin.
Melanie, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I have always had a passion for art and a creative imagination. This was expanded with lengthy hospital stays in my childhood years where I was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease. I spent my days drawing and doing any possible crafts I could get from the hospital. Throughout my teen’s and twenties, I continued to seek an outlet for this creativity. When my youngest was born pre-mature at 28 weeks, I was also the sickest I had been in years. Recovering from two major abdominal surgeries and being by her side thru nine months of her first year in hospital stays really took a toll on me physically and mentally. I knew that she would need consistent parental care for those continual medical appointments of follow-ups and therapies. I was now a stay-at-home-mom after working full time from the age of 16. I began pursuing crafts/cakes more to allow myself to exert this creativity/passion in hopes to find the person I had lost during those years of physical and emotional pain. Mother’s Day 2019, I was gifted a Silhouette Cameo 3. I started off very slow, learning as much as I could about the machine and software before I even made my first project. After that first cut, I was hooked!! I knew this was the outlet I had been needing. I am able to make every single one of my ideas come to life and it satisfies my soul!!
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?
This was definitely one of the most difficult times in my life. Our daughter spent a total of 108 days in the NICU/PICU. I was living in a constant state of fear, losing more and more of myself. Despite this being one of my biggest internal struggles, I knew that I needed to put in work so I could provide the absolute best care for my family. I was juggling my own recovery, mine and our daughter’s doctor’s appointments, our (at the time) two years old son and adjusting to becoming a stay-at-home-mom. I was drained! There were days I could just not get motivated but I forced myself to do something, anything really to help ignite that flame again. Slowly but surely, as the days, weeks and months passed, I found myself picking up momentum! I was reshaping myself into a better person, wife and mother than I was before. My art has truly helped me see the brighter/colorful side of life again! I have been blessed with some amazing family and friends that showered me with nothing but love and support throughout that difficult time.
Please tell us about Makin’ Magic.
Unofficially, I started Makin’ Magic in July 2019. I had no business name and no plan. I just knew I wanted this to be more than just a hobby for me. I specialize in, but don’t limit myself to, fully custom event items and party packages including cake/cupcake topper, banner, decor and goodie bags! As a mom, I know how stressful it can be to plan birthday parties or events! So I want it to be as convenient as possible for you while still receiving custom, handmade products made with quality materials. Not to mention, one less thing you have to worry about! Am I right? Naturally, as I expand my knowledge into the party world, I have learned how to bake and decorate cakes. As well as making fondant roses and fondant cake toppers! I plan to further expand in this industry so I can provide you with a one stop shop for your event needs!
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
Definitely any holiday at my grandparent’s house!! My grandmother always had the most beautiful decorations and lots of tasty treats! As soon as I’d walk in the door, I would head straight to her candy jar, I still do actually! Her Christmas decorations have always been my favorite! The sentimental ornaments on the tree, nativity scenes, the train, lights and all of the matching glass/dinnerware! She has this little clear tree stand where you stick gumdrops on the branches, it’s always a huge hit!! She is my inspiration and I’m so grateful that I was able to have that experience growing up.
Contact Info:
- Email: melaniemcflyy@gmail.com
- Instagram: @melanie. mcflyy
- Facebook: @Makin’ Magic
Image Credit:
Sam Harrison – Caricature artist
Suggest a story: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
