Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Arteaga.
Melissa, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
A while ago, I found my creative side while being a Biology undergrad student. I realized that working with my hands and creating new things helped me relieve stress and it even improved my concentration. After a while, crafting became my go to activity; I found inspiration in the smallest and most wonderful things. Without even realizing it, my scientific self, started to find my artistic self and fell in love with it. First, I taught myself how to do string art. Then I became obsessed with artisanal tapestries and through trial and error, I taught myself the wonderful art of weaving. Later, I discovered hand lettering and calligraphy, practicing them became a comforting activity. As I shared my creations with other people, their interest in owning them spiked, which inspired me to start selling my art. Being a scientific person, I had never envisioned myself as an artist. However, my mom was a really talented artist so I guess it was already in my DNA.
The idea of opening a store and workshop studio had been in my mind for a long time. I wanted to provide people with a place where they can buy quality handcrafted local goods for home decoration, as well as a space close to home where they could find different workshops, different opportunities to connect with more people within the community, and an innovative way to experience art. And I also wanted to provide different artists, like myself, with a platform for their art to be exhibited and appreciated.
Artisanat Home Decor is now a reality, we opened our doors on December 9th, 2017.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It definitely has not been a smooth and easy road, but it has been one that I wouldn’t change.
From creating the brand, finding the perfect spot, and inviting artists to participate and trust in this new project; I have definitely learned a lot!
It is not easy to get people to trust in something that has so far only existed in your mind. Being a new business and having such an unconventional concept for the store has been both good and challenging at times. Thankfully there are great artists and makers that trusted me & my dream and helped me bring it to life. Of course this wouldn’t be possible without the constant support from my family and friends.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
We sell handcrafted, high end & exclusive design home decor. Including our own line of products, we carry products form over 20 different artists from all over the United States and Mexico. We also offer different workshops in the store that can awaken creativity and inspire people to experience art in a new way.
Everything that we sell has been previously observed, studied and loved by us. We do not want to offer something to our customers that we wouldn’t want to own ourselves.
We appreciate and support the work and dedication that each artist pours into their work and we strive to share and incite that appreciation with the community.
What were you like growing up?
I have always been a cheerful person, I love to laugh and I always look for ways to make people happy or happier than they already are.
When I was a kid, I felt incredibly passionate about animals and wanted to be a veterinarian, although that didn’t change much; I am still an animal lover. Growing up I loved to play soccer, ride the motorcycle and just generally play outdoors with my cousins and friends. Even though my mother was always painting or creating in the house, I wasn’t really the type of kid to love arts & crafts. I tried several painting lessons and they all ended with me giving up because I thought I wasn’t skilled enough. Little did I know I would be doing this -and loving it! – When I grew up.
Contact Info:
- Address: 26400 Kuykendahl Rd
Ste A150
The Woodlands Tx.
77375 - Website: www.artisanatdecorstudio.com
- Phone: 832 953 2416
- Email: info@artisanatdecorstudio.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artisanathomedecor/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/artisanathomedecor
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/artisanat-home-decor-spring
Image Credit:
Andrés Malagón
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
