Meet Melissa Smith
The instruction was crystal clear. The steps were attainable. Bonnie Christine felt like a genuine friend, who truly cared about my learning and success.
I have been creating fine art for the last decade. The art show scene is a lot of heavy lifting (physically and metaphorically), and it was a very inconsistent payoff. I was not finding ways to create lasting connection with art buyers, and the cost of my time was incredibly high for my family. I am a special needs mom, and as my son got older his needs were becoming more all-encompassing. I knew my window for running all over to do art shows was closing. I began to consider other avenues.
It was then I began doing some POD products because I love the intersection of art and function. I spent a lot of trial-and-error money printing samples of these products. I still had no idea how to transition my art into true pattern. At some point in this early journey, I came across Bonnie Christine through social media. I was immediately drawn to her warmth and the encouraging message she had for creatives. However, the cost was high for me, and I let the 2023 Immersion deadline pass. I tried to self-teach through free YouTubes and other disconnected online learning. I made tiny progress. My original art continued to sell, but my son's situation was becoming more and more challenging.
I took a free class with Bonnie. Her teaching methodology was very practical, down-to-earth, and easy to understand. I discussed the possibility of taking the course with my husband. He has always been my biggest fan and supporter, and he encouraged me to take the risk. So I signed up for the 2024 Immersion class. I thought perhaps I could still create art and work from home in the surface design industry.
Immersion taught me EVERYTHING (and truth be told, I haven't even finished) and more. There was so very, very much packed into that course. I couldn't believe I wasted a year. The best thing I took away from Immersion was to not be afraid of the technology. A skilled teacher can teach you anything. I feel confident creating a pattern. I feel confident there is space for me. I feel confident expressing my unique voice.
As a result of the incredible launch of my skill set, that I feel is only beginning, I have designed a line of luxury decorator pillows, tea towels, table linens, and various other items. I am selling them very successfully in the store I opened this year with my mom called The Robin Nest (www.therobinnest.com). I am able to work primarily from home because of our INCREDIBLE team. We have the opportunity to represent our own work as well as dozens of other extraordinary makers. We are just a mom and daughter who had a dream.
Bonnie Christine is a woman about lifting others up. Her encouragement and teaching superpower propelled me forward. The possibilities seem limitless. I look forward to continuing to help artists share their work. I love to help people tell the story of their lives through the landscape of their homes. I am finding space for my creative journey and am still able to be the primary caregiver to my precious son. As for my pattern design, I have a hundred new ideas brewing that I will bring to life one step at a time.
Thank you, Bonnie Christine and team, for your tremendous investment in me. As for the cost I thought was high? I am indebted to you.
