Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Riddle.
Hi Melissa, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I started my small shop as a way to keep the Disney magic alive while we couldn’t visit the parks during the shutdown. It was a fabulous way to spend time with my daughter. I realized my event planning skills weren’t being put to use enough while at home. So I started compiling photos of my daughter’s themed birthdays and shared reels of them on my Instagram.
We started creating content for a podcast (coming soon) but quickly found ourselves wanting fun merch to share with fellow parks lovers. My shop is known for the 50th themed mouse straw toppers and will be launching tees and other fun park-related items this summer!
Not going to lie, it was super scary. But the best decision I ever made was to start my brand and LLC!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I’m a perfectionist. I spend so much time questioning myself. But I am also a firm believer in creating a product that is unique and most of all, something that I am SUPER proud of. Some of my struggles were with the basics of branding. I didn’t want to launch without a clear vision. I wanted people to know what they could expect of me and my shop. I let that get in my way for months. Thank goodness for Fiverr and finding an amazing designer to help me get ideas flowing for such an affordable rate.
As you know, we’re big fans of Melissa in the Magic. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Melissa in the magic is my LLC. It started with the vision of being an umbrella to other entities. Currently, it is my Etsy shop that offers pixie dusted straw toppers for your trip to Disney. Launching this summer will be park-themed apparel as well as a podcast about all things Disney and Universal.
My small shop is unique in that I truly customize my glitters used for my toppers. (Fun fact: it takes me about four tests to find the right ratio and mixture. Which is an initial “research investment” of about $60 per topper I test.)
I will also be designing and making my apparel with my husband in our home.
The podcast will focus on experiences in the parks. I absolutely love the Disney podcast community, so don’t get me wrong here… but I want to offer something different. Whether it’s park tips, how to plan a fun-themed event, so on!
Later this year, I’ll be expanding my brand to offer some fun events in the Orlando area as well as offerings for you to throw some fun-themed parties at home!
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
Patience and confidence.
Contact Info:
- Email: Melissainthemagic@gmail.com
- Website: https://etsy.me/3w2ErDg
- Instagram: Melissainthemagic
Image Credits
@nikocoreyphotography
