Meet Melanie Timm | Artisan & Creative

We had the good fortune of connecting with Melanie Timm and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Melanie, what matters most to you?
Living authentically. I’m always at my best when I live authenically and true to myself. For many many years I lived an inauthentic life trying to be what I thought others wanted or what was expected of me. I was never at my best and even more importantly, I wasn’t successful in my life. I had to discover who I was and what qualities made me feel the most at peace within the world. Once that happened, everything came into focus and off I went. It takes too much wasted energy to pretend or live another version of someone. Transitioning to an authenic life can be tricky so I took small steps. Thoughtfully making changes. Now I’m here doing what I love.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Currently, my business is focused on macrame and fiber art. I think I’ve always been drawn to textiles and fiber art. I’m very into their sensory attributes and uniqueness of each artisan. It’s all about the artisan’s hands and each piece is unique because it’s all handcrafted. No machines or exact replications.

I wish I could say I’ve always been a professional artisan but that wasn’t my path. It wasn’t until recently that I had the opportunity to turn my lifelong passion into a business. Creative businesses are difficult and usually have bumpy roads. It’s easy to give up, but I know that my life is better when I’m creating even during the hard times. I’ve learned that I don’t have to do it all. If I need to outsource or take a break I do that. Sometimes I have to get income in other ways. In the past, I would throw up my hands and feel like I failed. Now, I dig in. Do what I need to keep the business going even if that means slowing down to reevaluate. This year has been tough and I’ve had to pivot a few times in my approach. But I conciously tell myself this is just part of the process.

My brand is all about authenticity. I want to be true to my style and provide my customers with a unique piece that makes them smile when they see or use it. Knowing it is the only of it’s kind because I made it with my hands. I like to sell my pieces in person and love to meet the person buying it. It’s always a great experience.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My grandmothers! I lost them both early in life but they made a huge impact on me and my path to being a creative. They gave me encouragement, support and all the love I needed to unlock my abilites. Each providing different aspects that molded me early in life. Without them I would have never had the confidence to dig into creativity and use it as an outlet. Being a creative has saved my life many times and I owe that to them.

Website: bennieanndesigns.com

Instagram: @bennieanndesigns

Facebook: @bennieanndesigns