Shop Talk Feature: Love Like Red

It has been quite some time since we've had a nice Shop Talk feature and I'm so happy that a shop I've been following since last year has not only done a major facelift, but has truly become all that I knew this shop could be! I stumbled upon Melissa on Instagram last year and fell in love with her unique art and style, though she was just really getting her bearings for Love Like Red, I new she was going to become something phenomenal. Time has taken its course and Melissa has not only debut her new shop, but is ready to share what she has been doing as well as her gift. From how to say thank you or just because, Love Like Red has exactly the card you're looking for! Please read, check out her site, and purchase some stunning stationary (with a great discount of course!).

Q: Share a little about yourself:

A: I work out of my home studio in Victoria, BC, Canada, having moved here a little over a year ago. Inspired by life’s soft and quirky nuances, starting a line of greeting cards seemed like a very natural progression in creativity. I prefer pen to paint but love the challenge in exploring new mediums which (in my humble opinion) has led to a really beautiful collection of work.

I've always been a crafty and creative kid, it seemed inevitable that I would pursue a life of making things although I took a lot of detours before arriving here today. And right alongside making art has been my insane love of making and giving cards to friends and family. What joy to be able to bring the two together! Of course, being able to translate my artwork and illustrations into accessible forms of art for others is what drives me to keep going.

Q: How did Love Like Red get started? 

A: It really just happened so naturally. When we moved to Victoria we bought a home with an extra room specifically for a studio space for me. Once I got in there and had the time and space to create, Love Like Red just poured out of me. Technically, LLR started August 2013 but officially it just opened this past week (Sept. 8, 2014). When Carmen first approached me last year to do this interview I agreed because I was excited but it turned out I had no idea what I was doing. I couldn’t answer these questions with
any certainty. Fast forward less than a year later and I have a plan! It’s been a lot [a lot] of trial and error but I never lost the belief that I was on the right path.

Q: What do you love most about running a handmade business?

A: That I’m my own boss. I left high school early : ) mostly because I have always struggled with doing things on other peoples schedule and being told how to do it. I love that the success of my business solely depends on me and that I get to decide on how to structure my days, how to offer my work to the world and that it is a chance to share a small piece of my own world with others. I’ve never really fit in to any one thing or group or ideal so having something that is completely my own to sculpt and craft feels good and natural.

Q: What has been your greatest small business achievement thus far? 

A: I don’t know if there is one thing in particular. I am proud of myself for having the courage to do something that still seems a bit crazy. The market seems to be saturated with small creative businesses especially in paper and stationery but it is so much a part of me that I have to do it. This whole process has been challenging and I think about quitting at least 6 times a week but that would be like thinking about quitting life and we all know that is not an option. In all honesty, there hasn’t been a lot of specific achievements but I carry on believing that it will all come in time and with a heck of a lot of hard work! I’m ready for it.

Q: What is your advice for small business owners? (Top Three) 

A: You are not the only one who has no idea what you’re doing — everybody is faking it til they make it. So do that.

Love Like Red is offering all of my readers a special discount starting today until next Wednesday!

Use PROMO CODE: blueswallow14 for 15% off any purchase over $25

Thank you so much Melissa for sharing not only your shop, but who you are! I hope that you all will visit her shop and share it with others! Have an amazing handmade day friends. If you would like to feature shoot me an email!