I am loving today’s Meet a Mom interview! Mellisa is a local mom to 3 boys and is the creator behind Uplifted Wood Signs. Her whole shop exudes positivity, encouragement, joy, and hope 🤍. Several years ago, Mellisa might have told you she doesn’t have an artistic talent or creative bone in her body! But 4 years ago, her husband brought home some wooden pallets and creative juices started flowing she didn’t even know existed. It was the first time in a long time, that she found joy in something outside of being a mom. Through the support of her friends, family, and community, Uplifted is now a thriving business where she can create around her boy’s schedules and even includes them in the woodworking. Melissa makes beautiful wooden signs with uplifting messages – she makes custom orders or you can order her designs from her Etsy shop.
Check out this inspiring mom’s interview below to learn more about how she went from a stay at home mom to a business owner, what this business means to her, and don’t miss her amazing advice to all the mamas out there.
Where are you from originally and how long have you lived in the North Houston area?
I grew up in Southern California! We recently moved to Texas about a year ago. It’s been a very welcome change and we really love so many things about this beautiful state. California is wonderful in a lot of ways, but unfortunately it sure has changed a lot over the years. We couldn’t get to Texas fast enough and we’re here for the long haul!
How many kiddos do you have and how old are they?
I have three boys ages 16, 12, and 10. They are my heart and I adore being a boy mama.
What is your favorite local things to do?
Nature is our happy place. Anytime I can get out and go on a hike, kayak, or go fishing with my guys it makes my day. As a matter of a fact, I’d have to say mine and my husband’s favorite local date is kayaking on lake woodlands. We bring a bottle of wine and watch the sunset and it’s so peaceful and beautiful!
As hard as it is to find the time, what’s something you do just for yourself?
This is a tough one because I definitely struggle with self-care. I love yoga butttt haven’t practiced it since moving here. I’m happy to say that I recently signed up @ The Woodlands Yoga Studio and I can’t wait to enjoy my first class.
When did you begin Uplifted Wood Signs and what was the inspiration behind starting this business?
I started Uplifted Wood Signs without a plan but with a purpose of pure enjoyment. Being a stay at home mom, my focus has always been on my boys. Most days I was lost in their busy world and my own didn’t really exist. My love to create started 4 years ago when my husband brought home a few wood pallets just for fun. It got my creative juices flowing that I didn’t even know existed. Since then, I’ve found that turning on some good music and painting signs is so therapeutic. It just makes me happy! Over time, this little hobby turned into a small business thanks to the wonderful support of friends, family and community. Supporting local and supporting small truly makes a difference.
What products and services do you offer? Are you open to custom orders?
I love making uplifting and inspiring wooden signs and home décor. In my Etsy shop you can find a wonderful variety of rustic and modern wooden signs. Custom orders are my jam and I absolutely love working with you to create a special and personalized sign unique to you.
What did you do before starting Uplifted Wood Signs?
I was a second grade teacher before I decided to stay home with my little ones. I’ve been fortunate to be a stay at home mom for many years now. It wasn’t easy though. In so many ways you lose yourself as a mom. Uplifted Wood Signs has helped bring back a part of me, something that I, Mellisa enjoy doing. I’m proud of this little biz I’ve created and it brings me a lot of joy.
Why “Uplifted”? What was the reasoning behind the name of your business?
This is a great question. The word “uplifted” came to me one day and it just stuck. Uplifted: filled with happiness, optimism or hope. Lifting someone up. Bringing someone joy. Boost, raise, elevate, inspire, lift, cheer up, enliven, brighten up, encourage, revive. We rise by lifting others!!
Where does your talent come from? Have you always had a natural artistic talent?
I have actually never been naturally creative or artistic. I am a self-taught woodworker and it has totally brought out creativity I never knew I had. I always say it’s my creative therapy because it brings me so much peace and I absolutely love doing it. Do what you love, love what you do!
How do you ‘balance’ being a mama and a business owner? Do you experience the dreaded “mom guilt”.
The struggle is real and mom guilt is definitely a thing!! Balancing mom life and owning my own business is not easy and I definitely don’t claim to have it all down. I take it one day at a time! Being a mom is always first, but my self-made business is very important to me. It makes it easier that my kids are a bit older. Knowing I have flexibility is also a biggie. I can start on a project, take my kids to practice then work on it in bits and pieces throughout the day. I love involving my family whenever and wherever I can. At times, you can find my boys measuring, painting or helping with packaging, and my husband often helps with those big or complicated cuts. I love exposing my kids to woodworking as well as teaching some of the component of running a small business. The support and encouragement I get from them makes all the difference.
Future plans and dreams for Uplifted Wood Signs?
Girl, I’m taking this journey one day at a time. I would love to see a few of my signs in some small shops around here. In the future, I dream of an adorable family-owned farmhouse chic shop filled with the cutest home decor and a huge workshop in the back. Who knows, maybe it will be reality one day.
What is the best mom advice you’ve ever been given or the best advice you have for a new mama?
Be intentional!
As a busy mom it’s SO hard to slow down and be present in the moment. Being intentional requires understanding that our attitudes, feelings, thoughts and actions directly impact every experience we have. It’s all about being mindful of what is around us and finding the beauty in it. Slow down and enjoy it mama! I love this quote and always helps me to put things into perspective:
“And every day, the world will drag you by the hand, yelling, “This is important! And this is important! And this is important! You need to worry about this! And this! And each day, it’s up to you to yank your hand back, put it on your heart and say, “No, This is what’s important.”
-Iain Thomas
Follow Uplifted Wood Signs on Social Media & Shop on Etsy:
Facebook: @UpliftedWoodSigns
Instagram: @UpliftedWoodSigns