Melissa Smith

Melissa Smith
info@timelessjunk.com
@timelessjunkfinejewelry
http://timelessjunk.com
Country
United States
State / Region
Maryland
Creative Director

ABOUT

Well, I'm a wife and mother of three amazing children. My hobbies are my art and are my healing. I love to promote positivity and feature new trends that spark conversation but also changes what we think about fashion. I am a lover of Minimalism and believe that simplicity is much sexier. It's subtle but dangerous enough to make others wonder who you are, where you're from and what motivates you. There is a mystery in Minimalism, and it often tells a story. When I'm not designing jewellery, I am behind the lens capturing dope photos that tantalise the mind and promotes the beauty of my clients. I fell in love with Photography when I re-launched my Jewelry line. Great shots become Epic memories. They are parts of a story that eventually become the past. What we know about history is mostly known by oral tradition, but it's the photos that help us identify the mood, the feeling, the pulse of past generations. I am a Professional School Counselor, and I like to think that we all have some creative side that nags at us at some point or another and mine is my art and love for Jewelry and Photography. My clients are the best, and they often travel with me throughout the years as I take on new challenges. Like I mentioned earlier, creating new art provides me with healing while also helping my clients heal. It makes me feel empowered when I produce a trend that becomes a staple in someone's life. I'm elated that my clients and customers have chosen me on their journey. They didn't have to, but I'm happy they did.

Melissa, what are your passion and aspiration in life? How did you start as a Creative Director?

My passions are capturing epic moments with epic people and creating jewellery that can become heirlooms. That's so hard to answer, but I'll take a shot. I aspire to have my line featured in high-end retail stores; I aspire to be sought after by people all across the world, I aspire to build a team of individuals who believe in my brand and work tirelessly to ensure that it stays minimalist and of the highest quality. I aspire to love and give as I am here to serve others on my journey. I have already been a Creative Director in my eyes. Not your ordinary or traditional idea of one but I have always been able to create and direct events that empower and engage others at their highest or their highest moments of their lives. Sometimes I believe I should've been a Film Director because I live to create clips of the imagination that eventually become memories or short stories. I began creating over ten years ago. Started with creating jewellery concepts and themes for my jewellery as well as the best content to make my jewellery more marketable.

Who is your inspiration in life Melissa? How do you keep inspired?

My inspiration is mostly found in my mom, dad, sister and my children. They motive me in ways beyond belief. They each have an aspect of their personality that I am actually in love with. I also find inspiration in art, music, cityscapes, local cafes and in people who walk to the beat of their drum. I love people who aren't afraid to be themselves and who don't mind sharing their uniqueness with the world. Now that's inspiring. I stay inspired by travelling, writing and listening to my inner voice.

We all make mistakes Melissa; we wish we could take back. Please tell us about time being a Creative Director; you wish you’d handled a situation differently with a colleague.

Well, I've made plenty of creative mistakes when making my art (jewellery). I've played with different pieces or gemstones that weren't necessarily bright or eye-catching, and those pieces didn't sell. So when that happened, I took the bracelets apart and redesigned the piece to analyze my markets response to the new piece. At times the response was unbelievable! I learned my market and knew what they wanted. It was good to know what my clients liked and what they would purchase. At times, I take chances and create things that I don't plan to undo. This is how I create trends. If it feels good to me, I keep it, and if not I go back to the drawing table. To be honest, I ran my own business on my own for years so, I never had an issue with another colleague. I'm still growing, and I know that at some point I will agree to disagree with my partners, but it's important to listen and be honest during times of uncertainty or conflict.

Melissa, when you’re working with a large number of clients, it’s tricky to deliver excellent service to them all. As a Creative Director, how do you go about prioritizing your clients’ needs?

So I prioritize my clients on a first come first serve basis unless someone's materials arrive quicker than the other. I create a list of all orders and mark them off just like a to-do list. I send emails updating them of their orders and thank you emails when the service has been completed. My goal is 100% satisfaction and honestly. This has benefited me and has allowed me to have to return clients/customers time and time again.

Please tell us, Melissa, about a time you had to be very strategic to meet all your top priorities as a Creative Director?

My custom orders can become a bit of a task at times, but I must be very strategic to work to get all of the orders out within a 7-14 day timeline. That's always my goal. With the relaunch of my newest jewellery line, I had to ensure that I was still engaging with my former clients, create my new site and the content, organize the photo shoot and hire my models as well as find the perfect location for the shoot. I created a task list with deadlines to ensure that I had everything scheduled to prepare for the official launch. It proved to be a success.

Melissa, please give us an example of a time when you were able to persuade someone to see things your way at work successfully.

I've been learning so much about analytics and marketing over the past few years, and I still have more learning to do, however; there are tricks of engagement on social media. I've helped my Brand Ambassador to understand the importance of hashtags and consistent posting better to engage our clients and help them convert to customers. She agreed and is continuing to use the strategies we know to work to build our business.

Melissa, please tell us about your proudest professional accomplishment as a Creative Director. There might be many, but there is always this proudest moment that you want to share with everyone. What is it and why?

My proudest moment was when I hit the button to share my website with the world. I worked so hard to create all the content and learn how to use the platform, and it gave me complete satisfaction. It was a huge weight that was lifted from my shoulders, and I was so proud to have a beautifully displayed website that was nothing short of trendy and eye-catching. It was the moment that I longed for. To share my passion and love for my art with the world.

Melissa, please give us an example of a time you were able to be creative with your work. What was exciting or difficult about it?

I'm always using creativity in my work. Whether it's designing pieces or editing photos. I can it's exciting to change the norm and offer another way or option to my customers/clients. It can be difficult when you're working to create something, and your client has a different vision however during those times, I listen and reflect on what matters most and that's my customer's satisfaction.

What advice would you give to the people who want to be successful as a Creative Director?

Do it. Don't be afraid to fail. Don't be afraid to take the k. Have fun and keep learning.

Are you looking for collaboration with fashion talents, brands and creatives? If yes, please state what type of collaboration you are looking for?

I would love to collaborate with anyone who is excited about my brand and what it offers. Beauty Magazines Brand Ambassadors Stylist/Fashionistas Retail Stores

Photo Credits:

@timelessfocusphotography @timelessjunkfinejewelry @armjunk