Today we’d like to introduce you to Molly Stephens.
Hi Molly, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers.
During my undergraduate years of college, I knew I needed a way to have a creative outlet – never in a million years did I think it would take me to where I am today.
All my life I have been creative. My whole family is – we get it from my mom! But, it all started with my sorority’s big/little baskets in 2018. I was getting a little myself, so I was creating different things to put into her baskets. As time went on, I realized that I could make a little money doing this, so alas, Mezzy Paintings was born. Mezzy Paintings was originally supposed to be “Messy Paintings” – because of my initials MES – but that name was taken on Instagram, lol, so Mezzy Paintings it was. With the encouragement of my friends at the time, I grew my business much faster than I ever anticipated. After beginning my paintings, it grew from sorority big/little to family and pet portraits at Christmas time, into Live Wedding Painting! That is where I’m at now.
I absolutely adore the wedding industry. It is so full of love and excitement. Whenever I am hired to paint at someone’s wedding, it is such an honor that they want me to be a part of their big day.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
With being an artist, a student, and an employee for different jobs, nothing is consistent. In the beginning, it was a constant easy income, as my paintings’ audience targeted people my age in my sorority. But, as I have grown up, I have moved away from doing sorority paintings and fully launched myself into the wedding industry. Because of this growth, I have also grown professionally – realizing my worth in my work – which causes inconsistency because of pricing.
Over the last years that I have had this business, 2018-present, I have graduated college and started my Master’s in Business Administration. I currently am a graduate student, a graduate assistant, a bartender, and a small business owner. I seriously have a day job, a night job, and a side hustle. Time management is key, but something that becomes a struggle when you also need to sleep, lol.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I specialize in live wedding painting and decor. Known for weddings, pet portraits, and family portraits. My favorite thing is when people recognize me in public and say “oh you painted my ___, it’s hanging in my house!”
I am most proud of myself. There have been many times when I have felt like I wanted to quit, give up, or just shut down, but I am happy that I have always stuck through those rough patches and persevered.
My willingness is what sets me apart from others. I am always up for a challenge and love being able to bring someone’s idea to life.
What are your plans for the future?
At this point, I honestly have no idea what my plans are for the future. In the last year, I have changed career paths, as I graduated with a degree that I realized I no longer plan to use. As well as, started a whole new field I have only personal, not educational, experience. But I’m working with it. I have to take everyday day by day and just go with the flow.
I’m currently looking forward to the full calendar of weddings that I have. These range from Tennessee to Florida and I cannot wait!
Pricing:
- Wedding Paintings start at $650
- Wedding Cornhole Boards are $250
- After-the-Wedding Paintings start at $100
- Pet Portraits start at $15
- Custom Orders pricing varies, but is always available!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/mezzypaintings
- Instagram: @mezzypaintings
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mezzypaintings
