Meet Melissa St-Jean: Visual Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Melissa St-Jean and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Melissa, why did you pursue a creative career?
I have been drawing since I knew how to form sentences so art is so ingrained into my DNA that I cannot go a day without at least one creative thought. I explored many options when it came to a career but I was always drawn back to art. Society generally makes it a challenge to focus on art. Early on we’re led to believe that art is for those who are wealthy, with formal training, or simply have no better choices in life. It was farfetched to choose a creative career because ‘it doesn’t make money’. To give you a little background, I was on track to complete a STEM education through the BEAT program (Biomedical, Environmental, Agriculture Technology). I am a first-generation Haitian-American and my parents steer me toward being a doctor or a lawyer. I was always gifted enough to pursue logic based studies but my heart was never into it. One activity that did excite me was art. I loved the idea of creating something new from my mind or bringing someone else’s vision to life. It is pure magic to be so creative. I began seriously following my passion as early as middle school with requests to design prom dresses for upperclassmen. Nevertheless, when I entered high school as an awkward 14-year-old, I chose the Health program because I thought maybe I could be a Pathologist and/or a Pharmacist. As soon as I took my first medical class I knew immediately that pursuing medicine just wasn’t my dream. I spent all of high school getting in trouble for doodling in class. After I graduated from high school and I obtained a certificate in Phlebotomy, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to study. The only thing I was sure of was a surge of creativity in me that was ready to burst. I dabbled in Interior Design while at Miami Dade College to explore my horizons. Eventually, I met an Anthropology professor whose teaching style made me fall deeply in love with the subject thinking this was the career for me. Anthropology is the study of humans and humans are so interesting. After I graduated, I pursued Anthropology and African Studies at the University of Florida. While pursuing these studies, I continued to foster my appreciation, understanding, and natural abilities in art through the many resources available to me. As my talent grew, I also began to find art as an outlet and source of comfort through the challenging times we all face in life. My art began gathering a following but I hadn’t yet approached it as a profession. I made free artwork for my friends and family just accepting it as a hobby. The catalyst was the Black Wall Street course I took in my last semester at UF. My professor assigned us a business plan to present by the end of the semester. Primarily, I thought to write about a long term venture so I can simply complete the assignment. The more I thought about it, it occurred to me that this was an opportunity for a professional to put my hidden dream under a microscope of becoming a studio artist. With his blessing and an A on the assignment, MeliPaints was born and the rest is Herstory!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’ve learned to completely trust the process and look at the bigger picture. Being an artist allows me to share my vision and process which led me to conclude that is my life’s purpose. The challenge of making art that will never be replicated is one of my driving forces. Coupling this with matching vibrant colors equates to a masterpiece. I am most proud of my portraits. My expertise expands to every art form from abstract to landscape and everything in between. My biggest passion is creating art with an attached emotional connection for the onlooker. I want my art to be remembered and felt on a deeper level I couldn’t imagine and I succeed in this task humbly. Trial and error coaxed me to develop professionally. There are days when I feel like I’m wasting my time with a creative career but that feeling has never overcome. Those days include the moments when a customer forces me to put hours of work to unfortunately not pay for my services. To combat those specific customers, I created a contract to protect myself. Art is a luxurious commodity. There is no urgency for today’s artwork which sometimes makes it difficult to find reliable clients. I learned consistency. Creating art every day does not only improve skills but also creates exposure for more potential customers to love your art. Personally, the real destination for paintings and drawings isn’t to finish. It is all about the creative journey which always has a lesson hidden. I learn my lessons and adjust accordingly. I would like the world to know that every single thing is possible no matter the obstacle. Once you are prepared with the knowledge you desire, persistence will take you where you want to go. Practice makes better and being humble is key to holding your vision to evolve your business to greater successes. MeliPaints is and will continue to be a work in progress. I’ve come this far and cannot wait to see how far I will go!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would first take my best friend to Hollywood beach every morning to get some exercise and enjoy South Florida’s commodity.– the beach! Afterwards we would visit the Wynwood walls to view artwork from Miami’s greatest artists. While there we would visit the Perez Art Museum for more art viewing. When hungry, I would offer a few of my favorite restaurants like Awash Ethiopian Restuarant or Boe Legs off of 163rd street. I am not much of a drinker so after some refreshing water, I would take my best friend to see the Miami Sky Line for some great views. Miami has some beautiful parks so hikes would be on the agenda. At night (if the pandemic disappeared) I would go to Las Olas to go bar hopping and show my best friend what the nightlife is about. I am not the type to stay in Miami, so within that week, I would go to Devils Den in Ocala to do some more swimming and Tampa so see Florida’s beautiful quartz sand. Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Instagrams: @kawaiijolie Enjoli for painting with me and inspiring me to continue with confidence @emyrean.sweets for monetary support @rjkr8 for support and motivation @_kremas for support and encouragement @bon_ti_epis for starting a new business surrounded by art with me @nappy.headed_mayhem the best customer ever @thefgcgroup for support, mentorship, and encouragement @dahny_d for support, mentorship, and encouragement

Website: www.melipaints.com

Instagram: @_melipaints

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melipaintsacrylic

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYMV0_0l5gNnjkGDGHx55aw

Image Credits
Melissa St-Jean