Cassidy: Welcome, Meleka! Please give our readers an introduction of yourself and a little about your business, MT 3D Origami, LLC.
Meleka: My name is Meleka Taylor, and I am a native of Baton Rouge, LA. I am a kid at heart, so I like to laugh a lot (mainly at myself). I am a person who likes to read, so I spend most of my alone time reading a range of fiction and non-fiction books. My business is called MT 3D Origami, LLC. I make solid 3D origami figures of different characters from cartoons, anime, movies, etc.
Cassidy: Thank you for the opportunity to interview you, Meleka! I love your work and how your personality shines through in everything you do. Your passion for reading and creativity must be such a source of inspiration for the work you create.
Please tell our readers more about your products.
Meleka: As stated before, I make solid 3D origami figures of different characters. You can buy them as collector items, decorations, gifts, or any other purposes that suit you. I also make custom orders for items a person does not see.
Meleka: My greatest accomplishment is nourishing the relationships that have helped me flourish and me being the same to those people in return. I have let go of unproductive associations and knowing with certainty that my ‘no’ means ‘no.’ Also, just starting my business. I was really unsure about whether anyone wanted it, and whether I would make money. I just took the leap, like Myles Morales (I hope you get the reference).
Cassidy: Relationships are such a key part of any journey, and it’s inspiring to hear how intentional you’ve been about nurturing meaningful ones. And yes, I absolutely caught the Myles Morales reference. *laughs* Taking that leap of faith is such a powerful metaphor for pursuing your dreams!
Cassidy: On that note, what advice would you give to entrepreneurs struggling to balance their life and business?
Meleka: It’s hard because I truly do not have an answer to this due to me not accomplishing this part yet. The method helping me to get closer to that goal is making plans with attainable dates, so I have something to push me along. Get ‘er done, then you can have some fun! Also, you should do an activity that complements your gifts and abilities. When you are promoting your business at events, it will not seem like work, and you are more inclined to make meaningful connections with people with similar ambitions and goals.
Cassidy: Balance is such a work in progress for so many entrepreneurs, and I love your approach of setting realistic goals and deadlines to keep yourself on track. Finding joy in what you do and connecting with like-minded people is such valuable advice for anyone on this journey.
Cassidy: Along your entrepreneurial journey, what marketing techniques have you used to sell your products? And which ones have been most successful?
Meleka: I have done selling events, such as pop-up shops and vendor events. I also have a selling page on Etsy. Etsy has been the most successful. That platform places me in the view of customers around the world, unlike the others where everyone is local.
Cassidy: It’s incredible how platforms like Etsy can expand your reach and connect you with a global audience. Pairing that with in-person events must give you such a well-rounded approach to marketing your work.
Cassidy: In addition to your marketing endeavors, what projects are you currently working on?
Meleka: I am currently working on projects for upcoming, popular movies this year. For example, there will be a new Deadpool 3 movie with Wolverine, Joker movie, Sonic the Hedgehog, etc.
Cassidy: That sounds like such a fun and exciting lineup! These projects are sure to resonate with fans of all ages, and I can’t wait to see how you bring these characters to life in 3D origami.
Cassidy: After your current projects are completed, what are some of your long term goals? For instance, where do you see your business in three years?
Meleka: In three years, I see myself working out-of-state anime conventions. I would also like to be doing an origami class online. I would love to be working with multi-million/billion companies such as Disney, Marvel, DC, and production companies to produce collector edition figures.
Cassidy: I love your vision for the future! Attending anime conventions and collaborating with major companies would be such a fantastic way to showcase your talent on a larger scale. Your dream of teaching online origami classes sounds like a wonderful way to share your art with others, too.
Cassidy: Thank you so much, Meleka, for sharing your journey and insights with us! Readers, be sure to check out her work and follow her on social media:
Etsy – https://www.etsy.com/shop/MT3DOrigami
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/mt3dorigami
TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/mt3dorigami
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/MTOrigami
