Meet Marina Messura | Small Business Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Marina Messura and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Marina, what makes you happy? Why?
Being creative and having a creative outlet to turn to is one of the biggest motivators for me, and definitely the biggest driver for my happiness. Not only do I use my business of crocheting and making jewelry to keep me happy through a creative outlet, but I also love to knit, draw, paint, and participate in lots of other crafty activities. I like to joke that these keep me sane, but they quite honestly do. If I didn’t have art to turn to when I need to relieve stress, take a break from work, or even just do when I’m bored, I don’t know how I’d survive. It’s also not only just an outlet for me, but something that connects me to others as well. I’ve made a lot of friends during my time in college so far through arts clubs, organizations, and events. Having crochet and jewelry making as a way to meet and connect with new people is a great thing, and something I’m definitely grateful for.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My business, Made by Mar, is one that I sell both crochet and jewelry products through. While these are very different spheres of art, I love to do both and am thankful that I am able to sell both types of products through my business. I think one of the main things that sets me apart from other small business owners is my model of choosing which products to make and sell. Most businesses, and this is probably the smarter thing to do, sell and cater to a specific niche. Whether that be making soap bars or crocheting stuffed animals, it’s usually a good business practice to have a specific category of products. I, on the other hand, like to pride myself on the fact that I make and sell the products that I want to. I love making crocheting stuffed animals, but I also love to crochet keychains, coasters, flower bouquets, and a whole skew of other products. While this definitely sets me apart from others and may not always be the most effective business model, it’s one that keeps me happy and motivated to keep doing what I love. Getting to this point wasn’t an easy road, though, and it was one that took a lot of time, practice, and work. My biggest challenge was working up the confidence to start selling my products in the first place, because I had previously only been making items as gifts for friends and family. I’m glad I took the first step, though, and was able to overcome the initial anxiety about starting something so new and unknown. Over the past year I’ve learned so much about marketing and managing things like social media, finances, and my product inventory. It’s been incredibly fun and even more rewarding, and deciding to take the first step will forever be something I am proud of.

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.
If I had a best friend coming to visit and I wanted to show them my favorite spots in the area, my first stop would be Tea Hill on Franklin Street. I am a huge boba lover, and their food menu is also great. Visiting McIntyre’s Books in Fearrington Village would also be a must, as well as walking around Fearrington Village in general. I’d also go to Southern Village, and visit the Lumina Theater and La Vita Dolce!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would love to credit Payton Wilkins, a friend of mine, for inspiring me to take the next step with my crocheting and start a business out of it. I met Payton through a crocheting club in my first semester at UNC Chapel Hill, and we not only bonded over our shared interest in fiber arts, but she also was the reason I had the confidence to start my business. When I did, she was always encouraging, helpful, and a wonderful friend to me, which is something I will always be grateful for.

Website: https://www.studentmadeunc.com/shop?tag=Marina%20Messura

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madebymar_art/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marina-messura-965737261/