Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Roberts.
Melissa, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Six years ago, I was going through a transitional period in my life and I began painting as a creative outlet. The canvases began piling up and I realized that I was running out of space. One day, I took a plain hat that I had lying around and painted it. A few days later while I was playing volleyball, a friend noticed the hat and commented on how much they liked it. Not long after, I was making hats for all of my friends at the beach and business evolved naturally from there.
Now, my business really has several facets. I custom paint hats for many local businesses and groups in the area as well as around the world. I also sell my custom designs to friends, acquaintance, and individuals who locate me through my website and social media. One of the things I enjoy most though is the hat painting events I put on that give people the opportunity to have fun, meet and connect with new and old friends, and go home with something one of a kind that they can be proud of creating.
When I first started, I was surprised by how many new connections I made. Karma Kaps has touched the lives of people I never would have connected with otherwise.
I often host hat painting parties for groups or teams. It’s such a fun and unique event and you leave with a piece of wearable art.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
At times, growing Karma Kaps has been very smooth, sometimes, I feel like I am very much in the flow where things happen naturally and within perfect timing. Other times, things don’t feel as smooth. Little things will go wrong with shipping or a custom order might change last minute or pouring rain likes to show up at outdoor art walks. Just like life, everything comes and goes in waves.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Karma Kaps – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
Hand-painted hats. Hat painting events. Heat press designs.
I have been individually hand-painting every hat for six years now, I just added heat press designs to the list which allows me a little more creative freedom. I also love to host hat painting events at local restaurants, house parties and set up at a green market or art walk.
The part I am most proud of is how these hats make people feel, they get excited just like I do because it’s fun wearable one-of-a-kind art!
What’s your outlook for the industry in our city?
Deerfield Beach has been a great spot to start Karma Kaps, this city has a very local beach vibe. There is a lot of local support, which I love & I do my best to reciprocate as much as possible. Lots of talent.
Pricing:
- Pre-made Hats $25
- Custom hand-painted hat $45
- T-Shirts $33
- Reusable Straws $3.50
- Tote Bags $18
Contact Info:
- Website: www.karmakaps.com
- Email: lovekarmakaps@gmail.com
- Instagram: @karmakaps
- Facebook: @karmakaps
Image Credit:
Photography: Lawrence Chappe, Laser Engraving: Cotton King Inc.
Getting in touch: VoyageMIA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
