Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Meli.
Hi Melissa, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My name is Melissa Meli & I am obsessed with dogs! I grew up as a “military brat” moving year after year. I never know how to answer the question “Where are you from?” I never stayed in one place long enough to consider myself a local, until I moved to Fuquay Varina in 2002 & well, I’m still here. It was very difficult for me to make friends growing up, let alone keep them. I am a very introverted person, who talks to animals.
Most of my memories as a child almost always involve an animal. Whether it was finding a lost dog, naming it and painting its nails, to being chased by the neighborhood dog, “saving” all of the baby frogs and keeping them in my room, or even “rescuing” a caterpillar and forgetting that they can easily crawl out of a box… shhh don’t tell my mom.
So, I have always dreamt of someday working with animals as a full-time, career, especially dogs! But things never go as planned, and I started working a full-time job straight out of high school. Shortly after, I became pregnant & was now a mom to a little boy named Ethan. Then became a wife and focused on my career in Optometry.
Fast forward a good few years, and now my son is a teenager who no longer wants my attention 24/7. I knew that I needed to find something to do that I enjoyed and was passionate about to stay busy. I was inspired by a few coworkers who had recently started something new & exciting for themselves as women to do part-time. So, I pulled out an old notebook that I kept from 2017 with notes and recipes scribbled down everywhere. This is how Honey Paw began.
Somewhere around April 2021, I decided that it was time to pursue my dream. I started researching everything that I needed to know about dogs and their health. I knew that I only wanted to use organic, non-toxic ingredients with scents that are safe for dogs. And with three dogs of my own, I had so many ideas! I’m not one to jump in and start something that I am not familiar with. I like to research as much information as possible so that I can have a good understanding of what I’m getting myself into.
I still have lots of learning to do, especially when it comes to running a small business. But I have finally found what I’m good at and what makes me happy.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I wish I could say it’s been a smooth road, but nothing in life is easy. And honestly, I prefer it this way. I’ve learned SO much in the last several months. And without those struggles, I wouldn’t know what I know today. A big struggle has been my introverted personality. I’m always too shy or intimidated to talk with strangers, especially with people that I admire, such as all the other female entrepreneurs who are killing it btw. But I’ve learned that there are so many strangers out there routing for you. Every single person that I have met during this process has been the most kind, supportive & friendliest towards me than I ever expected. I’ve really opened up and become comfortable and confident when I’m talking about my products to people.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I hand-make organic products for Dogs! I mainly focus on grooming & skincare but also recently started creating natural living home products for Dogs. This includes 100% soy wax candles & wax melts that are safe for dogs!
I pride myself on all of my products for only containing SAFE scents for Dogs. This means that they are all-natural, phthalate-free, non-toxic, dye-free, and eco-friendly. I very carefully create each and every recipe designed specifically for dogs. That not only includes the safe scents, but I also make sure that all of my dog grooming products are Lick Safe. And to be eco-friendly, I refrain from using Palm Oil in any of my products.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
A favorite childhood memory would definitely have to be the time that my parents drove my two sisters & I to our aunt’s house for a new puppy! We were picking up an 8-week-old Chihuahua/Dachshund mix named Reesie! When we arrived, there were two adorable puppies…
Me being me, I didn’t leave until I convinced my parents to let me take the other puppy home. There was no way I could leave him all alone like that. So yes, we came home with TWO PUPPIES that day. They were my best friends growing up.
Contact Info:
- Email: honeypawliving@gmail.com
- Website: https://www.honeypawliving.com/
- Instagram: @honeypawliving
Image Credits
Christi Ann Photography
