In this episode we sit down with Ariana Strings herself to explore the intersection of classical music, entrepreneurship, and modern-day performance. From navigating the wedding industry with intention, to rediscovering the joy of music through theater, this conversation is a celebration of saying "yes" to creativity. Whether you're a musician, a creative, or someone building something from scratch, you’ll enjoy this episode.

https://www.weddingmusic-ct.com/ https://www.instagram.com/ariana_strings

🔑 Key Topics:

• The evolving perception of classical music in modern events
• How Ariana Strings is reimagining performance settings and standards
• Building a career in music by creating opportunities without expectations

✅ Takeaways:

• Classical music can be a vibrant and sustainable path if approached with passion and flexibility
• Saying "yes" often leads to unexpected growth and new career paths
• Community over competition helps creative entrepreneurs thrive

Melissa @ deMelis Atelier https://demelisatelier.com/

Matt @ Bards https://www.bardsclothing.com/our-story

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In this heartfelt episode, Matt and Melissa welcome Joshua, the creative force behind Cross Stitch and Cambria. Known for his gothic-inspired cross stitch art and rock fandom, Joshua opens up about rediscovering a lost interest, creative purpose, and finding connection through Instagram. What starts as a discussion about niche art becomes a moving conversation about recovery, identity, and inspiration.

https://www.instagram.com/cross_stitch_and_cambria/

Key Topics:

• How Joshua came back to cross stitching
• The role of community, online and offline, in staying sober and grounded
• Creating authenticity and impact through vulnerable storytelling

Takeaways:

• Niching down can lead to bigger growth
• Opening up online can invite powerful connections and unexpected support
• Creativity can be a life raft, especially when it's shared with honesty and purpose

Melissa @ deMelis Atelier https://demelisatelier.com/

Matt @ Bards https://www.bardsclothing.com/our-story

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Welcome to our short-form series, Moving The Needle. We know not everyone has time for one-hour episodes so in Moving The Needle, we have a conversation about a current event or topic.

In this episode we discuss smelly clothing! Why it smells, cleaning different types of fabrics, what dry cleaning actually is, and why your "moisture wicking" clothing are some of your biggest culprits.

Melissa @ deMelis Atelier https://demelisatelier.com/

Matt @ Bards https://www.bardsclothing.com/our-story

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In this episode, we sit down with Virginia Brown, the artist behind Beret and Brush, a Connecticut-based artist known for her live wedding paintings and custom commissions. Virginia shares her journey from aspiring Army physician to full-time artist, discussing how her passion for art and life's unexpected turns in the job market led her to establish a thriving freelance career.

https://www.beretandbrush.com/

https://www.instagram.com/beretandbrush/

Key Topics:

• Virginia’s unexpected pivot from military medicine to full-time artist
• Building a creative business around live wedding painting
• The role of intuition, timing, and boundaries in sustaining freelance work

Takeaways:

• Virginia’s career shift was driven by trusting her instincts and letting go of old identities
• Creative momentum often comes from doing the work, not waiting for motivation
• Boundaries are essential to protect both the artist’s energy and the client experience

Melissa @ deMelis Atelier https://demelisatelier.com/

Matt @ Bards https://www.bardsclothing.com/our-story

We were FINALLY able to have one of Melissa’s and Eric’s favorite people: Yasemin Ugurlu, founder of Reboot Eco, joins us to talk about her mission to make low-waste living more accessible through refillable products, education, and community engagement. With a passion for sustainability that goes beyond trends, Yasemin shares how she built a business focused on reducing single-use plastics and helping others make more conscious choices. From running a refill shop to advocating for systemic change, Yasemin’s journey is rooted in action, care, and a deep belief in collective impact.

https://www.rebooteco.com/

https://www.instagram.com/rebooteco

Key Topics:

• Building a business around low-waste, refillable everyday products
• The emotional and environmental drive behind choosing sustainability
• Reboot Eco’s role in education, community, and shifting habits

Takeaways:

• Yasemin believes accessibility and encouragement—not guilt—are key to sustainable living.
• Refill shops like Reboot Eco help reduce packaging waste and promote reuse.
• Passion-led businesses can influence systemic change, starting with small daily actions.

Melissa @ deMelis Atelier https://demelisatelier.com/

Matt @ Bards https://www.bardsclothing.com/our-story

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In this episode, we sit down with Shawne Jacobs, the powerhouse behind Anne Barge, to explore what it really takes to run a made-in-America bridal brand. From American manufacturing labor realities and tariff challenges, to the balancing act of creativity and business, Shawne opens up about the grit, strategy, and heart behind her work. Plus, we dig into entrepreneurial spirit, evolving trends, and why conveyor belts full of wedding dresses are actually pretty magical.

https://www.annebarge.com/

https://www.instagram.com/annebarge/

https://www.instagram.com/shawne.r.jacobs/

Key Topics:

• How Anne Barge has navigated workforce shortages, tariffs, and shifting global economies
• Shawne’s unique journey from creative roles to running the business
• Supporting other small, inspiring brands—from baseball fashion to bridal trends

Takeaways:

• The “Made in America” label carries unseen complexities and costs
• Business success in fashion comes from both creativity and operational know-how
• Trends are cyclical, but what’s old can feel fresh with the right modern twist

Melissa @ deMelis Atelier https://demelisatelier.com/

Matt @ Bards https://www.bardsclothing.com/our-story

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In this episode, we sit down with Chelsea Brooke—wedding planner, brand strategist, and process improvement enthusiast—to explore the art of evolving a business and staying true to yourself. Chelsea shares her journey of transforming Pearl Weddings into Chelsea Brooke Events, revealing the personal and professional insights that fueled her rebrand. From leveraging cutting-edge tools like ChatGPT for streamlining operations and marketing to building deep, authentic connections with clients and vendors, Chelsea offers a behind-the-scenes look at creating unforgettable wedding experiences. Tune in for an engaging conversation that blends business strategy with personal growth, and learn how embracing change can unlock a world of opportunity.

https://www.instagram.com/chelseabrooke_events/

https://chelseabrookeevents.com/

Key Topics

• Brand Evolution & Rebranding: Transitioning from Pearl Weddings to Chelsea Brooke Events as a reflection of personal growth and a shift in business vision.
• Tech-Driven Strategy & Process Improvement: Leveraging tools like ChatGPT for business planning, marketing, and streamlining operational processes.
• Authenticity & Relationship Building: Focusing on genuine client connections, customized experiences, and strategic vendor partnerships to create meaningful events.

Takeaways

• Embrace Personal Growth: Align your brand with who you are today by learning from past challenges and evolving your business identity accordingly.
• Optimize with Technology: Utilize modern tools and efficient processes to enhance strategy, reduce workload, and maintain high-quality service.
• Prioritize Authentic Connections: Build trust and long-lasting relationships by offering tailored, heartfelt experiences that resonate with your clients' unique stories.

Melissa @ deMelis Atelier https://demelisatelier.com/

Matt @ Bards https://www.bardsclothing.com/our-story

[email protected]

Welcome to our short-form series, Moving The Needle. We know not everyone has time for one-hour episodes so in Moving The Needle, we have a conversation about a current event or topic.

In this episode we discuss the benefits of meeting people in-person, why going to trade shows isn't about the products themselves, and starting a community like The Stitch Collective.

Melissa @ deMelis Atelier https://demelisatelier.com/

Matt @ Bards https://www.bardsclothing.com/our-story

[email protected]

In this engaging episode, Rebecca Schoneveld shares her journey from a modest Brooklyn storefront to building a multi-brand bridal boutique, navigating the ups and downs of the fashion industry along the way. Rebecca candidly discusses the challenges of managing ethical production, balancing domestic and global manufacturing, and the realities of running a sustainable business in a complex, ever-changing market. Through her stories of navigating COVID disruptions, collaborating with small family-owned factories overseas, and championing transparency in every facet of her work, she invites listeners to rethink what it means to craft beauty with integrity.

https://rebeccaschoneveld.com/

https://www.instagram.com/rebeccaschoneveld_bridal/

Key Topics

• The Evolution of a Bridal Brand: Rebecca’s journey from a humble Brooklyn storefront to running a multi-brand bridal boutique, navigating challenges like COVID and shifting production needs.
• Ethical and Global Production: Balancing domestic versus overseas manufacturing, including working with small family-owned factories in India and China while grappling with sustainability and fair wages.
• Transparency, Craft, and Community: The importance of showcasing the human element in production—from highlighting the craftsmanship and the team behind each dress to advocating for ethical, intentional shopping practices.

Takeaways

• Embrace Complexity in Fashion: There’s no perfect solution; sustainable and ethical production involves trade-offs, and accepting imperfections can lead to a more authentic business approach.
• Prioritize People and Process: Investing in relationships with makers—whether local or overseas—builds a community that values quality, transparency, and mutual respect.
• Intentionality Matters: From production to customer experience, staying true to personal and brand values can inspire change in an industry that often prioritizes scale over craft.

Melissa @ deMelis Atelier https://demelisatelier.com/

Matt @ Bards https://www.bardsclothing.com/our-story

[email protected]

In this episode, Kristin Davis of Dhibi Couture joins the conversation to share her passion for bespoke bridal design and custom veils. The discussion explores the artistry behind her craft, the importance of community and local production, and the emotional and sustainable value of “Made in America” products.

https://dhibicouture.com/

https://www.instagram.com/dhibicouture/

Key Topics

• The creative process behind designing custom veils, including material selection and prototyping.
• The significance of quality craftsmanship and how bespoke pieces carry deep personal and legacy value.
• The meaning of “Made in America” as a commitment to local production, community support, and sustainable design.

Takeaways

• Community is built through genuine connections and regular check-ins that uplift small business owners.
• Custom design is a meticulous process that blends artistic vision with technical craftsmanship.
• Supporting American-made products sustains local artisans and preserves timeless quality.

Melissa @ deMelis Atelier https://demelisatelier.com/

Matt @ Bards https://www.bardsclothing.com/our-story

[email protected]