Today we’d like to introduce you to Monet Versipellis.
Hi Monet, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers.
I will start by saying: I have always loved art, ever since I was a little kid. In 2021, I graduated from UNG with a Bachelors in Studio Art. While in college, I tried many different forms of art, from painting to sculpture. I played around with many side hobbies as well, such as crochet and resin. Ultimately, although I had a concentration in painting, I fell in love with resin. I bought a few molds, and I made a ton of mistakes. I almost gave up on it, but then one day it clicked. I opened a shop on Etsy just to try it, and surprisingly people began to buy my trinkets. One of the first molds I bought were of two kinds of dragons. I played around with different colors and gold leaf. They became my biggest sellers, and everyone raved about them. Soon after I opened my Etsy shop, I was invited to a pop-up shop event. I had never done one of those before, and I was scared out of my mind. I had a tiny table, some of my items, and a ton of glitter. Much to my surprise, people loved my dragons and my cute animal keychains. From there, I found out about more events and more networking opportunities. It was definitely a major learning opportunity for me. I failed and had success so many times throughout the year I have been running Monet’s Menagerie.
Along the way, I found myself in a very unlikely way. Growing up, I had always heard about traditional jobs and things like art were never a viable option. Despite it all, I still ended up as an artist, just like I always wanted to be as a kid. I am not only an artist but also a businesswoman. I began Monet’s Menagerie April 2021. I came up with the name because I wanted something that I could expand upon. “Menagerie” used to mean a collection of exotic animals or findings. I thought that was perfect for me. I have sold locally in Georgia, but also internationally: Italy, France, Canada, Australia, United Kingdom, Germany. I have sold in person all over Georgia in many events such as: JapanFest, Black Art Expo, Japan Art Festival, Snellville Annual Beach Blast, and many more.
It is my dream to be a vendor at an international event and travel the world spreading beauty.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Absolutely not! From having my tent nearly blow away to my tent breaking before an event, I have had my fair share of struggles. I am an overthinker and a type-A planner, so I try my hardest to prepare for every possible thing that could go wrong, but sometimes life just gets in the way. I know it could have all went way worse, but for me personally, I have had struggles. Some struggles have been financial, others have been the time it takes to make my products. I am often faced with the reality that I am only one person, and there is only so much that I can accomplish in one day. However, I feel as though ever struggle is a hurdle to be overcame.
I am very grateful for my support system of family and friends that always encourages me.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a primarily Resin artist. I make sculptures and keychains of all kinds of fantasy animals: Dragons, Unicorns, Bears, Bunnies. I also create home décor items such as Lotus tea light holders, Moon tea light holders, butterfly jars, mushroom jars.
I am known for my items because they glow in the dark. They are also incredibly sparkly, and they light up any room. I also add lights to some of my dragons and unicorns as well.
Recently, I have started working on tote bags, stickers, and mugs.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you.
Luck has played a large role in my life. It seems I am always at the right place at the right time. I meet the right people that open new doors to me. It also helps that I am open to every possibility. I try to turn every situation to my favor.
Pricing:
- Butterfly Keychains $5
- Koi Fish Keychains $5
- Dragons $12-15
- Unicorns $10-15
- Kitsune $10-15
Contact Info:
- Website: www.monetsmenagerie.com
- Instagram: monets_menagerie
- Facebook: Monet’s Menagerie
