Embrace the Mayhem

Who Am I?

Hello, my name is Mayhem. Okay, so that’s not really my name. My name is Melissa and my dear friend gave me the nickname, Mayhem. Side note, she was calling me Mayhem before that insurance company decided to use a character with the same name. I’m a daycare provider by day and work at a major home improvement center at night. I’m also an author of three books, so I’m no stranger to hard work or going after my dreams. I’ve raised my children to adulthood as a single parent, and now I’m officially an empty nester.

Why do I want to start a business?

My daycare business has been on a slow decline since I relocated when I purchased my first home. Hence, the need for my night gig. When I purchased my home, I envisioned my daycare business improving, or remaining steady, at the very least. Sadly, this hasn’t been the case. This downturn has caused me to reevaluate what I want to do with the second half of my life.

Enter, this GoFundMe campaign. As a young mother, the first half of my life was spent putting my children first, or anyone, for that matter. When my children neared young-adulthood, I dared to start pursuing my dreams. I love writing, so I went ahead and wrote some books. Now, that I’m able to focus solely on myself, I’m ready to pursue another one of my passions. Creating natural skin care products.

My current business has taken me as far as it can and I’m grateful. Yet, I find myself one mishap away from losing all that I’ve worked hard for, as I depend on my night gig to pay the bills.  This is why starting my own business is important to me. At the start of 2019, I went to work on the new business, and I haven’t stopped. With my new business, Mayhem, I’m setting out to find my tribe. What does that mean? It means, that I want to create a platform for the invisible. Feeling invisible is something that I have struggled with my whole life.

Why should you invest in me?

I’ve always loved self-care products. Anything from skincare to haircare. I enjoy smelling good and having soft, healthy hair and skin. That’s as “girly” as I get.  Since I’m not the most feminine gal, the pink sparkly products with dainty packaging never appealed to me. Yet, that’s what gets thrown at us ladies. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not knocking those things. They are wonderful for those who appreciate that sort of thing. I am not one of them, and that’s okay, too. I’m the clumsy, bull in a china shop girl. I’m the girl who loves dark, spooky and gory things. Pink is my least favorite color, with black being my favorite. You get the picture.

Marketing campaigns tell us that the products made for women are soft, and gentle, while the men get the strong, conqueror-type merchandise. I would like to change that. Not all women want to smell like a delicate flower, but perhaps some men might. I want to appeal to the ignored and overlooked. Help those who feel different, fit in. Make sure the “misfits” feel included and that they matter. I want Mayhem to invite people to embrace differences. Promote diversity and inclusivity. Basically, create a platform for the seemingly invisible.

What will the support mean to me?

Securing support will mean that I will finally be heard and believed in. It will mean that being overlooked, undervalued, and unappreciated can finally be a thing of the past. It will mean that I can go on and let others know that they matter and are being heard even if they are perceived to be different, or not the norm. I would be beyond grateful that I get to reassure others that they always have a place in my tribe when it seems like they don’t fit in anywhere else.

How will I use the funds?

Funds from the campaign will go directly to furnishing my workshop. I started out with the most basic equipment, which was fine for learning and experimenting. Now that I’m ready to make a go of it, it’s time to upgrade to the necessary equipment to manufacture my products. In addition to new equipment I will need cabinetry for storing materials and equipment. My discount at work will come in handy for this.

I am the last person to ask for help. Ask my loved-ones, and they’ll tell you all about this stubborn Taurus trait of mine. Know that, I’d sincerely appreciate any help, big or small. I want to be able to bring down-to-earth products to the people who want a break from expensive, high-end brands that don’t represent them. By supporting me, you’ll join a tribe of inclusivity. Help me bring the Mayhem!