Meet Melissa Missy” Hyatt | Wearable Art & Costume Designer from the Future”

We had the good fortune of connecting with Melissa “Missy” Hyatt and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Melissa “Missy”, do you have a favorite quote or affirmation?
My favorite and most current affirmation is “Who I am now is enough to get me where I need to be. Who I am now is enough to get me in rooms I desire to be in. Who I am now is enough to inspire/interest many”

I love this affirmation because it constantly reminds me that I don’t have to change or appear a certain way other than my authentic self in order to attract what i desire or impress individuals. It already took a lot for me to grow in so many ways to be what I consider a better individual. And I do not need to allow any pressures to make me feel any less because what’s for me, is for me. Who is for me, is for me. My art is incredible and so is my story. The doors are already open for me. The abundance is already flowing. I just need to stay in gratitude and the organic connections will continue to accrue. 

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I first learned I could sew in high school. We had one program for fashion design, and I adapted so quickly that I knew it was for me. In the same year, I ended up making it to the city newspaper with one of my creations. So when I graduated, I went to the Fashion Institute of Technology. I didn’t get accepted on the first try but I did the second. I studied International Trade & Marketing to learn the business side of fashion while continuing to teach myself how to sew using YouTube videos. I became really really good and my skill started to enhance.

I then studied abroad in Shanghai, China for 4 months, fell in love and got accepted to do a product development internship there for two fashion companies. After coming back home and graduating with my bachelors from FIT, I moved back to China in which I lived for 3 years. I worked as a teacher and entrepreneur throwing parties and selling Jamaican food. I then started “Naloveked” which was my first brand name in China, I got invited to do SBFW and my brand took off amongst the foreign market. I made lots of clothing for those in need,

I moved back to NY in December 2017. It wasn’t easy making the transition. That’s when I understood the real challenges of living in America, But that didn’t stop me. I got a job working for an art company in NYC while making clothing on the side. I made lots of prom and birthday dresses. Then I got the idea to start Ritzyglitzyspider. To sell really glam manufactured dresses while also making some to ease on the workload. I started it with the idea that it was specifically for people “In the spotlight”. As time went on, I wanted to begin to dress super stars, performers or artists in general who indulge in film, photo/videoshoots with a visionary/creative concept in need of my art.

Then I began to watch Rupaul’s Drag Race. That changed my life again, I thought it was going to stop there until I realized I could challenge myself even more. The way I witnessed the Queens make such bizarre, outrageous, over the top fashion with their own two hands, inspired me so much. It pushed me to want to step outside of the box as well. That is how you are able to see Ritzyglitzyspider today in its form. I fell in love with futurism and I express it through my clothing now. I found my inner alien. And I am happy to show more of what that looks like. You haven’t seen anything yet!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
When my friends come in to town, we spend time at home having a great time over drinks and good food first. Then I love to take them to Jack’s River Falls in North Georgia. I enjoy trying different cuisines with my friends, so we may go to a Korean or Greek spot. I love Friday’s at the High Museum so we may stop there. The illuminarium is also one of my favorite spots to stop by, take pics and grab some drinks, I also enjoy underground Atlanta and Bonfire ATL to close out the weekend.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Firstly, I’d like to thank my father. He is my king and he never gave up on me since I was a child. He was the first example of true unconditional love and extreme support that I’ve ever felt in my life. And of course his financial support as well lol. He is a pastor and serious about his spirituality. However, till this day, he is still one of my biggest riders even when he doesn’t fully understand my art or when he doesn’t always agree with my representation of art. Because of this, my love for him is indescribable. He allows me to flow and just pours love and positivity in to me.

Next, I’d like to thank my mother. Without her, I don’t think I ever would have known what a true drag queen is. She is the most loud and flamboyant diva if I’ve ever seen one growing up. I am thankful to had witness this because, it then inspired me to tap in to my own loudness and creativity. Her confidence in who she was grew the confidence in me. Thank you for showing me what that looks like. I am you in the future!

Last but not least, a HUGE thanks to my partner and best friend, Akua Genfi. If I could describe her love, its like a modern day example of my fathers love. She has been with me through thick and thin, consistently. At times, I have felt like she was more passionate about my brand than I was. And she admitted to me that she was because she believed in me so much. She has loved me in every realm, element, or shape and form that can possibly be thought of. I can go on for days about the magnitude of her love but I won’t. Thank you for being who you are to me. You are my angel.

Website: www.ritzyglitzyspider.com

Instagram: @missythepinkalien

Other: Other IG’s: @ritzyglitzyspider @ritzyglitzyspidercustoms