We had the good fortune of connecting with Melissa Payne Baker and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Melissa, what’s the most important thing you’ve done for your children?
As a mom of an 8 year old boy and full time artist, I believe I am teaching my son the meaning of hard work and determination. As my son sees me from my studio, in my office, with clients to gallery openings, I am teaching him self-confidence and self-image so that one day he will pursue his dreams, achieve goals and to stay on course even when things seem difficult. I am teaching my son that trying new things is the way to grow and sort of troubleshoot life. As he grows and watches my business grow I hope that it shapes him into a responsible, happy and caring man.

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.
In my 15th year of being. a professional artist I am still blown away at the love people have for art and the artist in front of the easel. My involvement in the art scene, my galleries, fundraisers and getting to know my clients, I believe sets me apart from others. Being an artist is not all about being in the studio, I venture out and take on every opportunity that I can to get in front of clients and designers. My start was by fate 15 years ago, I dabbled in art and my best friend always told me that I needed to sell my work but I never knew how to get started. Just a few months after she passed in a car accident, I was asked by a popular art auction to participate. My first abstract angel piece sold in the action, the next day I had my first commission and within months I had my first gallery representation. My angel was watching after me. Since then I feel it has been hard work, honesty, perseverance and the support of my family, friends and followers that has kept my career going. I have learned there is a beautiful cycle in business, do the work, show up and succeed. I have learned to never compare my work or myself with others, staying in your own lane is the only way to go. If you get off track, that is when your uniqueness fades. Stay unique and be yourself.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
This is my 20th year living in Atlanta and there is always something fun to do, something new to see and new friends to make. I have adored living here. There are many weekend itineraries I could put together but this would be my favorite. Start out on a Saturday morning with a nice hike, maybe at East Palisades with beautiful views of the Chattahoochee River before heading off to Taqueria Del Sol for lunch and shopping on the Westside. For dinner, head to the bar at The St. Regis in Buckhead before a fabulous dinner and atmosphere at The Garden Room, truly a girls dream.

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?
So many to name here. My family and my friends who encourage me every day to pursue my dreams. The love and support of clients and their uplifting stories on how my art makes them feel. To my bosses along the way, my first was Summer, then June, Burt and then Glyn, they all taught me different aspects of business and interior design that I still live and work by today. My groups of lady entrepreneurs who encourage each other on daily texts. Last but certainly not least are my galleries who put in so much work to support all of their artists, give advice and encourage us in our careers.

Website: www.melissapaynebaker.com
Instagram: @melissapaynebakerart
Facebook: Melissa Payne Baker Art

Image Credits
me in red suit …. Brandon Clifton Photo art in show houses. ….. Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles