We had the good fortune of connecting with Machee Kelly and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Machee, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?

After assessing the art and stationery sold in many retail spaces, I was inspired to create items that were reflective of the communities in which I identified. Many major retail spaces lack true representation of Black culture in products like art, stationery, and home goods. When I made the decision to create my own products, I wanted to be intentional about filling that gap. I ascribe to the adage that “if it doesn’t exist, create it” and so I did.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally? What sets you apart from others?

Vibrant colors and Black culture heavily inspire my art and lifestyle items. I believe in color psychology in how colors impact our moods and emotions. Colors all hold individual meanings and characteristics. If you think about a primary color, you can likely think of emotion. My brand colors and many of the colors used in my art are used intentionally. My goal has been to create art intentionally, selecting colors that represent the emotions I desire to evoke. Sure, art can be beautiful and bring life to a room, but I want to create images and items that make you feel something. Be it joyful, calm, or creative, or as long as it makes you experience something positive.

As a Black creative, it is important to me to create work that celebrates my identity. I combine the intentional use of color with my love for my history and culture to produce art and products such as art prints, stationery, pins, and bags.

What you are most proud of or excited about?

What I am most proud of at the moment is the growth of my brand and myself as a business owner. When I first started, I sold my items at local pop-up shows and via e-commerce. Today, I’m proud to have my products stocked at 4 retail spaces including Steadfast Supply, Femme Fatale DC, Nubian Hueman, and Terratorie in Washington DC. It’s a dream come true, and I hope to be able to expand to larger retailers in the future.

How did you get to where you are today professionally?

My journey has been full of taking risks and simply shooting my shot. You can’t succeed at something if you never make an attempt to try. While I have over 12 years of experience in art and design, I had no formal business management experience. My learning has come from multiple sources: my education as a fine arts and graphic design major, Instagram, YouTube, books, professional peers, and even my own mistakes. I am constantly educating myself and learning as I go. I consider myself to be very resourceful, passionate, and ambitious. My success thus far can be attributed to being genuine, kind, and courageous. I also have to give gratitude to all of the phenomenal individuals who have supported me along my journey.

Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way.

One of the challenges I had to overcome was truly learning my value. At the beginning of my journey, I was so hungry to grow my brand that sometimes I would overextend myself or say yes to opportunities that were indifferent. Over time I became firm in my values. I no longer say yes to things that do not align with those values. After experiencing burnout and toxic stress, I have also learned the importance of self-care. I take breaks and rest when I need to because I can’t run a business or serve others if I don’t take care of myself.

What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?

I want the world to know that Machee Creates is here for the long haul. You can find me sprinkling color and joy into the universe for years to come.

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?
My favorite spots in the Washington DC area include:

Food: For yummy eats

Ada’s on the River: https://www.instagram.com/adasontheriver
Circa, Navy Yard: https://www.circabistros.com/location/navy-yard/
Sushi Haci: https://www.sushihachidc.com/

Drinks: For delicious drinks/cocktails

Tiki on 18th: https://www.tikion18th.com/
Succotash: https://www.succotashrestaurant.com/

Must Visit: For nails, shopping, and books

Nails: Rose Nail Studio: https://www.instagram.com/_rosenailedit_/
Shopping for HomeGoods, stationery, clothes: Nubian Hueman: https://nubianhueman.com/
Books: Solid State Books

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to my daughter Khloee. She’s been my biggest source of motivation and inspiration. She’s also my best critique and cheerleader. It’s an honor to be her mom and create items that celebrate our culture.

Website: www.macheecreates.com

Instagram: instagram.com/macheecreates

Facebook: www.facebook.com/macheecreates

Image Credits
Oshaine South Enica Barnes Natarsha Wright

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