Today we’d like to introduce you to Courtney Melancon
Hi Courtney , so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Growing up, I was surrounded by creativity. My mother immersed herself in art, painting, and crafting beautiful calendars with her hand-drawn illustrations. I was captivated by her work and would often sit beside her with my own sketchbook, studying her techniques and practicing so that I could one day create work like her. As I grew up, that passion for art only deepened.
Years later, I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design. After graduating, I moved to a new city and started my first big girl job. The transition was both exciting and challenging – I was in an unfamiliar place, with plenty of time on my hands outside of work. To fill that void, I picked up my paintbrush again after a long hiatus. It felt like reconnecting with a part of myself that had been waiting to resurface.
As I started sharing my paintings on social media, I was pleasantly surprised as people loved my work and began purchasing pieces. That was the spark that ignited my desire to turn my creativity into something more. It was my “Aha!” moment – realizing that I could not only create but also build a business around my passion.
Now, several years later, my business has evolved in ways I never imagined. What started with paintings expanded into wedding stationery, jewelry, dog portraits, patterns, and more. Although we are often preached to “niche down”, I have always allowed my curiosity and exploration to guide me, shaping what Tulips & Tillie has become today. Through this journey, I’ve discovered that I’m deeply inspired by nature and the beauty that exists around me – animals, nature, the city of Charleston, and everything in between. Beyond paintings, I’ve fallen in love with product development, bringing my artwork to life on products such as greeting cards, tote bags, stickers, and other fun items.
Looking back, this journey has been one of growth, exploration, and discovery. Each new path has led me closer to the artist and entrepreneur I am today. My mission is to create art that inspires, connects, and encourages people to recognize the beauty in nature, their life, and their soul.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Like most businesses, my journey to where I am today hasn’t been easy and continues to come with its challenges. One of the biggest struggles I face is competing with big-box stores. While I appreciate the convenience of Amazon Prime and the affordability of places like Target, my business simply can’t match their speed or pricing. Each piece of art and every product I create is intentionally crafted—from the initial idea to the final product. My turnaround time and pricing reflect that.
It can be difficult when people compare small business products to mass-produced items, especially in today’s economy. However, I’ve come to realize that this is actually what sets my business apart. My ideal customers value the human touch, the care behind each piece, and the quality of my work. The people who continue to support my business appreciate these aspects, and that means so much more to me than cutting corners for the sake of faster/cheaper production.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Art, for me, is all about freedom—whether it’s painting, digital illustration, or creating something unexpected. I love the flexibility of pulling out my iPad in a coffee shop or making a beautiful mess in my apartment with paint-covered hands. I’m drawn to unusual surfaces like vintage china plates, dried leaves, or layered paper collages, letting my intuition lead the way. What excites me most is staying curious—pushing myself to try something new, even if it’s a little unconventional. I find inspiration in everyday moments, whether it’s a walk in nature or an insightful oracle reading that sparks my next piece.
I’m an animal and nature lover at heart, but I also adore the charm of Charleston’s city! So, my art is a mixture of all those things that bring me joy—not fitting neatly into one niche. Rather than limiting myself, I let my art evolve organically, capturing those simple pleasures in a whimsical style.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
Stay curious! Try new things, embrace what you love wholeheartedly, and share it with the world. Creativity thrives when we step outside of our comfort zone—you never know where it might take you.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://tulipsandtillie.com
- Instagram: @tulipsandtillie
- Other: TIKTOK: @tulipsandtillie
