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Meet Trailblazer Michelle Meyer

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Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Meyer, also known as Meesh.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I have always known I would be an artist from the age of six. I grew up in a creative household – both of my parents met as Chefs working in downtown Chicago. From there, they started an organic herb business. My mother fostered my creativity from a young age with arts and crafts, while my father showed me the ins and outs of the business world. My godmother went to fashion school and is an extremely talented seamstress. When I would stay with her, she would have me decide on a project to create – allowing me to choose everything from the pattern to the fabric and thread color. Constantly surrounded by a multitude of creative practices it was natural that I was drawn to the arts. As an only child, I spent a lot of time solo, exploring nature, but also inside – I loved watching cartoons! Looking back on it, I can see the immense influence they had on my young, impressionable mind. As a grew up, living in the northwest suburbs of Illinois, the mall was a favorite hang out. Friends and I would walk around for hours. I was always drawn to the graphic tees displayed on the walls. Delia’s, Hot Topic, Pac Sun – I loved the bold imagery that those stores presented. Continuing on, I knew that when I graduated high school, I wanted to study some form of art in college. I got hooked into snowboarding and again the iconic colors and patterns really drew me in. I was enamored with streetwear and the accessories that went along with it. Graphic Design seemed to be the natural choice – designing clothes, tees, backpacks, decks and everything in-between. Before college, my father had me get an internship to make sure that this was the field I did indeed want to enter. Although it was not quite what I imagined, the internship taught me a lot and was still pretty interesting. Not having a back up major, I decided to stick with it.

At Arizona State University in the Graphic Design program, I quickly realized that this was not what I wanted. It seemed I had been duped by terminology and was actually looking to be in illustration. Arizona State University did not have that, and I was unhappy in my major, so I talked to all my peers, seeing what types of classes they were taking. I took another shot as an Intermedia major – thinking that it was multimedia – to cover my vast interests – however, I was duped again and stuck in a performance art heavy program. Still not satisfied, I put out feelers again and the consensus was that I should try Sculpture. I looked into the program and thought I would give it a shot – they even had a Neon program (1 of only 3 public universities in the country that offer it!) which is what really sealed the deal. I started the Sculpture program in the Fall of 2012 and lo and behold – third time’s the charm! I had found my spot. I was finally in a program with interesting mediums and peers that I was connecting with.

As I moved through the program, I was part of a wave of people who all clicked and worked extremely well together. Our professors noticed this connection as well and urged us post-graduation that we must remain active and in practice together – a group like this was a rarity and did not come around often. Due to this as well as our own realizations of wanting to continue the vibe we had in school – a group of us got it together to go in on a 1,800 sq ft studio spot. We called it Studio 7. We set it up just like at school – each person having their own 10×10, with the rest of the shop being a common workspace. At this time, my friend and I, Jamie Cordelier also started a business called FAB Females, a custom fabrication company that we ran out of the studio. This gave us a platform to continue working out of school and was great for a while – but pressures from the outside world became a strain on many of the members, and it went from being a place of creative production to a burden of property management. Studio 7 offered so much and was crucial to its members post-college career – proving that was possible it makes it outside the parameters of the university – but ultimately we had to call it and move on to the next chapter.

The summer before my Junior year as ASU, I had also begun an internship at local shop 11th Monk3y Industries, beginning as a summer intern helping owner Ruben Gonzales move from his first location on Roosevelt Row, into a new spot on Grand Ave. While in school, I did not have a vehicle for ease of transportation or time to spare (in 23 semester credit hours) to continue the internship – however, kept in touch. When it came time to graduate, I let Ruben know I was about to have a lot of free time on my hands and if he needed help I was available. He hired me and I worked with him for over 3 years, helping to manage the shop and build projects for local companies as well as high profile clients like Pinterest and Facebook, and getting to travel with those project installations.

Though my time at the Monk3y, I got to know Beatrice Moore, the landlady and grand master of Grand Ave, who we were renting from. In the same area as the Monk3y, there were two other storefronts, and one of them happened to come up for rent. Beatrice knew we were looking for a space, and as a courtesy, she called to ask if there was interest in renting the space before she publicly posted it. The immediate answer was YES! Although we were unsure yet of what the plan would be. My mate/creative partner and I – Mike Butzine – had started collecting tools and pieces of a neon shop (both having taken the course at Arizona State University and feeling an extreme attraction to it) – and were set up in our garage – but when the offer came in, it was almost natural that we decide to make that space the neon studio – it was the perfect spot to continue building the scene and light up Grand Ave.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Certainly not. People have the misconception that being an artist is easy and free. But if you choose to make it your career – it is not just something you do, or a hobby – it is a lifestyle. It takes sacrifice and drive every day – because if you don’t push forward and make yourself relevant, no one else will – you are your biggest cheerleader.

The most challenging thing is working with a team. Making sure everyone is on the same page. That their voice is heard, that they are getting their worth, that everyone understands their place in the operation. Especially working with friends. It is a very delicate balance to keep everything right and it is that much harder when things don’t go as planned. Choose your team wisely and be transparent in your communication. Communication is PARAMOUNT. Be a good leader. Meet, discuss, talk it out. It can be tough, not everything said is going to be sugar and roses, but it is the best way to keep things running well.

And taxes. If you are starting a business, make sure you talk to someone to know and keep good records. It makes all the difference to stay organized in the business realm.

Advice for anyone starting their journey – if you have something you believe in – go for it. There is a reason you were drawn to this thing, and It may seem ridiculous to others, and they may laugh or shrug it off because they don’t yet understand – People will question you to the point of you questioning why you are even doing something, but push on. No one is going to make it happen for you, and when you show the focus and drive to execute your vision that’s when the real reward is given. When you can show that your idea has come to life and others can see the work you have put in and how long you have come from where you started. The best advice is to keep moving forward – keep learning, keep surrounding yourself with people you want to emulate, keep trying new things. It won’t all be a success, but it will give you the tools to cultivate a life worth living.

We’d love to hear more about Snoodmen, Snood City Neon.
I am a designer, artist, and visionary. I like to weld – the instant gratification of metal, sew and work with light, mirrors, and overall sensory perception.

What I am best known for is my character/brand Snoodmen. It stemmed from a project while I was in school to create a pice with a 12′ footprint. I came into a lot of these items dubbed “Snoods” (SUH-NOODZ) They were these recalled items that did not sell in stores. My roommate’s bf at the time (Jared Kolesar of Jared and the Mill) was working at this spot and knew I was an artist so he brought some to the house. This scarf-hood like things had missed their mark – they were too large to fit on a head and too tall and stiff to wear as a scarf – but oh so intriguing. I then got the project and figured I had to somehow use these items. Sketching one day, I decided that I was going to cover a room in fur. Floors, walls, furniture, EVERYTHING. The room was about 23′ x 21′ x 11′ at the IceHouse in downtown Phoenix. As an added component I sewed this wearable suit together complete with helmet head – thus the birth of Snoodmen. It was created as a creature that had grown out of the installation and walked around the gallery to interact with the attendees.

Since then it has blossomed into a merch brand selling everything from plush mini sized Snoods, to tees, pins….etc – as well as an artist collective, that also goes by Snood City, as a name used to define the platform for creating art/decor for production houses like Relentless Beats and Lucky Man Concerts. Snood City Neon is our store front space that acts as a gallery and retail spot, as well as the Neon studio. We have an open house every First Friday highlighting our new work, as well as other local artists – we bring out speakers and tables to host local DJs in the shop’s shared backyard area where people can dance, snack and mingle. (Did someone say free tacos?!)

I am proud that we are (dare I say) the only production collective in Phoenix that has a background founded of artists. That is what sets us apart, as it is not just about the thing being built – but the story and intention behind it.

I am proud that we have the platform to set an example for and inspire other artists to live their passion. That we are in a position to be able to stand up for what our fellow artists are worth and to change the status quo to art being a headliner as opposed to a second thought.

I am proud to be able to have a space to host my peers and community to gather and exchange connection and ideas – offering growth and prosperity.

So much of the media coverage is focused on the challenges facing women today, but what about the opportunities? Do you feel there are any opportunities that women are particularly well positioned for?
Life is a challenge. It can for sure be difficult – the whole “its a man’s world” but it does not help to play the victim. Walk your talk. When you are legitimate – people will recognize that. No matter your gender.

Also – Women are the ones that bring a “man” into the world – that takes an immense amount of strength. Remember that – we are the bearers of the future.

And if all else fails – use what you were given. If people want to view you in a certain light – use that to your advantage and shake the tree from the inside out – they will have never seen it coming, but then you can command the respect and recognition deserved.

Pricing:

  • Custom Neon – Starting at $300
  • Snood Pin – $10
  • Handmade Snood Plush – $200

Contact Info:

Image Credit:
Chris Loomis Photography

Getting in touch: VoyagePhoenix is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.

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