Today we’d like to introduce you to Merritt Cloud
Hi Merritt, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
In 2020, I took up painting during quarantine as a creative outlet to help with stress and worry. I fell in love with painting and started painting 1-2 canvasses a day. My walls became my own personal art museum.
The next summer, a friend asked me to paint her a journal. When she paid me for it, it opened my eyes to that idea that maybe this could be a business for me.
So in the summer of 2021, I started my Instagram business. In the beginning, I was only painting journals, but I’ve since expanded to offer apparel, tote bags, cups, and a few fun accessories.
I fell in love with creating art that represents my faith, and it was important to me to create beautiful products that do more than hang on a wall. I wanted everything I made to have a functional use, which is why I paint journals and make the other items I offer.
I currently run my business solely through social media to avoid the fees that go along with websites. I’ve made sales in 40 states and multiple countries, and I’m so passionate about using my business and my platform to share what I believe through beautiful pieces that can be used in everyday life.
While WithJesusCo is currently a side hustle, I have dreams of making it into a full time job and someday opening a store front where myself and other local creatives can sell their handmade items and share their creativity with the community.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road to building my business has not been smooth. There were months where I didn’t make sales at all. I’ve had to learn a lot about branding, targeting my audience, and the ups and downs of social media marketing. I still have a ways to go in this department but I’m so determined and passionate about what I do that I’m willing to put the time and effort in.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I own a small online boutique/collective of beautiful pieces. I hand paint journal covers, design glass cups, and create bags and clothing with personal designs.
I think that my faith-based designs are what set me apart from others. Of course, I’m not the only Christian business by a long shot- but I go the extra mile to ensure that my customers have a personalized experience while staying true to my values and beliefs.
I have a strong passion for being intentional in business and in relationships, and I don’t have a website so that I can have direct interaction with every customer who wants to place an order.
Contact Info:
Image Credits
Poiema Creative Co
