Side Street Studio Blog | The best art that B.C. can offer

Melissa Helland wrote, “Knit, cooked, hammered. Painted, sewn, or strummed. There was always something being ‘made’ in my house as I grew up.

I tried my hand at most of it. I guess sewing just stuck! From doll clothes as a child to clothes and bags for myself and friends in my high school years, I’ve been at it almost non-stop.

I think I also always had an entrepreneurial spirit. I can remember coming up with business ideas and names in my early teens. The first time I ever sold my wares I was about 12.

Through fate, fortune and determination I have been given opportunity to advance and hone my skills through various jobs and schooling my whole life. Which also provided me with some amazing mentors. I’ve never had a job that wasn’t design or sewing related.

After focusing on clothing design for many years, about 4 1/2 years ago I started making bags again. Right away I was having so much fun! I’ve never looked back! I was working full time, so it was a part time venture at first, but after having my daughter in 2006 I was more determined than ever to take it to the next level, and be fully self employed.

I think the bags really speak for themselves. They’re colorful and sweet, functional and hip. And I enjoy making them. I’m sure that one of the things that attracts people to them is the sense that each one is really made with love. I pay a lot of attention to detail and craftsmanship. It’s important to me that my product be well-made and durable, as well as beautiful.

Over the last several years handbags have become a real vessel for personal expression. One of the things I love most is watching people choose a piece, as each one has its own personality. I also find it fascinating to see two women at least 40 years apart in age choose the exact same piece for themselves. It’s a huge compliment to me that my work reaches so many people in so many stages and walks of life.

I feel really blessed to be supported in doing what I love, and to be part of the creative community”.

After spending 8 1/2 years in Toronto, Melissa recently returned to her soul-filling home town of Victoria, B.C. where she continues to make her beautiful and creative bag work.

You can find lot’s more of Melissa’s superb bags at www.sidestreetstudio.com