Melissa Quijano - Simply Melissy

“Simpatica Melissa” was the first iteration of Simply Melissy, a name coined by my sister, Jessica (namesake of my first skirt design), for an 11th-grade Spanish Class project. My “business proposal” was, of course, a fashion boutique selling camisas and faldas. However, I didn’t go right into clothing- for years, I used my budding handmade brand name for jewelry, doll clothes, stuffed animals, dolls…

Aside from designing, I am also a fashion design teacher to kids ages 9 and up. The idea to transition Simply Melissy from a sort of hodge podge of crafty items to quirky children’s wear came from them. Kids, especially pre-teens, have a foot each in childhood and adulthood. They want to be grown up, but still appreciate quirky figures like unicorns and narwhals. They want to run around and climb trees, but still express their fashionable selves. This was the inspiration behind my summer and fall lines. I wanted to create clothes that girls could truly live in. Nothing restrictive, fabrics that are sturdy, well-constructed, and mostly easy to clean, and high levels of twirlability. Plus, I offer customization, so if a girl wants a longer or shorter skirt, or something entirely different, I am always 100% ready to make a girl’s fashion dreams come true.

I love to sew, and appreciate so much that my skill enables me to stay away from a traditional 9 to 5 job. One day, I want to see Simply Melissy garments sold in small boutiques and manufactured within a network of makers who are striving to become independent crafters themselves. I'm excited to work with Marketspace Vendor Events at the October 14th Woodbridge Center Mall event. I have never brought my designs to a shopping mall before, and I am eager to meet a new (to me!) type of customer.