MCC Named "Best Nurse-Founded Business" in 2024 Nurse.org Awards
Melanie Van Sistine
Two Years of Recognition: From Entrepreneur to Best Business
I'm beyond grateful and excited to share that Mel's Crafty Corner has been named the "Best Nurse-Founded Business" in Nurse.org's Best of Nursing Awards 2024! This incredible honor comes just one year after being recognized as Nurse.org's 2023 Nurse Entrepreneur of the Year, and I'm still pinching myself that our little "happy accident" of a business continues to grow and receive such wonderful recognition.
When I started MCC in 2020 during the pandemic as a creative outlet while working as a pediatric nurse, I never imagined that this small business would become what it is today. What began with a simple rainbow-themed T-shirt designed to spread hope has blossomed into a thriving community of caring professionals who work hard, look good doing it, and find joy in life's little moments.
What This Award Means for MCC
Being named "Best Nurse-Founded Business" out of more than 150 nominees is truly humbling. The Best of Nursing Awards are an annual initiative by Nurse.org to recognize and celebrate dedication and excellence in the nursing industry across the United States, and to be included among such incredible people and organizations is an honor I don't take lightly.
As a winner, MCC will receive:
- A digital badge to display on our website
- Featured recognition on Nurse.org (which reaches over 1 million visitors monthly!)
- An exclusive feature article on nurse.org
- Shout-outs on Nurse.org's social media accounts (reaching over 30 million users per month)
- A feature in Nurse.org's weekly newsletter (800,000 subscribers)
But beyond these amazing promotional opportunities, this award represents validation of our mission to create personalized, quality products that empower caring professionals while building a supportive community where they feel seen, appreciated, heard, and loved for the work they do.
The Journey From Bedside to Business
Many of you know my story—how an unexpected back injury led me away from bedside nursing and toward entrepreneurship full-time. What started as a "happy accident" has become a purpose-driven business that allows me to continue supporting and connecting with my fellow healthcare professionals, educators, and community leaders in a different but equally meaningful way.
My journey hasn't been without challenges. From figuring out the business side of things (which definitely isn't taught in nursing school!) to managing my chronic pain while building MCC, there have been plenty of moments where I've questioned whether I was on the right path. But this recognition, along with the amazing support from all of you, continues to affirm that I am exactly where I'm meant to be.
A Thank You to Our Community
This award belongs to our entire MCC community. Without your support, encouragement, and faith in what we're building, none of this would be possible. Every order, every kind comment, every share on social media has contributed to building this business into what it is today.
I especially want to thank my husband, Kody, who has been my biggest cheerleader from day one—from brainstorming business names on our whiteboard to staying up late helping with orders and guiding me through the world of business and marketing.
To all my fellow nurse entrepreneurs, healthcare professionals still at the bedside, and every caring professional who has supported MCC: thank you for being in my coRNer! You inspire me every day to keep creating products that bring joy and recognition to the important work you do.
Looking Forward to 2025
As we celebrate this recognition, I'm excited about what 2025 holds for MCC. We're continuing to expand our product offerings, improve our "Happy Mail" experience, and find new ways to connect with and support our community.
Some exciting developments on the horizon:
- More pop-up markets and in-person events
- New collaborations with fellow nurse entrepreneurs
- Expanded options for bulk/team orders
- Even more personalization options for your custom creations
This award isn't just a validation of what we've accomplished so far—it's motivation to keep growing, innovating, and supporting our community of caring professionals in even bigger and better ways.
Join Our Award-Winning Community
If you're new to Mel's Crafty Corner, I'd love to welcome you to our community! Whether you're a healthcare professional, educator, or community leader, we're here to help you express yourself through quality, personalized apparel and accessories that combine professional polish with personal style.
Every order from MCC includes our signature "Happy Mail" experience—a thoughtfully curated package with personalized touches and surprise treats that transform delivery into a celebration. It's our way of bringing a little extra joy to your day after a long shift.
Thank you again to Nurse.org for this incredible honor, and to all of you for being part of the MCC family. Here's to continuing to work hard, look good, and find joy together!
With gratitude,
Mel 💖
