Reflections on Being Named Nurse Entrepreneur of the Year and the Path That Led Me Here

Hey fRNds! Mel here, and I'm still pinching myself over the incredible honor of being featured on Nurse.org's website in an article titled "From Injury To Nurse Entrepreneur of The Year, Mel's Story". If you haven't had a chance to read it yet, nurse writer Chaunie Brusie did an amazing job capturing my journey from bedside pediatric nurse to full-time small business owner.

I wanted to take a moment to share some personal reflections about this experience and express my gratitude for this recognition that still feels so surreal to me.

The "Happy Accident" That Changed Everything

As I shared with Nurse.org, Mel's Crafty Corner truly began as what I like to call a "happy accident" (channeling my inner Bob Ross here!). When the pandemic hit and my pediatric unit saw fewer patients, I found myself with unexpected time on my hands as shifts were canceled. That's when I created that first rainbow-themed T-shirt – a small act of positivity during a challenging time.

What I didn't fully express in the article was just how therapeutic that creative outlet became for me. Designing and making that first shirt wasn't just about creating something for others to wear – it was about giving myself permission to channel my energy into something positive when the world felt overwhelming.

When Life Gives You Lemons...

The article touches on my back injury, which was truly one of the most difficult challenges I've faced. What many don't realize is how identity-shaking it can be when your career path suddenly seems uncertain. As nurses, we pour so much of ourselves into caring for others that when that ability is threatened, it can feel like losing a part of who you are.

Those six months away from bedside nursing were filled with so many emotions – grief, fear, uncertainty, but also unexpected moments of clarity and purpose as I poured more energy into MCC. While I wouldn't wish a debilitating injury on anyone, I've come to appreciate how this challenge pushed me to find a new way to connect with and support my fellow nurses.

Being Real in a Filtered World

One thing I mentioned in the article that continues to be so important to me is the commitment to authenticity. In a world of perfectly curated social media feeds, I've found that being real about both the highs and lows has created the strongest connections with my community.

Whether it's talking openly about mental health (hence my "Be Kind To Your Mind" designs), sharing the struggles of running a business while managing chronic pain, or even showing the tears along with the triumphs – being genuine has been my north star.

The Honor of Recognition

When Nurse.org named me Nurse Entrepreneur of the Year, I truly couldn't believe it. After facing criticism for stepping away from traditional bedside nursing, this recognition felt like validation that I was still contributing meaningfully to the nursing community, just in a different way.

What the article captures so well is that this award isn't just about me – it's about the incredible community that has supported MCC from the beginning. Every purchase, every comment, every share has helped build this business into what it is today.

Looking Forward Together

As I mentioned in the Nurse.org feature, 2024 is all about expansion and new ways to connect with my nurse fRNds. I'm dreaming bigger than ever about collaborations, pop-up events, and creating more spaces (both physical and virtual) where nurses can feel seen, appreciated, and supported.

The feature on Nurse.org has opened new doors and introduced MCC to nurses who may not have found us otherwise. For that opportunity, I'm endlessly grateful to Chaunie and the entire Nurse.org team.

Read the Full Story

If you haven't had a chance to check out the full article, I'd love for you to read it here. Chaunie did such a beautiful job capturing not just what I do, but why I do it. The article goes deeper into my nursing background, the challenges I've faced, and my vision for the future of Mel's Crafty Corner.

I'd love to hear your thoughts or any questions you have after reading it! Drop a comment below or reach out on Instagram. As always, I'm so grateful to have you in my coRNer.

Work hard. Look good. Find joy. 💕

~ Mel

P.S. If you're a nurse with entrepreneurial dreams, I hope this story encourages you to take that first step. The path may not be straight, but it can lead to something beautiful that allows you to support your nursing community in ways you never imagined!

Originally shared on November 1, 2023