ABOUT

MARISSA HITT

I started painting as soon as I

could pick up a paintbrush.

One evening, my parents were hosting a meeting. They let me attend & promised that if I stayed quiet, I could show my artwork to the adults at the end.

I did (that is, stayed quiet & got to show my work), & a couple asked if they could buy one of my paintings.

Both my parents & I were not expecting to sell a painting at a casual meeting hosted at our local library, so my parents asked me how much I wanted to sell my painting for.

"One dollar," I replied. A dollar seemed like a lot of money to me at the time.

The couple decided to pay $50 for the painting. From there, people continued to ask if they could invest in my acrylic landscape artwork.

Marissa Hitt Young Entrepreneur and Artist Story

This led me to start my own art business at the age of five as a self-taught artist. I was showing my work in galleries when I was barely in elementary school.

I always had business cards in my little purses, ready to share with anyone. Whether I was talking to someone 15X my age or younger than my five-year-old self, making genuine connections has always brought me joy. My social butterfly skills were further activated when I signed with my modeling agency, Voices And Models, competed in scholarship pageants, & was interviewed for print & on TV.

Marissa Hitt Pet Portrait Watercolor Artist

After finding a pack of watercolor paints in my basement, I challenged myself to create a painting per day.

While I didn't always meet that goal, I made thousands of brushstrokes that are now wall prints & cards in my online shop. Some of my first watercolor paintings (elementary school Marissa only painted with acrylics) consisted of bunnies wandering in the wind, birds perched on branches, & flowers in full bloom.

I also began creating pet portraits. History repeated itself when people asked to buy my artwork, but instead of acrylic landscapes, I was painting beloved pets.

Watercolor Pet Portraits by Marissa Hitt Melane & Co.

In high school, I began Melane & Co.

The name "Melane" is the middle name that I share with my mom, "& Co." stands for the company: the watercolor animals & flowers in my online shop. Your cherished furry family members. Growing up with Miniature Schnauzers & Golden Retrievers (while also petting all the dogs & cats that I could find) taught me how to paint your pet's soul. I don't just create a portrait of your dog, your cat, or other type of pet...

I reflect their personality, the way they look at you with love, & all of the little details that make them, them.

Marissa Hitt Pet Portrait Artist Melane & Co.

Watercolor Pet Portraits and Floral Paintings

Having earned 3 degrees in 3 years,

I not only know how to run a heartfelt business, but with paint & passion, I partner with pet-related businesses.

In addition to painting keepsake-worthy portraits for pet owners, I also work with businesses such as animal clinics & pet daycares so that they can give back to clients by gifting them with original Melane & Co. artwork. With an entrepreneurial & artistic mindset, I help businesses find the best ways to give pet portraits to their clients, all while growing the credibility of their area of expertise.

When I'm not painting your precious pets, you can find me

reading a book, exploring coffee shops, or snuggling with my dogs, Beau & Bettie Rae.