inspiring women: Melissa Noucas of The Atelier

When I first thought about creating a blog, I had no idea where to start. What would I name my blog? What would it look like? What topics would I focus on? I had a full list of questions and (a lot) of anxiety trying to find the answers. I knew blogging was something I would enjoy but I couldn't seem to gather the courage to put myself out there. After years of reading other blogs, I thought it might be helpful to reach out to someone in the blogging community to share their experience. One person that came to mind is the lovely lady behind The Atelier, Melissa Noucas. I have been following Melissa's blog from her very first post and I was instantly drawn to our shared love of stationary, peonies, and J. Crew, and most importantly: coffee. I imagine she would be the perfect brunch companion. Her style is perfectly chic and sophisticated with a Parisian influence. This inspiration translates into her illustrations, which includes everything from croissants to classic monograms. 

I reached out to Melissa last summer and she was sweet enough to make time to chat with me about her blogging experience. She was so sweet, helpful, and encouraging. I felt so inspired after talking to her. It took me a few more months to gather the courage to launch my blog, but her kind words were always in the back of my mind and I felt like I had someone to look up to. This (along with the support of friends) is what helped me through all the doubt I had while starting by blog. If you're interested in starting your own blog, don't be afraid to reach out to a blogger that inspires you. The blogging community is like your best group of girlfriends that you haven't met yet. We love connecting with people that share similar interests. That is the beauty of blogging! An online community that becomes as influential as real life communities. 

Melissa recently launched her spring line of stationary on her online shop and I just can’t help but swoon over all the lovely paperie. Just fabulous. Above is a taste of some of the Parisian inspired stationary Melissa created for spring 2014. I am absolutely in love with the polka dot stationary! 

image 1 // image 2 // instagram