From Hobby to Hustle: Melissa Sparling's Story

Many of us cherish hobbies that bring joy and effortlessly weave into our daily lives, whether it's binge-watching Netflix or gathering with friends over a conversation. Some transform these passions into thriving businesses. Today, we delve into Melissa Sparling's journey from hobbyist to entrepreneur.

In 2021, Melissa founded Morph125, a home-based business in Redding, CA, selling embroidered hats, beanies, tee shirts, handmade headbands, and purses. Her entrepreneurial spark ignited in 2020 during the pandemic. Inspired by her mother’s sewing skills, she bought a sewing machine and began creating headbands. This hobby quickly became a business. The name Morph125 reflects her admiration for a character from "Treasure Planet," symbolizing change, and her wedding anniversary, December 5th.

Operating online and at local events, Morph125 has become a well-known name in Redding. Melissa’s 15-year-old daughter helps with booth setup and sales, integrating practical lessons in financial management and math into homeschooling.

One significant challenge Melissa faced was managing her spending. With guidance from the Women’s Business Center (WBC) at JEDI, she gained a better understanding of financial management and strategic investments. “I can wrap my head around money differently now,” she says. This new perspective led her to invest in new equipment, increasing production capacity and efficiency, and allowing Morph125 to expand its offerings to custom embroidery on hats and tees, attracting larger clients like sports teams and local businesses.

 Melissa credits her growth to the support and training from the WBC at JEDI, particularly the "Make Your Money Work for You" class, which helped her overcome spending reluctance and make informed investments.

“This year has been one of incredible growth because of the investments I’ve made in my business,” she reflects.

Melissa’s journey also inspires the next generation. Her daughter’s involvement in the business has sparked her own entrepreneurial ambitions, demonstrating the power of practical business lessons.

Morph125 is a testament to Melissa Sparling’s creativity, resilience, and commitment to continuous growth and transformation. Her story highlights the importance of educational resources and support systems like those offered by the WBC at JEDI in empowering women entrepreneurs to achieve their dreams.  

Click here to check out some of the beautiful products Melissa creates at Morph125! Explore more of her collection and shop online at Morph125. 

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