Meet Melanie Summers | Tie-dye dabbler and a pretty decent person

We had the good fortune of connecting with Melanie Summers and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Melanie, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
If someone had told me 18 months ago that people would pay money for things I created, I wouldn’t have believed you. In fact, I still suffer from a bit of imposter syndrome. I guess one might say “the seed was planted” due to my family’s uncanny ability to stain clothes, as they end up with food on the back of their clothing. Every six months, I would gather all the old or stained clothes around the house and tie-dye them. It was fun, and our clothes didn’t have to be thrown out or donated.
Like a lot of people, COVID was the TRUE launch pad. I was on a Tik-Tok binge and saw someone using a fork to create a traditional spiral tie-dye. That led me to YouTube and down the rabbit hole of tie-dye. I decided to try some things out during my bi-annual tie-dying. I showed a few people what I created and received positive feedback, so I created more. In the past, like many people, the fear of failure or rejection limited me from trying new things. I was terrified to put myself out there, but I had a ton of support and encouragement, so I did it. I did my first event in November of 2021, and it has gone from there.
Tie-dying is also more forgiving than other artistic mediums regarding detail and precision. This is crucial since I am legally blind, hence the name Blind Eyed. My vision loss has limited my career options, so the fact that I have found something that not only am I good at it, I enjoy, and there are no limitations.

Please tell us more about your art. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
While my vision loss doesn’t define me, it has altered the path I am on. I always say without the sh*@ty things in life, you wouldn’t be where you are today. Are things currently all rainbows and butterflies? NOT even a bit; with all the joy this business venture creates, it provides a certain amount of fear and doubt. Although I relish the creative process and often surprising results, there’s always that doubt prior to and occasionally after a finished piece when I ask myself, “ Is this my beautiful life?” When someone hears tie-dye, they immediately think (no offense to hippies), “typical hippie spiral on a t-shirt.” While that is where it started, I’ve found myself moving in a different direction. I still use liquid dye; however, I’ve discovered my most amazing pieces result from ice-dying. Ice-dying is the process of placing powdered dye over melting ice. Beyond ice-dying, I’ve found my inner MacGyver. I repurpose items (aka junk) from the garage, think of a cross between the Goonies and MacGyver. This includes everything from wire racks, sawhorses, and lampshades to window screens and rain gutters. Upcycled items are a major part of Blind Eyed. Thrifting to find designer pieces, like jackets, sweaters, dresses, and skirts, has become my focus. Of course, it’s flattering when someone says they like something I’ve made. It makes me feel good. When someone buys an upcycled item and says, “I am not sure this will fit, but it is too amazing to pass up,” or “you really should be charging more,” it is beyond encouraging. It provides a sense of accomplishment and reminds me of what I am capable of. Often people say I am achieving my goals or living my dream. I can say neither. Only because being an entrepreneur or artist never crossed my mind. Now that I’m on this rollercoaster, I am going to buckle up and see how far I can take it.  

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Well, being a lifelong Fort Worthian, we would definitely stay in Fort Worth. We would eat several meals at Benito’s Restaurant on Magnolia. It is authentic Mexican food, they serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and of course, they have amazing margaritas. You always need a Fort Worth souvenir, so we will grab a t-shirt or just a sticker at Fort Worth Locals – Gear, which is also on Magnolia and has some REALLY rad stuff. We would check out a rugby game, yes, there is a Fort Worth Rugby Club, and everyone needs to see at least one rugby game in their lifetime. Having drinks at my favorite dive bar Ozzie Rabbit, located on Lancaster in East Fort Worth, is a must. It is right next door to Randy Adam’s Tattoo studio, which has some of the best tattoo artists in Fort Worth, in case a new tattoo is in order. I can’t leave out the Japanese and Botanic Gardens, Fort Worth Stockyards, and Fort Worth’s Museum of Science History for the family-friendly side of things.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are so many people that have encouraged me. Of course, I have to say thanks to the messy eaters in my family. Without them, I wouldn’t have gotten this thing off the ground. A huge supporter of this venture of mine is Stephanie Matijevic, owner of Moon Beauty Bar. (@stephmatijevic on IG) She has encouraged me more than she is aware. In addition to being a fantastic esthetician who keeps my eyebrows and skin in tip-top shape, she is one of my best customers. She’s an excellent sounding board with whom I feel comfortable sharing the trials and tribulations of an upstart entrepreneur. Having made a success of her own business, I consider her a great friend and invaluable resource. I also want to give a shoutout to Wandering Roots Market (@wanderingroots_market on IG). Their pop-up markets are heavily promoted and regularly bring in large crowds. An extra shoutout to Shea, who always puts her vendors first and foremost.

Website: blindeyed.com

Instagram: instagram.com/blindeyeddesigns