Meet Melissa Cosper | Publisher

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

Hi Melissa, what’s one piece of conventional advice that you disagree with?
Conventional advice has its place and is appropriate if it resonates with you. For me, a piece of conventional advice that didn’t suit me was… Find a secure, steady job with great benefits and stick with it until it’s time to retire. Putting my future and pursuit of happiness in someone else’s hands is not something I can personally handle. I need to have the freedom to dream big when it’s time to dream big and step back when I need to reflect. Being unconventional is not always butterflies and rainbows. It’s hard, overwhelming, and exhausting, but I know I can live with the outcome because I crafted it; it’s mine.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
In August 2021 when 4.3 million people in America quit their jobs; I was one of them. I didn’t resign from my well-paid marketing career knowing what I was going to do next, but I knew I wasn’t fulfilled, as so many other Americans were realizing after the pandemic. I had spent so much of my career trying to find purpose, spanning from education to nonprofit, and eventually a marketing professional, all with aspirations to help others meet their goals. It wasn’t long after I left the 9-5 that I decided to start my own publishing company.
I don’t have a big romantic story or aspiring dreams of becoming a publisher. The awkward, antisocial girl always with her nose in a book, a nerdy introvert with her head in the clouds, or the glasses-wearing, hates-the-outdoors type stumbles upon the opportunity of a lifetime in the business of Bookmaking. That’s not me.

People are intriguing, complex, flawed beings that set my inspiration on fire. Having found the courage to think, do, and say whatever the hell I wanted inspired me to create a platform for other people to share their ideas, chronicles, anecdotes, and stories however, they wish to tell them.

Alas, SlyGirl Publishing House was born. SlyGirl collaborates with artists of all kinds to reach their big publication dreams. As the founder of SlyGirl, I have the privilege of inviting artists of all kinds to the collaborative table and serving as their creative coach. We talk, we strategize, and we definitely laugh our asses off as we work together to bring your project to the public. SlyGirl values the collaborative stage of the creative process, and we purposefully leverage your diverse talents to boost you and others toward your respective big dream of publication.

In the beginning, I thought I had to take on the world. I would say yes to everything and run myself into the ground. I’ve learned to take a step back for reflection and adjustment. I engage in things I enjoy to unlock creative problem-solving and find a new perspective. When it feels like the weight of the world is on my shoulders, I stop standing underneath it. This technique was incredibly difficult at first, but I can make big dreams happen for myself and others when I can see the world around me clearer.

There is a vast lack of understanding when it comes to self-care. Self-care is pouring love on yourself so that you have enough to give to others. It’s feeding your soul so that you may help someone else learn to fend for themselves. It’s being yourself in the midst of discomfort. It’s standing up for yourself. It’s saying “no” to the things that don’t fulfill you.

Understanding your capacity for risk-taking is important. What may seem risky for me, may seem unfathomable for you, or vice versa. I’ve been taking shots in the dark since before I knew I was fearless. I’ve never once applied for a job that I was actually qualified for and not once was I turned down. I’ve failed and been broken down, but I’ve also excelled as a top-performing employee in many cases. As cliché as it may sound; the higher the uncertainty, the bigger the opportunity.

Drive is key. Staying a course with purpose and determination. I don’t always know where I’m going but I’m always making moves forward. We are CAPABLE of more than we can comprehend. Understanding that to be the truth provides comfort in the uncertainty. I used to think work-life balance was starting at 8am and closing my laptop by 5pm. Balance is finding enjoyment in our work and involving the people most important in our lives. It’s a theory at best, I’m continuously working to perfect it and finding ways to turn it into a habit.

I was inspired by a self-published “author-preneur” I promoted at the marketing firm. I grew more and more aware that there are many artists that need and deserve representation, direction, and coaching. Understanding the heart and mentality of an artist made starting my art-centered publishing company the most obvious choice for me.

I’m an artist. When I was little that meant coloring, drawing, or painting. When I became an adult, it transformed into creative problem-solving. As I approach 40 years old as an entrepreneur, an artist unleashes the subconscious making every faucet of the world more beautiful and better. We have the power to enact everlasting change, whether it be the art of technology, design, or aesthetic pleasure. To be surrounded by creativity is the highest honor on Earth.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’ve always been fascinated with a city’s Main Street area. Every time I visit a new city, I must check out their downtown. A few years ago, an opportunity to live and work in the Arts & Culture district of my hometown presented itself. Being immersed in an area with art, culture, and wonderful neighbors was a dream.

When my friends and family visit my area, I like to show them a piece of this golden nugget. We would spend our days of that week collaborating with artists, walking the streets of my artistic ‘hood, waving at and chatting with fellow downtowners, sitting on the grass in the sculpture garden, eating sophisticated food while the cook comes to say ‘hello’ or ‘thanks for coming,’ drinking craft beer or natural wine with locals, and listening to talented bands in my “backyard.” We would spend our week surrounded by art, culture, food, and fantastic company.

A few of my favorite places and events:
Longview Museum of Fine Art
Sculpture Garden
The art of Yoga (LMFA)
Downtown Live at Heritage Plaza
Greenside Beverage Company
Flea Market at Greenside
Judd’s Downtown
Roma’s Italian Kitchen
Oil Horse Brewing Company
Silver Grizzly Espresso
Saturday Farmer’s Market

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Stephanie Adams. She came into my life as a volunteer writer in the nonprofit organization I ran for 5 years. Her volunteer efforts turned into a board position and eventually a paying position as my “right-hand man.” To this day, she is a forever friend, more like family. She recognized attributes in me when I couldn’t see them, encouraged me to keep going when I was down, and later asked, “Why haven’t you started your own business?” Stephanie is kind, clear, hard-working, and incredibly intelligent. I can’t thank her enough for the role she has played in my mental health (lol), career, and life in general.

Website: slygirl.co

Instagram: @slygirlpublishing

Facebook: SlyGirl Publishing House

Image Credits
Lindsay Steele, photographer