Today we’d like to introduce you to Shelby Tench.
Hi Shelby, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
It started out as a love of designing for my family and friends: handmaking cards, designing invitations, decor for celebrations, party games for showers; if I could do it by myself, I would.
I’ve always loved art. My grandfather was an artist, and he taught me all the different ways we could make things with our hands. When he passed away in 2009, I didn’t feel like designing anymore. It took me a while to find that spark again.
It started slowly, gathering speed with my own wedding in 2017, and then flourished from there. Since then, I’ve built a modest home-business with some wonderful clientele.
As of right now, I do both designing for those looking for that special invitation and producing resources for homeschoolers & teachers.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Life has its bumps sometimes. I have four kids, ages 4 to 15, including one with special needs, so much of my time is focused on them. Between family and work, things are always busy around here, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. The chaos keeps me on my toes, and it’s also where the most joy, laughter, and learning happen every day.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
My main business is Meliora HoneyBee Productions, but I also create under Meliora Homeschool Resources, a branch of MHP located on Teachers Pay Teachers. They’re sister brands, just two sides of the same coin, supporting creativity and learning in ways that honor real people and real lives.
Meliora HoneyBee Productions is my creative design business where I make fully custom pieces for people and small businesses. I design invitations, party games, baby shower and wedding items, graduation pieces, cards, planners, and business essentials. Everything is made to order and built around what the client actually wants: no templates or no cookie-cutter designs. I work closely with each client so the final product feels personal, meaningful, and meets their exact specifications.
Meliora Homeschool Resources grows from the same heart, just in a different direction. It’s focused on creating flexible, realistic homeschool tools that meet families where they are. I design resources that are adaptable, inclusive, and practical, especially for families who need learning to fit real life, not the other way around.
Both brands are connected by the same values: creativity, collaboration, and a human-first approach. Whether I’m designing a wedding invitation or a homeschool resource, the goal is the same: to make things that feel thoughtful, supportive, and genuinely helpful. Meliora means “ever better,” and that’s what I’m always working toward for the people who trust me with their ideas and their families.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Keep going! Even when it feels impossible or like it’s not worth it, just keep moving forward. Sometimes it takes years for an idea to really take off. You could be three to five years in and still waiting for your business to feel steady, but it will! Hang in there, keep putting yourself out there, and getting your name known. The right people will come!
Pricing:
- All consultations are free.
- Invitations & Celebrations range from $30-$50.
- Cards vary, but can be $0-$5.
- Business Essentials start at $10+.
- Misc. Designs from $5+.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://meliorahoneybeeproductions.blogspot.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/meliorahoneybee/
Image Credits
Alyssa Falkenstein, Photographer
