Check Out Melissa Patterson’s Story

Today, we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Patterson.

Hi Melissa, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
My journey has been a blend of passions and creative pursuits. From personal trainer to food, beverage, and product photographer, as well as the owner of Cheat Day Sweets, a small bakery, it has been a winding road.

Photography has been my lifelong passion, ignited during my high school years. Due to initial skepticism from a college professor about the future of photography in the digital age, I ended up transitioning, leading me to explore interior design and eventually integrating my design skills into various projects, from website design to marketing materials.

In 2009, I found myself immersed in the fitness industry. Little did I know it would be for the next 14 years! Blending my creative talents with my passion for fitness, this period allowed me to wear multiple hats as a self-employed personal trainer, group fitness instructor, and creative and social media marketer.

Amidst my fitness endeavors, I rediscovered my love for baking, culminating in the launch of Cheat Day Sweets in 2020. As the fitness studio faced temporary closure during the pandemic, I seized the opportunity to rekindle my photography passion, capturing delectable images of my desserts for Cheat Day Sweets. This marked a pivotal moment as I began to direct my focus to photography.

In 2023, I made the bold decision to fully embrace photography, creativity, and baking. I am now full-time between Cheat Day Sweets and Drop Shadow Design. Cheat Day Sweets specializes in dessert tables for weddings, as well as special events, like showers, parties, and corporate events.

I have also had the privilege of collaborating with national brands like Crisco, Red Gold, and Duncan Hines, as well as local businesses like Rove Winery, Libby Wines, Lone Light, and Pinaq for photography under Drop Shadow.

Today, both my photography and bakery businesses are thriving, fueled by the unwavering support of my family and the incredible relationships made with clients turned friends.

We all face challenges, but would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Navigating where I am today has been a blend of highs and lows. Starting businesses from ground zero and being self-funded is no small feat. Transitioning from a 14-year fitness career to pursue my passion for food and photography was undoubtedly daunting, especially since I was self-employed as a personal trainer with no backup funds.

As someone who doesn’t naturally gravitate towards risk-taking, the decision to leave behind a familiar era was a challenging one. However, I am immensely grateful that I could overlap my businesses for a few years, allowing me to embrace my creative side fully and build the confidence to commit wholeheartedly to baking and photography.

It has been tough facing skepticism from those who view my endeavors as hobbies. The landscape of food photography in today’s social media-driven world can sometimes belittle the seriousness of the profession. However, rather than letting skepticism deter me, it served as fuel for my determination to prove myself and succeed on my terms.

I am a perfectionist, and that comes with its challenges, but finding support within the food photography community has been invaluable. Surrounding myself with like-minded professionals who understand the intricacies of our field has helped me combat imposter syndrome.

Securing my first significant photography campaign and having a fully booked calendar for Cheat Day Sweets during the wedding season was a pivotal moment that instilled a belief in my abilities and talent. Yet, even now, I approach each day with a willingness to learn, grow, and let my aspirations for recognition and success outweigh lingering fears.

I appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
At Drop Shadow Design, I specialize in two distinct fields: food & cocktail, product and restaurant photography, and 3D printing, showcased through our Etsy store. These endeavors allow me to blend creative vision with technical skills in a unique and fulfilling way.

My online presence, particularly through my micro-influencer Instagram account @wineandawhisk, serves as a platform where I share life’s indulgences, focusing on desserts, cocktails, and appetizers. Through captivating photography, I aim to not only showcase these delights but also share recipes, tips, and tricks with my audience.

In addition to my photography, I offer content creation services for food and beverage brands, recipe development, content writing, blog recipe reshoots, reels, and social media management. My goal is to help clients tell their stories in a visually compelling way, engaging their audience and driving results.

Under the brand Cheat Day Sweets, I specialize in creating mouthwatering desserts and curating unforgettable dessert tables for events like weddings. Whether it’s a rustic chic feel or a glamorous traditional vision, I take pride in designing and executing dessert displays that align with each event’s theme and vibe. From delivery to full setup, I ensure every detail is meticulously curated, leaving a lasting impression on guests.

Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting?
Follow Your Passion! If you have a deep-seated passion or talent, pursue it wholeheartedly. Believe in it; whether it’s a creative pursuit or a business venture, go for it. Even if it starts as a hobby, don’t let anyone discourage you from chasing your dreams. Your fulfillment will outweigh the challenges.

Starting, it’s common to face doubts and skepticism, both from within and from others. Building a business takes time, patience, and resilience. There will inevitably be periods of slow growth and setbacks, but keep pushing forward.

Reflecting on my journey, I realized that it took time for me to discover my style and aesthetic. Despite initial doubts about my work, I’ve now found myself in a position where others seek my advice on photography and content creation. It’s incredibly rewarding to share my knowledge and experience with those eager to learn.

Be authentic! Your authenticity is what sets you apart and attracts like-minded clients and collaborators.

Ultimately, starting a business is a journey of self-discovery and growth. Embrace the challenges, celebrate the victories, and never stop pursuing your passion. Trust in yourself and your abilities!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.dropshadowdesign.com and www.cheatdaysweets.com
• Instagram: @wineandawhisk and @cheatdaysweetsgr
• Facebook: @wineandawhisk and @cheatdaysweetsgr