Melissa is an upholsterer and seamstress by trade who began as an apprentice in London to couture upholsterer, Aiveen Daly, where her work was featured in Vogue, Wallpaper, Architectural Digest, Elle Decoration and the windows of Liberty's in London. Upon returning to the states she worked in various facets of design for both interiors and fashion in New York and Los Angeles. She currently splits her time between her ranch in Santa Ynez, Ca her apartment in the Marais district of Paris and her flat in London.

Her studio is a refurbished barn where she designs the BTC line while caring for her 25 animals. The Brass Tack brick & mortar is a 5 minute commute from the ranch in its 9th year as a retail store. Paris and London are her places to get a city fix as well as a jumping off point for sourcing throughout Europe. Her ranch and current shop have been featured in Domino Magazine, Sunset Magazine and Santa Barbara Magazine.