Occupation: I am the owner and lead floral designer for Floral Designs By Melissa. I specialize in the event industry, which largely consists of weddings. I started my design education at the age of 14 in 1994 and have been designing ever since.

Family: I am married to Matt Mihalcik. He is on several volunteer boards in town, a small business lender for Newtown Savings, and an all around wonderful person. We are very much like that old show Dharma & Greg, but our differences work very well for us.

Pets: We have the three most adorable and loving fur babies in the world. Rush is our 14-year-young border collie who is still full of energy. I cook all her meals. Devon is my handsome boy golden retriever who is 11 years young. Kai is our 7-year-young, silly, doting girl golden retriever. They are the loves of my life.

How long have you lived in Newtown? I have lived in Newtown since 1985.

What do you like to do in your free time? In my free time I love to spend time with my dogs, husband, family, and friends. We are amateur beekeepers, which is an exciting and exhausting hobby! I also like to craft, kayak, and spend time outside.

What is your favorite book? I don’t have a favorite book, but I really enjoy listening to audiobooks while I design. It is like storytime all the time in my studio. Thanks to the library for the digital audiobooks!

What is your favorite travel destination? The Azores is an amazing place. It has an amazing amount of plant life and culture all in one place. The people are also very lovely.

What is the best part about Newtown? I love that Newtown has such a community feel. When someone needs something, people gather together and help each other.

What organizations are you part of in Newtown? I am part of the Newtown Chamber of Commerce.

Who has been the greatest influence in your life? My high school floral design teacher, Eugene Wisniewski, who I think of often and miss very much, is who I credit with my love of what I do. He was an amazing man and gave me the wonderful foundation that I have built my successful business on. My family has also always been there for me.

If you could spend the day with one person, who would you choose and why? I don’t think that I could ever choose one. You see, I would choose my family. My family to me are all of those related by blood and heart.

Who is your favorite musical artist? I am a lover of most music. Most things from folk to classic rock to pop to Top 40. I like variety.

What is the greatest piece of advice you have ever been given? My mom likes to remind me to not worry about the small things and then reminds me that most of the things are small things. Perspective is always important.

What is something you cannot live without? My animals are surely “someones” I cannot live without.

What is your proudest accomplishment? Being a successful businesswoman. The look on a bride and/or groom’s face the day of their wedding is an amazing feeling! Knowing I helped make their day beautiful makes me happy.