Melissa graduated from the University of Newcastle with a Bachelor of Design (Graphic) and began working in a design studio before moving on to a prestigious advertising agency as their Senior Designer.
After several years in the industry, she realised that the pressure of working long hours in an agency and having three children was not the work-life balance she dreamed of …. so, Graphika was born to give Melissa flexibility around her family.
Melissa says “I always sensed an entrepreneurial spirit within me and knew that one day I would venture into business. My children were the driving force behind this decision."
With over 25 years of industry experience, Melissa specialises in utilising design to address challenges, mastering typography,meticulous attention to detail, and fostering strong client relationships. Her focus lies in collaborating with service-based businesses, helping them breathe life into their brands through functional graphic design and digital solutions.
Staying active is an important part of graphic designer Melissa Horvat’s journey as a business owner. In this case study, she talks about the flexibility that owning a small business provides, but also the need to manage challenges and take time away from the business when needed.
Melissa's expertise also expands to speaking up and being a voice for small business owners.
Melissa was invited to Parliament House, Canberra to sit a Roundtable discussion with Scott Morrison (ScoMo), Senator Michaelia Cash and an amazing group of influential people. She was one of four Small Business Owners that had a chance to be the voice for small business in the country and the challenges we face. Her voice sparked an initiative to develop tools and platforms for small business owners to give them the support they deserve.
Melissa shares the importance of branding for small businesses, particularly for women entrepreneurs, and shares her unique model known as the “Brand Gap Map”.
Melissa believes that if you can’t be the best version of yourself then you can’t be that person to anyone else either.
In this episode of "Unmasking Your Power" we got to interview Owner and Director of Graphika, Mrs Melissa Horvat. Graphika is an award-winning branding...
Staying active is an important part of graphic designer Melissa Horvat’s journey as a business owner. In this case study, she talks about the flexibility...
This episode is an in-depth conversation about business growth, how it may not always feel like success and the difficulties associated with an expanding...
Newcastle businesswoman Melissa Horvat supports mandatory mental health checks and wellbeing training for small business owners.