Miss Malaprop
Creative business · 2004–2020
Miss Malaprop
A creative business that began as a blog, grew into an e-commerce shop and pop-up retail venue, and became a launchpad for over a decade of work in digital marketing, speaking, and education.
About the project…
Miss Malaprop started as a personal blog in 2006 and quickly gained attention — earning a mention in BUST Magazine's weekly email newsletter within the first month of launch. What began as a creative outlet evolved into a full e-commerce shop and pop-up retail venue specializing in handmade and eco-friendly products.
Miss Malaprop became the foundation for my work as a writer, marketer, speaker, and educator. In 2020, the project was fully retired and its community and content found a new home at Badass Creatives and MalloryWhitfield.com.
What I created…
2004 · Local craft shows
Started my first handmade business and began selling at local craft shows under the name dismantled designs. Created one-of-a-kind recycled garments and accessories, crafted from unwanted denim jeans and t-shirts.
2005-2015 · New Orleans Craft Mafia
The New Orleans Craft Mafia was founded in June 2005 as a business co-op for New Orleans-area independent craft artists. Inspired by the Austin Craft Mafia, our collaborative group modeled resilience and the creative spirit in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. As a founding member, I managed the group's website, email newsletter, and social media profiles. I also organized and promoted events, including our long-running Last Stop Shop holiday art market.
2006 · MissMalaprop.com blog launched
Launched Miss Malaprop as a blog, which grew into an e-commerce shop and pop-up retail venue for handmade and eco-friendly products. Within the first month, the site was featured in BUST Magazine's weekly email newsletter — the first of many local and national press mentions.
2007 · Etsy Upcycle contest
Won 3rd place in nationwide Etsy Upcycling Contest for an outfit I created using recycled blue tarp plastic left over after Hurricane Katrina. My FEMA tarp creation was featured on MAKE and Boing Boing. Etsy purchased my blue tarp FEMA outfit and had it on display at their opening night party celebrating their Etsy Labs in Brooklyn.
What I created…
2007-2010 · Local columnist
Wrote a column for local independent print monthly ANTIGRAVITY Magazine. My monthly column spotlighted New Orleans based locally-owned businesses, artists, and designers.
2010-2014 · Pop-up retail & e-commerce shop
Miss Malaprop expanded into a full e-commerce shop carrying not just my own handmade work, but pieces from other artists, crafters, and independent makers. I was deep in the handmade economy — regularly selling at art markets, fairs, and festivals in and around New Orleans, including the original nighttime art market on Frenchmen Street. I also partnered with the New Orleans Craft Mafia and local collaborators to produce pop-up events that celebrated indie creative work.
2013 · Book: How to Make Money at Craft Shows
Wrote and self-published How to Make Money at Craft Shows: Art Market and Craft Fair Tips & Tricks, drawing on 10+ years of firsthand experience selling at art markets and craft fairs. The book evolved from a series of popular blog posts and tutorials.
2014-end · Speaking, teaching & consulting
Shifted focus to teaching and consulting entrepreneurs on digital marketing — SEO, WordPress, social media, email marketing, and content strategy. Spoke at regional and national events including New Orleans Entrepreneur Week, WordCamp NOLA, Alt Summit, and Craftcation, and developed and facilitated my own workshop series, including the DIY SEO Bootcamp. During this period, I was developing Badass Creatives and eventually retired the Miss Malaprop brand.
My role…
Founder and sole operator. I built and managed the blog, e-commerce shop, and pop-up retail business; wrote and self-published my first book; developed and delivered workshops and speaking engagements; and cultivated a community that eventually grew into Badass Creatives.
Miss Malaprop earned coverage in local and national media throughout its run.
Highlights include BUST Magazine, WWL-TV, Forbes, VICE, Gambit Weekly, Wharton Business Radio on Sirius XM, The Times-Picayune, and many more.
In 2015, Gambit Weekly named me one of 5 Local Instagrammers To Follow. In 2016, I was included in the 19th class of Gambit's 40 Under 40, which recognizes the brightest innovators, artists, and professionals in New Orleans.
