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For over twenty years, Melissa worked in textiles as an artist and color consultant for companies like Martha Stewart, Belle Maison, and Waverly Fabrics. – all while raising two children. 

By 2011, Melissa felt fed up with working behind a computer, feeling like a piece of her life was missing. In hopes of rediscovering her creativity, Melissa instinctually returned to her first love: painting. Though she hadn't painted since college, on a whim she enrolled in a local watercolor class. 

Immediately, Melissa felt just like she did in her college painting course all those years ago: nervous, but excited. The teacher noticed her natural talent right away. Soon, Melissa was hooked, painting in every spare moment – after the kids went to bed, on lunch breaks, on sneaky weekend afternoons. She found great solace in making art, reawakened to a part of herself that had (too) long been forgotten.

That watercolor class proved to be a major turning point. Not only did painting get her through divorce, but it solidified that it was time to create for herself – not someone else. So, in 2016, Melissa leaned in, launching her watercolor painting and illustration studio as a full-time job. Through sheer determination, Melissa grew her love for art into a successful, growing business and brand.

Inspired by her watercolor teacher and the way that class impacted her life and path, Melissa launched into teaching watercolor. Since 2017 Melissa has been teaching small group classes for adults and children alike, private lessons, collaborating with fellow creatives on weekend retreats, and online classes. She has been dreaming of traveling and facilitating Creative Retreats in both the US and Europe. After a life-altering road trip in Fall 2023 to Utah, the open air and creative vibes opened up a new world for Melissa and her creativity.  Eager to share her watercolor techniques and Create time and space for others to create, the Western Horizon Retreat was born.

 Emily Leyland, the owner/operator of the 23 acre, Rising Moon Ranch in beautiful southern Utah. Some of my most loved titles are mother, artist, podcaster, entrepreneur, empath, and most recently, General Manager of East Zion Resort.

 I have spent years growing the glamping resort into one of the highest rated resorts in the area, until recently moving on to focus solely on building the ranch.

I have loved art and its many forms since I was a small child. I love painting, photography, and pottery has been my newest creative medium that just makes my heart sing.

 Travel has long been a passion of mine since moving to England as a teenager and being able to explore numerous countries. After raising my children in South Carolina, I used my love and sensitivities for the spooky and paranormal, and traveled the world with my podcast and brought the scarier side of life to my listeners.

 My love of history, adventure and unique experiences, especially in the “Wild West” are what drive the purpose of Rising Moon Ranch, a long held dream of mine since spending every childhood summer here where my pioneer ancestors settled. 

The ranch is a place of healing and reconnection with one’s self and nature. My goal is to share and inspire others with the ancient land the ranch sits on. 

The experience and expertise I have gained in my life will heighten your experience at the ranch, whether it’s a retreat, class, evening cook-out under the stars, or listening to one of my spine-chilling ghost stories!