Designing Digital Spaces That Grow With You
I’m Melissa, a web designer specializing in custom websites for small businesses and non-profits. Whether crafting a brand-new site or refreshing an existing one, I love helping mission-driven organizations show up with clarity and confidence online. It’s a privilege to support passionate leaders and help bring their work to life on the web.
Expertise in Leading Website Platforms
Meet Melissa
I am a Bronx Native, mother of 3, who loves exploring the trails and beauty of New York City and State. Although I have lived in the city for a majority of my life - I find myself away from the hustle and bustle and seeking nature.
I have worked in marketing and the digital space for over twenty years. From the day my parents brought home our very first Gateway computer in 1995, I have found myself interested in web design. In high school, I took a basic programming class, and in college I majored in Communications and minored in Digital Art. I started building and designing websites for fun since the LiveJournal and Blogger days.
Once I started my professional career, I immediately jumped on board to revamp that organization’s website. Working on improving an organization’s online presence has been a passion of mine for years.
I took a work hiatus in 2019 when life took a surprising turn —we had twins and I became the mother of three children under three years old. Fun times!
Although I have worked in content management, writing, proofreading and marketing, I decided to return to the aspect of my professional life that brings me most joy. You guessed it, website design.
I love the challenge of harvesting your ideas and creating something that blooms with beauty and functionality.
Forge and Bloom is a nod to my last name, Herreria. It means “Smith” in Spanish, as in blacksmith, an artisan who hammers tools and other items out of hot iron or steel. While I am not a blacksmith, I do work with my hands to craft digital spaces that help your business or organization flourish.
My clients appreciate my thoughtful and patient approach to web design. I believe this comes from recognizing that, unlike in motherhood, web design doesn’t involve true emergencies—there are no life-or-death situations, only challenges to solve.
So let’s get to work and plant some seeds together!