We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Melissa Jean a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Melissa thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?
Writing has always been not only a hobby of mine but it has also been very therapeutic for me since my adolescent years. It has always been my dream to someday become a published author. This year I decided that I will achieve everything that my heart desires. I’ve recently released my first published book as an author entitled: Faith and Overcoming Fear. The book entails of personal stories from my life and how my faith and the word of God has helped me overcome some of my most darkest times in life. This has been the most meaningful project I’ve worked on thus far because it has allowed me to not only showcase my writing skills but to also give my audience real authentic examples of how we can all be overcomers.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers
I’m Melissa Jean. I am an author, the owner of an indie cosmetics brand (Steppin’ Stone Beauty), a notary public, podcaster, and gospel music writer/composer. I love using my gifts, talents and brand to help others not only look good but feel good. My cosmetic products are all plant based and cruelty free which have helped countless women look and feel beautiful over the years. Being a notary has put me in contact with many different people from all walks of life and I’ve been able to help many during their most difficult times in life as well as during happy moments. My podcast has also allowed me to share my voice with the world and connect with my audience both near and far. Not to mention writing and releasing gospel music has not only been therapeutic and encouraging for me but also for many others all around the world and that alone makes me smile. Last but not least writing and releasing my first published project as an author has not only been a dream come true but also the most rewarding thing I have done in my life so far. I’m so grateful to have these gifts and talents that I can share with the world. My heart is full.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
I had to unlearn the lesson of public opinion. There was a period of time in my life where I let the words and actions of others hold me back from reaching my full potential. In this life people will always have an opinion whether it be good or bad. It is not our job to please others. It is your job to do your very best at whatever brand and/ or project you choose to release to the public. Allowing the opinion of others to dictate your choices and measure your worth is a sure way to fail. You are unique. Your brand is a direct reflection of you and as long as you’re putting your best foot forward then there is no need to let the discouragement of others stop you from achieving your very best. This is something that time and experience has taught and I’m so grateful that the one lesson that I’ve had to unlearn is listening to others about what I should and shouldn’t be doing. If I were to listen to those people I wouldn’t be where I am today.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
From day one of this journey the goal has always been to remain authentic. I am unapologetically me. I don’t expect everyone to understand. Many times when our brand starts growing or in desperate times we begin to lose ourselves. Not only do we lose ourselves but we also lose sight and focus of what’s really important. We start to focus on tangible things instead of remembering why we started in the first place. My mission is to impact others the best way I know how in the most authentic ways possible.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/melissajean331
- Instagram: @xoxo.melissaj