We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Melissa Locke. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Melissa below.
Melissa, appreciate you joining us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.
A friend of mine owns Le Petit Cirque which is a cirque company that performs all over the world. While my husband and I were attending one of her events at Pageant of the Masters in Laguna, she asked me to model at her next show on their red carpet. Initially I thought she was talking to someone else or even my husband because he is very good looking and youthful but she was talking to me. At first I was shocked and then I thought I am going to do this. I needed to learn how to walk and pose very quickly so I studied models on YouTube because I had only a few weeks and knew no other models, besides myself, that could teach me. I went to the show and the host of the show didn’t show up and they had saved a beautiful gown for her. I happened to be close to her measurements so I got to wear a gorgeous red gown that Paula Abdul was supposed to wear. It was a great experience and I have been doing it ever since. It was the start of many more fashion shows and red carpets and runways.
Melissa, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I am a Bicoastal LA/NYC Actress/Model. I have been studying film and television for 5 years and have been part of SAG for 25 years. I also love to dance and belong to a Hip Hop Group that performs and dances regularly all over SoCal. I do couture and runway modeling in LA and NY. I recently did my first pageant. It was a great experience and it really activated my philanthropic/service part of me and has made me want to do more for humankind. I am regularly volunteering with a few food distribution centers locally and in Africa.
Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?
A creatively lived life is a consistent choice of choosing curiosity over fear. There will always be these crossroads where you choose to take a risk or play it safe. People always say, Follow your Passion, but not everyone always knows exactly what that is so following your curiosity or glimmers doesn’t put as much pressure on you. Curiosity is always accessible.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
You have chosen your curiosity which results in freedom and empathy. These three qualities encompass a creative spirit. The reward is your Story-Telling. Your Music. Your Art. All that is needed is already inside and has been activated.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.melissalockemodelingportfolio.com
- Instagram: iammelissalocke
- Facebook: Melissa Locke
- Other: TicToc. Melissa Ip
Image Credits
Deidre Fahey