We were lucky to catch up with Melo recently and have shared our conversation below.

Melo, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Looking back, do you think you started your business at the right time? Do you wish you had started sooner or later?

I definitely wish I would’ve started my business sooner. It’s wild because I’ve had a passion for imagery since such a young age, but where I come from there aren’t many outlets or avenues you could pursue as a kid interested in the arts. So because of that, I spent many years treating camera work like a simple hobby because just as most parents do, my dad was more focused on me securing a “real” job. It wasn’t until around my second or third year of college that I realized I could have an actual career in the creative field and be my own boss. These days, there are so many social platforms to share your work and be discovered that it’s become an open playing field for creators of literally all ages. I can only imagine my current trajectory if I had access to that much inspiration and opportunity back then.

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 initially got into the creative industry by attending Instagram meetups and setting up TFP shoots with local models. I then eventually started to build my own connections throughout the city with other people who were also passionate about visuals and it’s been amazing to see us all grow from where we started. My current focus is providing industry-level photo and video content to Houston area brands and businesses at an affordable rate. In this economy, an underrepresented brand is a business that’s doomed to fail, so I consider the creative marketing content I provide to be a necessary tool for brands of all sizes looking to reach their target audience consistently. I feel it’s just as important (if not more) to make the tools I provide for growth accessible to young entrepreneurs and small businesses as it is to provide them for large-scale brands. I’m most proud of my ability to adapt. Since the start of covid, it’s been a personal struggle of mine to completely switch gears from portraiture and street photography to focus solely on commercial branding, but I feel it’s what I’m most passionate about currently and I believe I can change the way people view ads and provide lasting value to my clients so I’m running with it full speed.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

The only mission driving my creative journey has been and will always be to inspire. If I can inspire others through my personal journey then I know I’ve done something worth remembering, because essentially, the legacy I leave behind is the only thing important to me anyway.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

Books like The 48 Laws of power & The Secret have helped shape the way I view and react to the world, not only as a creator but as a human being in general. They taught me the importance of actually knowing yourself, operating in gratitude rather than ego, and also manifestation, which is a huge necessity in my day-to-day life. I would also recommend podcasters like Jay Shetty and Hindzsight whom I listen to daily for teachings on self-motivation, shadow work, and setting realistic expectations/goals.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: instgram.com/melothemogul
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCx05qUOTbYk0qqBl5qNkZsA

Image Credits
Photos by @MeloTheMogul