We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Melo a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Melo, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about the things you feel your parents did right and how those things have impacted your career and life.

My parents taught me to be a hard worker with relentless determination. Neither of my parents have stopped learning at any point in their lives. It is inspiring to witness my elders valuing expanding their perspective and knowledge despite growing older and becoming more settled in their careers. As I shifted towards desiring a more creative path for myself, they never told me I couldn’t do it – they have always encouraged me to find the most lucrative and sustainable way to live a life I love.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

When embarking on my college journey I was accepted to both of the two colleges I applied to. The University of Minnesota to pursue Reconstructive Plastic Surgery, and Kendall College of Art and Design in pursuit of Collaborative Design with a Minor in Graphic Design. I chose the latter and this decision shaped the direction of the rest of my professional (and likely personal) life.

In college I was exposed to unique ways to work within the music industry. A long and experimental road led me to my current career as a Creative Coordinator in the Music Festival arena. I work to facilitate independent creators in designing interactive multi sensory touch points for festival goers to enjoy. With a special attention to the origin of different artistic processes – each event goer feels seen by the creators of the events I work for.

To supplement this work I also started my own business providing graphic design and social media strategy services to small independent businesses with a focus on serving women and BIPOC. It has been so powerful to assist other small business owners in legitimizing their own dreams through things like logos, business cards, social media strategies and more.

How do you keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty?

One of the best pieces of advice I can give someone that will ensure you leave a positive imprint in someones mind (as well as your own) is to give Thank You cards. Thank people for supporting you, thank them for being interesting in your work, thank those who help you in any way along your path. An attitude of gratitude has been the most beneficial tool on my tool belt as an independent business owner.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

The mission that I am on as a business owner and human on earth is to enjoy my life and live through service of others. Through facilitating various creatives in designing installations they’ve only dreamed of, I find satisfaction. Through contributing to weekend long music events that change patrons lives, I find impact. Finally through providing branding assets to other individuals seeking independence, I find legacy.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.melolagnia.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/melolagnia