Today we’d like to introduce you to Melody Omolewa
Hi Melody, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Growing up, i was known for my love for music, fashion, modeling, makeup and all things in the beauty and creative world. I was born and raised in Nigeria. I moved to the US (Delaware, specifically) in 2010 with my parents and brothers. My dad abandoned us here after a few months, leaving my mom to struggle with 4 children in a new country. My mother is the epitome of a mother. She took on her role the best she could and made sure we never lacked anything. When i turned 18, i moved to Florida to pursue modeling and any other creative ventures i could. I just knew i couldn’t grow in Delaware the way i needed to. I got my first iPhone and started doing makeup looks and fashion looks and posting consistently. I didn’t have the time to go to casting because i didn’t have a car and I was working 3 jobs so I used my Instagram as my portfolio. I’ve worked since i was 15 years old so i was no stranger to “the grind”. But i knew God had a bigger plan for me. Eventually, i started catching the attention of local photographers, artists, and boutiques. This was the beginning of the almost 7 year journey of me turning my hobby into a career. Throughout the years, i’ve been blessed to do countless photoshoots, music videos and other forms of media for companies i could have only dreamed of working with. It didn’t feel real until i got my first magazine feature. I couldn’t believe the little girl from Nigeria who had all these dreams that seemed intangible was here in America living those dreams.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has definitely not been a smooth road by any means. I come from absolutely nothing. I’ve been blessed with the ability to adjust and adapt seemlessly. Shortly into my modeling career, i began to realize that the industry has a lot of nuances that don’t align with me or my values. I had to be extremely selective while still depending on this career to pay my bills so often times that balance was difficult. Moving closer to Miami, made that even more challenging but also so much more rewarding.
I find that with modeling full time, i have to give myself breaks in between and pursue other ventures. When it stops being fun and i notice its draining me, i take a break and get a normal job to get myself back on track and on a routine again, like i currently am. I am never scared to step away or start over.
I’ve worked a wide range of jobs and have aquired a wide range of qualifications in different fields, from the food industry to working as a Behavioral Therapist and many things in between. I started working when i was 14 years old.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am known to be extremely creative and multifaceted. I’m truly a serial hobbyist and most of my hobbies are currently monitiezed so it’s great. I am a model, i work as a Princess Tiana for Happy Princess Club, I sing in a Bob Marley Tribute Band and we play shows, I work a regular 9-5 now… I do hair, makeup, nails, i truly do it all. I’m an alchemist. I am a shapeshifter. I’ve been able to accomplish my dreams and goals without ever compromising my integrity or who i am as a person, EVER. That is truly my biggest flex. I am so proud of how i can take on anything and get the best out of nothing. I’m proud of my reputation in the community. I’m proud of it all. I worked very hard to be where i am today.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
The best networking i can give is to forget about the word “networking”. Get to know people and treat them like you already know them. Eye contact, smile, engage, listen.
I find the act of networking to be exhausting if i go in with the goal of meeting someone who could do this or that for me. I walk in with the mindset that i am the one they’re excited to meet, just as im excited to meet them. We’re all human and we all have things of value to offer eachother.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/melodyunmastered
Image Credits
Daniel Decius (photographer)
