Meet Melissa Champion

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Melissa Champion. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Melissa, great to have you with us today and excited to have you share your wisdom with our readers. Over the years, after speaking with countless do-ers, makers, builders, entrepreneurs, artists and more we’ve noticed that the ability to take risks is central to almost all stories of triumph and so we’re really interested in hearing about your journey with risk and how you developed your risk-taking ability.

Honestly I think that my ability to take risk came from necessity. About 3 years ago I had a financial crisis that I am still recovering from. Housing failure costs, and medical costs tumbled down in such force all at once, that I was concerned I wouldn’t get out from under them.

At that point, I began taking any additional job in addition to teaching that I could find, and in that time of necessity, I began to realize I could try multiple things to create different outcomes. While it has been somewhat of an uphill battle, strengths that I didn’t know that I had have emerged. One of those is a larger capacity to take risks.

At the point in which I thought I might go bankrupt, I gave myself permission to try things. I rebranded my photo business, I began vending and bartending for a local company, and then this last year, began managing social media and photography for local accounts. Each of those tasks has taken extra time and energy, and has worn me out at times, but has given me more grit than I had previously.

I think that that necessity of having to to take risks to survive, showed me that the growth I’ve been seeking is on the other side of the tings I had been afraid of or avoiding doing. It’s shown me I can fail, and find ways to move beyond that failure. I wouldn’t have said so at the time, but the crisis was a catalyst for change that has helped me to change my life for the better.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I wear many hats as an entrepreneur, creative professional, Visual Arts Teacher, and advocate for personal growth. My journey started out of necessity during a financial crisis three years ago, but it has evolved into a passion-driven mission to build something meaningful and sustainable. Today, outside of teaching I focus on photography and social media management, primarily working with restaurants and fashion/retail clients. My work is about bringing stories to life—whether it’s through vibrant photography that captures the essence of a brand or strategic social media campaigns that drive real growth.

What sets my approach apart is my ability to connect with clients and audiences authentically. As someone navigating an additional career, I understand the courage and creativity it takes to pursue something new while balancing a variety of responsibilities. My journey resonates with those who are redefining success and creating their own paths.

In terms of what’s new, I’m currently expanding my photography portfolio with a focus on commercial work for restaurants. I’m also refining my social media management services, offering full and part-time packages to help businesses shine online. Beyond this, I’m exploring a personal project: a podcast centered on neurodivergence, growth, and entrepreneurship, drawing from my own experiences of overcoming challenges and building a purposeful life.

My brand is rooted in authenticity, creativity, and results. I want my work to not only help businesses thrive but also inspire individuals to embrace their own journeys, however unconventional they may be.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, three qualities have been the most impactful in my journey: resilience, adaptability, and authenticity.

1. Resilience: My entrepreneurial path began out of necessity during a financial crisis, which pushed me to think creatively and find new ways to generate income. That resilience has been my foundation, helping me navigate challenges, setbacks, and the emotional weight of building something from the ground up.

Advice: Life trows things at you and is unpredictable, you have to be able to sit with your overwhelm and allow yourself to be upset, and then you have to get up and problem solve that part is essential. Focus on what motivates you to keep going (in my case it was keeping my home) and let that guide you through tough times. Building a support system of mentors, peers, or friends can also be invaluable when things feel overwhelming.

2. Adaptability: Adding new skills on top of a stable teaching career- then starting to manage multiple jobs and building a business required constant learning and adjustment. From figuring out the nuances of social media marketing to expanding my skills in photography, I’ve had to stay flexible and open to growth.

Advice: Stay curious and invest in learning. Whether it’s taking a class, finding online resources, or learning through trial and error, the willingness to adapt is what keeps you moving forward. Embrace change as an opportunity rather than a roadblock.

3. Authenticity: Connecting with clients, brands, and audiences authentically has been a cornerstone of my success. People resonate with genuine stories and honest communication, which has been key in building trust and relationships in my work.

Advice: When you’re authentic in your interactions and work, you attract the right opportunities and people. Don’t be afraid to show vulnerability—it’s often what makes your journey relatable and inspiring.

For anyone starting their journey, my advice is to focus on progress, not perfection. Be patient with yourself, celebrate small wins, and trust that growth often comes in unexpected ways. Most importantly, align your efforts with what genuinely excites and fulfills you. Success feels much more meaningful when it’s connected to something you’re passionate about.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

Yes, I’m absolutely looking for partners and collaborators! As a photographer and social media strategist, I’m passionate about working with like-minded individuals and businesses who value creativity, authenticity, and measurable growth.

I specialize in commercial photography and social media management, with a focus on restaurants and fashion/retail brands. I’m seeking collaborations with:

Restaurant Owners and Chefs looking to elevate their brand through stunning visuals and engaging social media content.
Fashion and Retail Brands that want to connect with their audience through high-quality imagery and strategic campaigns.
Creative Professionals such as designers, marketers, or event planners who share my vision of creating impactful content and experiences.

I’m also exploring opportunities to connect with individuals in the wellness, neurodivergence, or entrepreneurial spaces who align with the themes of personal growth and storytelling—whether that’s through podcast partnerships, community events, or other creative projects.

If this sounds like you, let’s connect! You can reach me at melissa@mcmediaservices.com or through my social media platforms (@mcmediadenver) I’m always excited to explore new ideas and collaborations that bring fresh perspectives and mutual growth.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Images of me: Jenn Mena-Wenstrom. All other images: Melissa Champion

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