We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Caché Melvin. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Caché below.
Hi Caché, 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.
As a professional dancer and actress, I’ve honed my ability to take risks. It’s exhilarating to realize that I can change someone’s mind just by pushing a little harder, proving someone wrong, or even just opening their mind to a different perspective they hadn’t considered but thoroughly enjoy. In the entertainment industry, rejection is as common as acceptance, and navigating typecasting can be particularly challenging since you can’t change your appearance. However, I’ve discovered that by daring to step outside the conventional boundaries and sharing my authentic story, I can sometimes sway opinions and even influence the direction of a project. It’s a journey filled with highs and lows, but one that continually fuels my passion for creativity and storytelling.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I grew up in Baltimore, Maryland, and immediately after graduating high school, I moved to sunny Los Angeles, the place where dreams come true. I began intensive training and auditioning, and soon found myself working as a professional dancer with renowned artists such as Janet Jackson, TLC, Demi Lovato, Moneybagg Yo, and more. What I cherish most about dance is its ability to convey profound emotion through movement alone. Recently, I’ve been focusing more on acting. My first major role was playing Maria Clara in Disney’s hip hop Nutcracker, which was both challenging and thrilling, marking the start of an exciting new journey for me. I’m enthusiastic about continuing to pursue both acting and dance, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds!
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Determination has been crucial for me, especially in the dance world where typecasting is prevalent. Whether being deemed too short, too tall, or not fitting a specific look or ethnicity, it can be disheartening and frustrating. However, my unwavering determination and passion for dance have always outweighed these challenges, keeping me motivated and pushing me forward.Consistency has also played a significant role in my career. With a constant influx of talent in LA from around the globe, I’ve had to remain consistent and focused on my goals, always striving to put my best foot forward.Furthermore, work ethic is something I hold in high regard and prioritize to this day. I believe it’s crucial for long-term success because it demonstrates reliability, gratitude, and attentiveness. Maintaining strong work ethics not only showcases your commitment but also your appreciation for the opportunities presented to you.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
The most impactful thing my mom has done for me is to support me wholeheartedly throughout my journey, career, and dreams. Without her unwavering support, I wouldn’t be where I am today. She drove across the country to be with me when I first moved to LA to pursue dance, and she was the one who took me to different cities every weekend for conventions when I was younger. My grandpa was also a huge support system for me. If it wasn’t my mom, it was my grandpa driving me to every dance lesson, gymnastics class, or any other sport I wanted to try, which, to be honest, was quite a few when I was little! They always believed in my abilities and encouraged me to pursue my passions with determination. I am endlessly grateful for the unwavering belief and support my mom and grandpa have shown me. Their encouragement has fueled my determination and shaped me into the person I am today. As I continue on my journey, I carry their love and support with me, knowing that they will always be my guiding stars.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @cachemelvin
Image Credits
@emiliosanchez @ryzeart @eddierodriiguez