We recently connected with Maria Melkonian-Maissian and have shared our conversation below.
Maria , we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
I draw my resilience from a journey that has been shaped by self-discovery and the pursuit of knowledge. As the founder and Chief Brand Officer of Enove Digital Agency, my path has been marked by the need to navigate uncharted territories, and it is this very need that has cultivated my resilience.
Born and raised in America, I am the child of immigrant parents who worked tirelessly to provide me with the best opportunities this country had to offer. Yet, my upbringing was a unique blend of cultures, and I often found myself straddling two worlds. While my parents instilled in me the importance of hard work and determination, I had to forge my own way in many aspects of life, including my career.
One defining aspect of my journey is the realization that the value of mentors and guidance became apparent to me only later in my adult life and career. Unlike some, I did not have the privilege of early mentorship to help steer my path. Instead, I had to rely on my own resilience and resourcefulness, learning through the school of trial and error.
It is this experience that has made me a passionate advocate for connecting youth with mentors who can invest in them. I believe that mentorship can provide the guidance and support that I, myself, had to seek out the hard way. My resilience, forged through the fires of self-reliance, has driven me to champion the cause of mentoring, ensuring that young individuals today have the guidance and opportunities they need to thrive.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I was born and raised in Glendale, CA. My parents immigrated from Armenia, both with backgrounds deeply rooted in music and arts. My father worked as a sound engineer, while my mother was a soprano/opera singer. Creativity and art run through my veins, and I was fortunate to be raised in an environment surrounded by other creative individuals. This upbringing significantly fueled my desire to pursue a career in the fashion industry.
I went on to study fashion design at Woodbury University, and after graduating, I had the privilege of working in the fashion industry for some of the top designers, such as Michael Kors and Calvin Klein. Designing and bringing brands to life through fashion has always been my passion, and working in the fashion industry has truly been a dream come true for me. One of the most rewarding aspects of my career has been mentoring and working with the staff in stores, especially young women interested in fashion industry careers.
However, the journey to motherhood was one of the most challenging and emotionally demanding obstacles I’ve faced in my life. This challenge was compounded by the demanding nature of the fashion industry, which often requires long hours and extensive travel. Balancing the demands of work and motherhood was a genuine struggle, at times feeling like I was being pulled in two different directions.
Out of this challenging experience, Enove Agency was born, with the primary goal of innovating and helping businesses grow through social media management and digital marketing. We chose the name “Enove” as a nod to the French word for “innovate,” aligning with our mission to assist businesses in staying ahead of the curve and realizing their full potential.
At Enove Agency, our expertise lies in helping businesses establish a solid foundation and connect with their ideal audience through strategic social media management and digital marketing campaigns. We firmly believe that a strong brand forms the bedrock of any successful business, and we work closely with our clients to create and execute branding strategies that deeply resonate with their target audience.
We also understand the immense power of personal branding and collaborate with our clients to harness their unique brands to accomplish their goals. We’re committed to helping every business unlock its potential and achieve its dreams.
Our team comprises experienced professionals who are passionate about digital marketing and fully dedicated to providing the highest level of service to our clients. We stay up-to-date with the latest trends and techniques in social media and digital marketing to ensure our clients consistently stay ahead of the competition. I take immense pride in how my team effectively executes our mission of connecting businesses with the right people and resources to foster growth and success.
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?
Reflecting on my journey, three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge have been particularly impactful:
Resilience: Resilience has been a cornerstone of my journey. The ability to bounce back from setbacks, adapt to changing circumstances, and persist in the face of challenges has been essential. To develop resilience, my advice is to embrace failures as opportunities to learn and grow. Surround yourself with a support network of mentors, peers, and friends who can provide guidance and encouragement during tough times.
Creativity: Given my background in the fashion industry and entrepreneurship, creativity has played a pivotal role. It’s crucial to nurture and expand your creativity continually. This can be achieved by exposing yourself to diverse experiences, cultures, and art forms. Engage in activities that stimulate your imagination and encourage out-of-the-box thinking. Don’t be afraid to take risks and explore new ideas.
Networking and Mentorship: Building relationships and seeking guidance from mentors have been instrumental in my journey. Early in your career, actively network and seek out mentors who can offer valuable insights and support. Be open to learning from those who have walked a similar path. Additionally, consider giving back by mentoring others as you progress in your journey. It’s a rewarding way to share knowledge and help others grow.
For those who are early in their journey, here’s some advice:
Continuous Learning: Never stop learning. The world is ever-evolving, and staying up-to-date with the latest trends and knowledge in your field is crucial. Invest in formal education, attend workshops, seminars, and read books relevant to your industry.
Embrace Failure: Don’t fear failure; it’s a natural part of growth. Instead, view it as a stepping stone to success. Analyze what went wrong, learn from your mistakes, and use those lessons to improve and innovate.
Networking: Build and maintain a strong professional network. Attend industry events, join relevant online communities, and connect with peers, mentors, and potential collaborators. Networking can open doors to opportunities you might not have encountered otherwise.
Set Clear Goals: Define your long-term and short-term goals. Having a clear vision will guide your actions and keep you focused on what’s most important in your journey.
Work-Life Balance: Balancing career and personal life is vital for long-term success and well-being. Don’t neglect your health, relationships, or personal growth in pursuit of professional goals. A healthy work-life balance is sustainable and essential for happiness.
Stay True to Your Values: Know your values and let them guide your decisions. Staying true to your principles will help you make choices aligned with your authentic self.
Seek Feedback: Be open to constructive feedback. It’s a valuable tool for improvement. Actively seek feedback from mentors, peers, and supervisors to refine your skills and abilities.
Stay Persistent: Challenges will arise, but persistence is key. Keep moving forward, even when the path gets tough. Remember that setbacks are temporary, and with determination, you can overcome them.
Give Back: As you progress in your journey, consider giving back to your community or industry. Mentor others, share your knowledge, and contribute positively to the growth and development of those around you. These principles can pave the way for a successful and fulfilling journey.
Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?
The journey to success is often not a solitary one, and I’ve been fortunate to have several individuals who have played pivotal roles in helping me overcome challenges and develop essential skills and qualities. Among them, my father, my younger sister Seda Melkoni, and my dear friend Amy have been the most helpful and influential.
My Father: My father has been my unwavering cheerleader throughout my life. He has supported and encouraged me in all my dreams and endeavors. His belief in me and his constant encouragement have provided me with the emotional strength and motivation needed to face challenges head-on.
My Younger Sister, Seda Melkoni: Seda has consistently been my biggest supporter in everything I’ve pursued. Her belief in my abilities and her unwavering encouragement have been a source of inspiration. Having a supportive sibling like her has been a great blessing in my journey.
My Mentor and Friend, Amy: One of the most impactful figures in my life has been my long-time friend, Amy. She has not only achieved great success in her own career but has also been generous in sharing her knowledge and resources with me. Amy’s mentorship and guidance have played a significant role in my personal and professional growth. Her willingness to sit down with me, offer insights, and share her wisdom have been invaluable.
Amy has impacted my life in ways she may not fully realize. Her mentorship has helped me navigate challenges and make informed decisions, and it’s a debt I aspire to repay by offering similar support and mentorship to others in the future through my philanthropic endeavors. Their unwavering support, belief in my potential, and mentorship have been invaluable, and I am deeply grateful for their contributions to my life and career.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://enoveagency.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/enoveagency/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/enoveagency/about/?viewAsMember=true
Image Credits
Photos by Angie McPherson Photography
