Meet Mel

We recently connected with Mel and have shared our conversation below.

Mel, we are so deeply grateful to you for opening up about your journey with mental health in the hopes that it can help someone who might be going through something similar. Can you talk to us about your mental health journey and how you overcame or persisted despite any issues? For readers, please note this is not medical advice, we are not doctors, you should always consult professionals for advice and that this is merely one person sharing their story and experience.

Honestly, I debated answering this question. The vulnerability of it scares me. But, I’m taking a risk and stepping into the uncomfortable.

As a Black woman and artist, I almost feel like mental health challenges are inevitable (LOL). Being Black in the United States comes with a lot of crap and so does being a Black creative. There are countless expectations, stereotypes, institutions, and systemic practices that contribute to Black women and Black artists’ struggle to simply exist.

However, for the sake of time, I won’t delve into those issues.

What I will say is this: I was diagnosed with acute depression in October of 2023, and since then, I have tried to implement daily practices to improve my mental health.

Challenges will arise, circumstances will be unfair, and change will occur. Those are constants in life. One of the best things I did for my mental health was accept these facts.

The tricky part is figuring out how to tackle these truths as they come to pass at different points in life.

Some things that have helped me are:
1. Acknowledging My Feelings- I often feel worse when I deny/suppress my negative emotions.
2. Speaking Life into Myself- Even when I feel hopeless, I try to say one positive thing to myself.
3. Opening Up to Trusted Confidants-I’m very independent, but have found relief in sharing my feelings with loved ones.
4. Creating a Gratitude List-This grounds me and helps me identify silver linings.
5.Prayer-Strengthening my relationship with God has significantly impacted the way I react to trials.

That being said, I’m still on my journey to persisting through mental health challenges.

Some may see me or my social media and believe that I’m always happy. But, that’s not true.

Life can hurt. I get rejected a lot in my industry, I deal with imposter syndrome and comparing my craft/body/career trajectory to others. I also live in LA so I feel like everyone is a 10 and I have to keep up LOL. I fight so many battles in my mind before I even step outside.

However, my commitment to fulfilling my purpose and my belief in God’s ordering of my steps keeps me going. If I didn’t have faith, I would definitely be a VERY different Mel. I constantly remind myself that I am alive at this time for a reason, and I try to hold onto that fact when the world feels dark.

So, this was a very non-glamorous question to answer, but if my truth can help one person on their journey to better mental health, it was worth it.

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 am an LA-based singer, songwriter and actress that is currently working on achieving some enormous dreams. I train at Speiser/Sturges acting studio to sharpen my skills. I am working on my debut EP set to release in a couple months. I am also working to make a short film I wrote based on my life.

As for more exciting news, I recently signed with NLE Global for full service management, I will be guest starring on a couple friend’s podcasts, and I am planning an intimate release party to celebrate my debut EP.

I have a lot of fun projects in the works and am looking forward to releasing them into the world very soon.

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

Three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey are my empathy, resilience, and faith.

Being an empath has its advantages and disadvantages, but I believe it has helped me immensely when it comes to acting and writing original music. I say this because understanding and deep introspection are needed to prepare for roles and write authentic music.

Resilience has aided me as well because this industry is tough and it will destroy you if you allow it to. Rejection is not fun, but it has reminded me that I cannot allow outside voices to dictate my worth. If I book a movie tomorrow and can’t book another job for a year, I’m not worthless. My work does not define me, my being does.

Lastly, my faith has grounded me throughout the tumultuous journey that is following my dreams. I’m a planner and love to have clarity and control over my life. But, I constantly remind myself that God knows what I need when I need it, and life has seasons. Some seasons are meant for preparation, some for growth, and some for reaping the benefits of sowed prayers.

The best advice I can give to those on the journey to following their dreams and developing these qualities is to remain consistent while giving themselves grace. A lot of times, we are our worst critics, and we need to be our biggest cheerleaders.

I would also suggest finding joy in the journey, because if joy is only found when you achieve that goal or receive that award, you’ll always be looking for the next thing. There is beauty in appreciating your present blessings/circumstances.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

I would love to collaborate with other LA-based creatives, specifically actors, singers, dancers, producers, engineers, and directors (creative or film/tv based).

I think the journey feels a bit easier when you’re surrounded by like-minded individuals who can also be accountability partners.

My instagram @melkubeyinje is open to those who want to connect, but I can also be reached by email at melkubeyinje@gmail.com.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melkubeyinje/
• Other: melkubeyinje@gmail.com