Meet Melanie Sanchez Fajardo-perone

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Melanie Sanchez Fajardo-perone a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Melanie Sanchez, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.

I had a passion for arts and crafts that only intensified with time. As a child, I was thrilled to have my artwork showcased in local malls during elementary and middle school. This early success culminated in having my art featured at the Chrysler Museum in high school.

As I approached graduation, I faced a critical decision about my future career. While my family encouraged me to pursue nursing, my heart remained rooted in the arts. Fortunately, I received a grant to attend Tidewater Community College, which had just launched its art program. This opportunity allowed me to discover my true calling in graphic design.

During my time at TCC, a classmate informed me about a job opening at a local sign shop seeking graphic designers. I seized this chance and spent the next 18 years building a successful career as a graphic designer in the sign industry.

However, when the 2020 pandemic led to job loss, I turned adversity into opportunity. I launched Melanie Perone Designs, a business that offers a diverse range of services, including graphic design, signage, small-format printing, engraving, embroidery, screenprinting, and personalized gifts. This new venture has allowed me to continue pursuing my passion for art and design.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

Growing up in Portsmouth, Virginia, as a first-generation Filipina American, I often found myself navigating a cultural landscape that differed from my own. In school, I was frequently mistaken for being a race other than what I was, a misconception that highlighted the nuances of my identity. At home, however, my heritage was alive and vibrant. My grandparents, who cared for my older sisters and me while our parents worked, spoke Tagalog, and although we would respond in English, the sounds and rhythms of the language remained an integral part of our daily lives.

The connection to my roots was further strengthened through cultural events. My family regularly attended and performed traditional Filipino folk dances at an annual fiesta organized by the barrio where our family originated in the Philippines. These experiences not only deepened my understanding of my Filipino culture but also instilled in me a profound appreciation for the traditions and values that define our community.

In 2022, I launched Filipino Accents, a passion project that combines fashion and heritage. This brand celebrates Filipino culture by infusing designs into our apparel and accessories. More than just aesthetic pieces, our products serve as educational tools that promote cultural awareness and appreciation. Our mission is to empower a sense of community, pride, and belonging among Filipino Americans and beyond. We bridge generations by supporting those who may not speak Tagalog as their first language, while introducing others to the beauty of the Tagalog language and our staples.

Our collection features custom-designed jewelry, traditional clothing, branded apparel, and home decor accents that beautifully capture the essence of Filipino culture. By providing a platform for self-expression, we encourage individuals to proudly celebrate their heritage, cultivating a deeper connection to their roots.

In 2024, I took my brand to the next level with the launch of the Jeepney Boutique. Transforming a passenger bus into a vibrant jeepney, an iconic Philippine transportation vehicle, I created a mobile boutique that shares Filipino culture with the Hampton Roads, Virginia community.
Visiting local vendor markets, the Jeepney Boutique reaches a wider audience, builds brand awareness, and provides an immersive shopping experience. Its colorful design draws crowds, inspiring cultural connection and pride amongst the Filipino community.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

The three qualities that were most impactful in my Journey are perseverance, creativity and
my outgoing personality.

My previous role was a multifaceted one, where I juggled responsibilities as a graphic designer, front desk attendant, signage producer, and installer. Despite my dedication and versatility, I often felt undervalued. I was frequently penalized for not meeting unrealistic deadlines and subjected to belittling comments. As a result, I felt stifled and unable to reach my full potential.
The pandemic brought unexpected change, and I was let go. Although the timing was challenging, it proved to be a blessing in disguise. I persevered, using the opportunity to rediscover my passions. Months later, I took the leap and founded my own sign and design business, where I could finally do what I loved without constraint.

I often receive compliments on my creativity, with people marveling, “Mel, what can’t you do?” While I jokingly attribute my skills to natural talent, the truth is that I’ve been fortunate to have had influential mentors in my life. Growing up, I was surrounded by creativity.
My mom, an avid craftswoman, would make custom New Kids on the Block t-shirts for my sisters and me to wear to their concerts. She’d also decorated birthday cakes, instilling in me an appreciation for detail and design. My grandmothers, skilled seamstresses and crochet artists, would spend hours creating beautiful pieces that inspired me to explore my own creativity. Meanwhile, my grandfather and dad would work on woodworking projects and tackle various DIY tasks around the house, teaching me the value of hard work and resourcefulness.
These influences have had a profound impact on my life, shaping me into the creative person I am today. I feel grateful to have had such a supportive and inspiring environment, where creativity was encouraged and nurtured.

As an outgoing person with a passion for building meaningful relationships, my extensive customer service experience has been instrumental in shaping my approach to business. I firmly believe that exceptional customer service is the cornerstone of success, driving loyalty, and fueling growth. When customers feel genuinely heard, valued, and satisfied, they become loyal advocates, sharing their positive experiences through the most powerful marketing channel – word of mouth.

Through strategic partnerships with Filipino organizations and small businesses, I’ve been able to drive mutual growth, support the community, and empower others through collaborative initiatives. Additionally, I’ve had the privilege of cultivating a robust professional network, many of whom have become close friends and valuable mentors.

Looking back over the past 12 months or so, what do you think has been your biggest area of improvement or growth?

I’ve committed to continuous growth by acquiring new skills to enhance my business. Over the past year, I’ve expanded my expertise in designing patterns and creating Filipina inspired apparel through sewing, designing and operating 3D printing, CNC routing, and laser engraving machines.
My commitment to ongoing learning has been instrumental in allowing me to navigate the complexities of a constantly evolving industry.

However, entrepreneurship can be daunting. Managing multiple projects and the behind-the-scenes logistics of running a business can be overwhelming. To maintain my well-being and avoid burnout, I’ve come to realize the importance of prioritizing self-care and taking intentional mental breaks amidst my busy schedule. I’m deeply grateful for the unwavering support of my loving husband, best friend, and family members. Their selfless help in setting up at events has been invaluable, and I’m forever thankful for their contributions in making my dreams a reality.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/filipinoaccentsbympd
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FilipinoAccentsByMPD
• Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/FilipinoAccentsByMPD