We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Melisa Estrada Bustamante. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Melisa below.
Hi Melisa, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
I found my purpose by tuning into what truly lights me up: storytelling, creativity, and the way food connects people. What started as a passion for trying new flavors evolved into a deeper calling, helping brands in the culinary world communicate with heart and authenticity. The more I shared stories through Meli Tastes, the more I realized that my purpose is to create content that not only looks beautiful but also resonates, inspires, and brings people together. It’s a blend of intuition, curiosity, and a lot of learning along the way.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’m Melisa Estrada, the creator behind Meli Tastes, a creative space where food meets storytelling. As a content creator and digital marketing specialist, I help culinary brands bring their identity to life through visuals, strategy, and words. My work includes food photography, reels, campaign planning, and content designed to connect emotionally with the audience.
What I find most special about my work is capturing the soul behind each dish or product, the details, textures, and emotions that make people stop scrolling and start craving.
This summer, my calendar is open for collaborations with food and lifestyle brands across the city! I’m especially excited to support local businesses by creating meaningful content that speaks to their audience.
As part of this seasonal initiative, I’m gifting a professional video (perfect for social media) to every brand I collaborate with, this is my way of giving back to the community that inspires me, while also helping brands enhance their digital storytelling with high-quality content that makes an impact.
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?
Looking back, the three qualities that have shaped my journey the most are:
1. Consistency: Creativity is important, but showing up consistently, even on the days you don’t feel inspired, is what truly builds momentum. Whether it’s posting content, pitching collaborations, or refining your skills, consistency turns small steps into big growth.
2. Curiosity: I’ve always had a hunger to learn, from digital tools and food styling to how people think and interact online. Staying curious helped me stay ahead and adapt in a constantly changing industry. The more I explored, the more confident and unique my voice became.
3. Empathy: This one might surprise some, but I believe content that resonates always starts with empathy. Understanding what a brand values, what an audience feels, and what story needs to be told has made all the difference in how I create and connect.
Start messy, but start. Perfection can paralyze you. Focus on building your voice, honing your style, and connecting with others who inspire you. Learn as much as you can, stay consistent, and most importantly, stay kind. Your energy and attitude are part of your brand too.
What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?
When I feel overwhelmed, I pause, literally. I step away from the screen, take a walk, or do something grounding like making tea or journaling. I’ve learned that creativity and clarity can’t thrive in chaos, so giving myself space is essential.
I also remind myself that I don’t have to do everything at once. I break big tasks into smaller, manageable pieces and focus on what’s most essential in that moment. Sometimes I’ll revisit my “why”, the reason I started Meli Tastes in the first place, to help me reconnect with purpose and not just pressure.
Overwhelm is often a sign that you care, but caring doesn’t have to come at the cost of your peace. Protect your energy, ask for help when you need it, and trust that slowing down is sometimes the most productive thing you can do.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://melisaestradab.my.canva.site/melitastes
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meli.tastes/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melisaestradabustamante/
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
