We recently connected with Melissa Meliha and have shared our conversation below.
Melissa, thank you so much for taking the time to share your lessons learned with us and we’re sure your wisdom will help many. So, one question that comes up often and that we’re hoping you can shed some light on is keeping creativity alive over long stretches – how do you keep your creativity alive?
Finding laughter in whatever situation I can. I know that sounds cliche, but honestly, I lean into dark humor. The alternative perspective allows me to not laser focus on one opinion. Conversely, I allow my emotions the dignity of my own expression. By not repressing any part of myself, inspiration flows freely.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
My story starts as young as 3 years old. I loved to play pretend, sing along to music, and I was never shy in front of a camera. Because of this, I gained the nickname “Hollywood”. I continued my pursuit of the arts throughout the years, but decided to actively pursue this full time instead of a wishful hobby in 2018 through streaming on Twitch. I promised myself at this point that I would make my way to the entertainment capital of the world in Los Angeles. I wasn’t sure how or when, but that was my ultimate goal.
I became more involved in local productions, and even landed a really cool dinner show host position at SeaWorld Orlando for their Halloween event. I later moved to Nashville where I was in an advanced film acting course. Though my time in Nashville was short, I find performance any where I go. By briefly landing myself in Colorado for a year and change, I was able to hone 2 of my crafts, music and comedy.
I finally moved to Los Angeles as of March 1st, 2024! It took so much sacrifice. I have no regrets whatsoever but I definitely have scars.
Entertainment and activism are all that I know in my blood. I make my art so that people can feel. Whether it’s angry about the current state of the world, giggly about the brightness we can find, hopeful, sad… my art is to be interpreted by whoever needs it to unlock a feeling or release a version of themselves alongside me.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Number one is COURAGE. Courage does not mean to do something in absence of fear, but to do it in SPITE OF fear. Just taking the step to actually start no matter how scared you are. My second piece is to allow yourself to suck at first. No one is an instant savant at anything. Allow yourself to bomb on stage. It sucks. So, so bad. But go home, cry it out, but then figure out what went wrong! No one beats a boss in a video game off the jump. And my final piece is dedicating yourself to showing up. The open mics, the expos, setting time aside to write every week… you have to show up for yourself. There are going to be days that it’ll be an Olympian task to just show up. Especially after a failure or bomb. But do it. No matter what. Keep showing up.
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
There are people who aren’t even in my life anymore that I still thank. I say this because the people that have been the most influential are regular everyday folk. Friends who show up to events, a random customer who helps you with advice that finally helps you find the joke unbeknownst to them.
If I had to pick someone though, I would thank my chosen family. They choose to love and support me, no matter how that looks. I am grateful to have them and humbled that they continue to choose to love me.
Oh and my ex’s! Including former situationships and the like. I’m glad it didn’t work out because god knows, I could have been married and like, an auditor or something.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Melissa.Meliha
- Facebook: Melissa Meliha
- Other: TikTok: melissameliha_
