Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Melody Daly. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Melody, 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 professionally working with the model and talent industry through my previous job at the Ford/ Robert Black Agency as a New Face Booking Agent. I’ve always been obsessed with the entertainment industry, so when I was offered a job finding new talent and helping them begin their careers, I knew it was where I belonged. It really hit me when I coordinated my first “New Face” mixer and had a flood of my “kiddos” (as I called my new-faces) run up and hug me all at once. I’ve never felt more loved or appreciated in my career. Now I’m able to have fun with them and style on set instead of being in an office at a computer. It’s my favorite place in the world and I love creating beautiful imagery with great teams.
I’m also discovering my purpose personally as a new mother to a 6-month baby girl. I think when it comes down to it, we have to follow the path we feel called to when it calls. For me, that is to be the best role model I can be for her. I just want to bring joy and love to her life everyday and teach her about the world. That’s what feels good right now in my life. After all is said and done, I believe purpose is found in whatever lights you up at the moment.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
Currently I work as a freelance wardrobe stylist. I absolutely love my job and being on set with such talented individuals in the fashion and entertainment industries. What lights me up is seeing the models, especially new talent, coming to life on set and create such beautiful imagery during fashion, editorial and e-commerce photoshoots. When they step in front of the camera, it’s the same feeling I get when seeing my favorite performing artists step on stage: it’s magical. I love seeing the way they transform when they walk on set and just nail each look or shot. Before I went on maternity leave, I also began putting workshops together for New Face talent who aren’t signed with an agent yet called “The Model You.” I have the tools and insights they need to get signed with an agency and started on their careers. I believe anyone can do it if they set their mind to it and I want to be a part of that journey. I’m excited to see what the next leg of my career and business’s look like as I come out of leave. And I’m excited to bring my daughter along the ride with me.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
The first skill I think has been the most impactful is learning how to communicate with people and make them feel seen or heard. I acquired this way back in college when working as a waitress. You can’t be shy and you have to work hard while being watched by your customer when working in a restaurant. In today’s world that can translate into how you sell a product or service on social media. You have to be comfortable speaking to people while being confident in what you do and the knowledge you bring to the table. It’s all marketing. I’d also say my training in Visual Communication Design (which is what my degree is in) has also been extremely important in ways I didn’t expect. It’s all about how to translate a message visually. Now I do that through photoshoots and clothing instead of logos and branding. But it all goes back to the basics like color theory and how to guide the viewers eye to the messages you translate on paper or screen. Lastly, I’d say the most important skill I’ve learned is to have confidence in what you do; no matter what anyone else says. If you don’t believe in yourself, you can’t expect anyone else to believe in you either. As long as you’re true to yourself, you’ll draw in the right audience or clientele for you and your business. It’s the law of attraction. You can’t lose.
All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?
My number one challenge right now is figuring out this new version of myself as a mother, and what role that plays in the future of my career in fashion and entertainment. I don’t want to be away from her and working all of the time, but I also don’t want to give up my career doing the thing I love: working with new face talent. As my daughter grows, it’s becoming easier to imagine what life looks like professionally again. I hope that I can bring her along for the next phases of my business and teach her along side me when the time is right. That way she can see that it’s possible to work hard but also to have fun and love what you do first hand; just like mommy does.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.designdeamore.com
- Instagram: @missmelodydaly and @designdeamore
- Youtube: youtube.com/designdeamore
Image Credits
Brittany Lorraine Christos Sewell Mauricio Gilballon Caleb Alvarado Brad Olson
