Meet Melody Ybarra

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Melody Ybarra. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Melody , thank you so much for joining us today and appreciate you talking about a sensitive topic. It’s unfortunately relevant to so many in the community as layoffs have been on the rise recently, and so we’d appreciate hearing your story and how you overcame being let go?

This, was definitely a life altering event in my life. Most of my career was spent as an interior designer. I’m very artistic and I loved my job! In 2008 we had a recession and everything changed. My job was eliminated and I desperately tried to work within my field. In a 2 year time frame I went through multiple different jobs, drained my savings and had to allow my 15 year old son to live with his father. I lost my home during this time, as well. Eventually my daughter invited me to accompany her to Utah where she was beginning a new position. I remained there for 2 and 1/2 years working as an assistant manager for Pier 1 Imports. I missed Washington terribly and eventually we returned.
My older brother encouraged me to follow my heart. What was it that I dreamed of doing? The answer was easy.. I had always wanted to be a flight attendant! My brother gave me some money and told me to get something nice to wear for my interview. Because of his encouragement and support I flew for 10 years.
I had to give up everything I knew to achieve my dream. I am incredibly fortunate and grateful for the experience.

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?

Currently my main focus are the photographs that I take for Meghanne Storey. The different venues that she plays at, let’s me combine my love of music and photography. There are also different art and wine walk opportunities where I live, and I also sell my art there. Those are typically more photos of nature. While I was a flight attendant I had a lot of fun taking photos of sunrises and sunsets!
I do derive a lot of personal satisfaction from creativity. When someone tells me that my photo makes them feel something, like a positive memory, that is a big compliment for me.

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?

Great question! There have been many things in my life that have impacted my journey. If I had to choose three, I would start with listening. There is a wealth of knowledge in people who have gone before you. Usually they are happy to share that with you. Secondly I would tell you that a really big teacher is determination. Learning is filled with success and failure. And most importantly for me, was to never give up. If your journey takes you some where you don’t want to be, then turn around and begin again. You absolutely cannot fail if you never give up.

What would you advise – going all in on your strengths or investing on areas where you aren’t as strong to be more well-rounded?

My personal experience with career changes and unexpected downfalls in the economy, leads me to answer this question with one word: flexibility.
Although it is important to have strengths, when you keep yourself open to unexpected challenges, you develop parts of yourself that you need to continue your journey. Having a bigger tool box to pull from definitely helped me to start over. Again.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://designermel.square.site
• Instagram: @designermeloriginal
• Facebook: Designermeloriginal
• Other: https://fineartamerica.com/profiles/melody-ybarra