We recently had the chance to connect with Melissa Levenson and have shared our conversation below.
Melissa, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
I try to wake up 15 or so minutes before my son so that I can have a little me time first. Then I get him dressed, sometimes read him a book, and then bring him to the kitchen for my aupair to start her day with him. From there I do a quick workout (usually The Sculpt Society, a client of mine!) and then it’s coffee + dive into emails. I thrive in routine, and I need to clear my inbox before I start my day!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi! I’m Melissa Levenson, founder and creative director of Melissa Harans Studio, a design studio built on the belief that beautiful visuals can also be deeply strategic. We partner with women-led brands, content creators, and lifestyle businesses to craft thoughtful, elevated identities that truly connect, from branding and packaging to websites that feel effortless and intentional.
Before launching my studio full time, I worked as a designer at Free People, which shaped my love for storytelling through texture, tone, and detail. That same attention to nuance runs through everything we do. Our work is personal, refined, and rooted in collaboration. Every project starts with a strong foundation of design thinking and ends with something that feels like you, only more elevated.
Right now, our team is focused on helping creators and small businesses evolve visually as they grow, whether that means a rebrand that finally feels aligned or a new digital home that turns traffic into trust.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
When I was younger, I didn’t think art could be a real career. I loved creating, but I assumed it was something you kept as a hobby, not something you built a business around. It took time to learn that creativity can be both strategic and sustainable, and that you can make a living doing what you love if you treat it with intention.
Do you remember a time someone truly listened to you?
My husband listens to me all the time, and it’s a big part of why we work so well together in both life and business. We communicate constantly, and that’s something we don’t compromise on. It’s what keeps everything we build together strong and aligned.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
Kindness. It’s never “just business.” The way you treat people matters, always. I really believe that empathy and respect lead to better collaboration, better ideas, and ultimately better work.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What will you regret not doing?
I’ll never regret turning down a project, but I would regret missing time with my family. I never want to choose work over the moments that really matter.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://melissaharans.com
- Instagram: melissaharans
Image Credits
Chloe Stokes
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