We had the good fortune of connecting with Abigail Mellinger and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Abigail, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
The most important factor behind the success of Penza Productions lies in the strength of our relationships and the trust we’ve built with our clients. Our high retention rate and the fact that the majority of our clients come from referrals is something I’m incredibly proud of. While trackable metrics, quality of work, and social proof are essential, at the heart of it all, people want to know they can rely on you. I firmly believe that transparency, communication, and integrity are non-negotiable, especially in a field rooted in storytelling. Every project we take on is an opportunity to tell someone’s story, and that responsibility is something I never take lightly. It’s not just about capturing content — it’s about capturing trust. Having a camera in your face can be intimidating, so creating a comfortable and collaborative environment is key.

Beyond client relationships, continuous learning has been a cornerstone of our growth. I actively invest in my education by taking marketing courses and expanding my skill set, which has allowed me to launch marketing consulting as a service. Today, I operate as a consulting CMO for businesses across the United States, helping brands create content strategies that move the needle. But growth doesn’t happen in isolation — investing in yourself is important, but investing in your team is just as crucial. It took time to find the right people whose values align with mine, but once I did, I realized that treating your team well fosters an environment where everyone flourishes. Penza wouldn’t be what it is without the incredible people I work alongside — they’re more than a team; they’re family.

Lastly, I truly believe you are the average of the five people you spend the most time with. I’m fortunate to have my sister, Kate, and her husband, Will, as mentors. They inspire me daily. Their extensive experience in business development and management has been invaluable to me. Anytime I’m charting new territory, they’re the first people I turn to for advice, and their guidance has never steered me wrong. Having trusted mentors by your side can make all the difference when navigating the unpredictable path of entrepreneurship. I’m grateful that my support system starts with family, and that foundation has played a huge role in Penza’s ongoing success.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Working in a creative field has taught me that the most talented people aren’t always the ones with the most impressive degrees or accolades — they’re the ones with passion. It took me nearly two years of collaborating with different individuals to find those who not only shared my vision but also aligned with my values and goals for growth. Today, my team and I show up with a positive attitude, a hands-on approach, and a level of professionalism I’m proud of. I trust that even if I can’t be there personally, my team will represent me and Penza Productions with integrity and get the job done.

When I launched Penza, I was a 22-year-old woman navigating the creative industry on my own. One of the biggest challenges I faced was being taken seriously at such a young age. I knew the first step was building my portfolio, so I took on countless low-cost or even free projects just to prove my skill and dedication. Once my work spoke for itself, I established client intake workflows to filter out those who weren’t serious, allowing me to focus on projects and partnerships that aligned with my mission. Sticking to my values, maintaining professionalism, and keeping my eye on the bigger picture earned me a respected place in the industry. Today, I’m proud to be in a position where I can confidently decline opportunities that don’t resonate with Penza’s ethos.

The name “Penza” holds a special significance. It’s my grandmother’s maiden name — Rita McDevitt Penza — a woman my mother lost to breast cancer as a teenager. Rita was known for her sharp mind, problem-solving abilities, and enormous heart. She was deeply respected, not just for what she did but for the kind of person she was. Naming my company after her is an everyday reminder of the values I strive to uphold: compassion, resilience, and strength. It’s more than just a name — it’s a legacy.

Through Penza Productions, I want the world to know that we are more than just a creative agency — we are storytellers with purpose, driven by a blend of passion, professionalism, and heart. Our work goes beyond aesthetics; it’s about creating content that resonates, builds trust, and moves people.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If I had a friend come to town I would try and get them on the water. I am passionate about freediving, spearfishing and outdoors, so ocean related activities are always a suggestion. As a foodie, there are so many amazing places to check out. Bellagambas for Italian, Tam Tam for vietnamese, or Cafe Seville for Spanish food. One of my favorite things to do is to walk along the riverwalk in downtown Fort Lauderdale and get a coffee at Gran Forno. Las olas is home to so many bars to find live music and have a drink, or if you don’t like drinking, Ann’s florist is a cafe open late and often has live music too.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My cinematographers Josh Barmak and Alex Roman have been instrumental in the growth of Penza. They do their jobs super well, which allows me to focus on mine.

Website: https://penzaproductions.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/agmellinger/?hl=en

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/penza-productions-fort-lauderdale

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wv_uki33kho&ab_channel=PenzaProductions

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutMiami is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.