Meet Dubraska Melo | Photographer

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

Hi Dubraska, how do you think about risk?
Risk for me has played a big role in my life the last couple of months. I believe risk is necessary when stepping out of your comfort zone, to be able to move forward, and to discover what is waiting for you on the other side. I believe risk and faith go hand in hand, because it requires you to step into the unknown but with faith in knowing that it’s for a greater purpose that awaits you as soon as you take the leap.
I took a leap of faith on my career, and as fearful as I was it’s been the best decision I’ve made! I’m so grateful for change, for risks, and for what’s coming. it’s life changing!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a freelance photographer based in Miami. My focus is lifestyle, fashion, and brand photography.
I believe what would set me apart from others is the uniqueness I portray in my art, the way I love to tell stories in the most authentic way through photography.
I recently partnered up with my two dearest friends, to start our business: DAO Collective.
This has been the one thing I’ve been the most excited about. I am so proud of us for stepping out of our comfort zone and to create together.
To get to where I am in my career, has definitely come with its challenges. the main challenge has been to let go to of fear and to trust the process.
I believe consistency is key, and letting go of fear is a must, to be able to continue on moving forward and to step into new opportunities.
Based on my personal experience, I’ve learned that if I don’t do what I’ve set my mind to do, or what I’m passionate about, nobody will. If I let fear take over, it eventually becomes a self sabotage, where it paralyzes me to continue to do what I am passionate about. This experience has helped me and pushed me to take risks, to dream big and believe that anything is possible as long as we trust the process.
What I would want the world to know about this new business my partners and I have started is this: we are three creatives coming together, to create a bigger vision not only for ourselves but for others. Our main focus is to help other brands grow through our expertise, gifts and talents.
Our purpose is also to provide an authentic, and unforgettable experience, as we assist and work alongside others.
We hold our values strongly, and we want to share them and make a difference as we step into the business world.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend were to visit for one week, I’d drive her around the iconic places Miami offers: Miami beach, coconut grove, coral gables, downtown. We would first do 2 beach days: 1. Miami beach, 2.Ft Lauderdale beach.
We would go to Brickell City Centre, and eat at one of their restaurants.
We would also eat at “Casa Tua” restaurant located in Miami beach.
I would show her around Coral Gables, and take her to one of my favorite restaurants called Bulla.
Another great restaurant I would take her to, would be “Finka”: they have delicious cocktails and food!
For an outdoor hang out – for brunch or dinner, we would go to Casa Florida, and enjoy the Miami weather as we sit outside and enjoy our catch up time as we dine!
I think Miami overall offers exciting experiences and tons of diversity. Every place I go to whether it is a restaurant or a walk in the park, there’s always something new and exciting in everyone you meet and the places you go.

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?
I am so grateful for my life friends, soul sisters, and business partners: Annie & Ashley, because we have taken a big leap of faith together in stepping out of our comfort zones to do business together. They’ve been extremely supportive, and so encouraging. Because of them, I believe that it’s better to accomplish and share your dreams alongside others, than doing it all on your own. I love how they’ve supported me and encouraged me to take the risk. and it’s been such a blessing!

Instagram: @daocollectivegroup