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

Hi Melissa, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
My work-life balance has changed drastically over time. When I started www.mellystarz.com it was not a priority and was often put on the back burner. Over time, I began to focus more on it and lessened my hours at my night job. I eventually joined the ‘traditional’ workforce and completely lost all work-life balance as well as my creativity. My only focus was on building someone else’s dream. One day, I woke up and realized I couldn’t continue to focus on their dream and had to pick back up on my dream. So I did. Now, I ensure to schedule a time for my business, my relationships, and other opportunities. My creative business is now always my top priority.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am an all-around creative from videos to writing to video games. My focus has always been on recognizing up and coming music artists in the hip hop industry. It has taken a lot of self-reflection and overcoming adversity to make it as far as I have on a professional level. The biggest challenges I faced were my physical and mental well being over the past several years. I got through by trying to stay positive and have patience with medical professionals. The biggest lesson I learned is to not be so hard on myself and to put my mental health above all else. I want the world to know that the brand is all about being a positive influence on the community while also telling it like it is.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my friends were to visit I would first take them to Hollywood Beach, it is where I often go to calm my mind and write. I would also go down to Wynwood and do an escape room. Another stop would be The Hard Rock. I am more of a go with the flow individual so we would decide what we would do once we get each location.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to dedicate my shout out to my family who has been the only inspiration I have ever had.

Website: www.mellystarz.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/mellystarz
Twitter: www.twitter.com/mellystarz
Youtube: www.youtube.com/mellsville23