Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa (Mel) Anness
Hi Mel, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I actually started modeling when I was 7 or 8 for KidsRUs, but as I got older I pursued singing and dancing more. Like most of us, I had a very awkward phase in middle school & for me, in high school as well. Once I graduated high school, I went to college for musical theatre for one year. I won’t bore everyone with the details, but it didn’t work out for me. I took a gap year, went through some serious therapy, and began to re-discover myself. From there, I decided to pursue a bachelor’s degree for business with a concentration in marketing and a minor in communications. I just recently graduated last year.
While studying online for my bachelor’s degree, I moved to Florida (from Indiana). I started working for Harbor Marketing Group in Belle Isle. We help businesses by sourcing and suggesting promotional materials that align with their branding standards and budget.
On the side, I started to pursue modeling and fell in love with the art. This was all thanks to Tessa Williams (aka photo.asset). I also fell back in love with dancing.
I don’t know what the future holds, but I try to live by the motto that my nanny (grandma) left me: Be Kind, Work Hard, Learn a Lot, & HAVE FUN!!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Far from it. For a long time, I suffered from ADHD and Bipolar Disorder without medication. When I finally found a therapist and medication, my whole life was changed. Because of this, I have always supported mental health education & am constantly working to find ways to get rid of the mental health stigma.
In my first year of college, I was told I would never be “casting” material. That, along with some other unfortunate turn of events, made me rethink my decision to pursue entertainment. It broke my heart and my self-confidence plummeted.
I grew up in a small town & I was extremely sheltered. When I moved to Florida, I had hoped to keep pursing a career in entertainment, despite what that teacher had said to me. After being in Orlando for about a year, I realized that the competition was fierce. Reality hit me like a ton of bricks.
I am still learning to love myself again. Getting back into modeling and dancing has helped me tremendously. I am so grateful to my friends, family, and now my fiance, who always has my back.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I love working on creative shoots. From getting messy with paint to glamour shots, I am a versatile model. Tessa Williams says she loves working with me because she knows I am always down for anything. Need me to jump into mud? I got you. Need me to lay on the ground? I got you. Need me to hold this awkward pose? No problem. I am a “yes” girl & I hope that that will draw other creators to me. I always keep a positive attitude.
Honestly, the negative part to working with me is that I smile TOO much, sometimes during more serious photo shoots. But life is too much fun NOT to smile & I have endured too much, not to smile on the other side of it.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
It is extremely hard to predict the future…especially 10 years out! It’s crazy to even think about. I know I’ll still be dancing, whether that is in a troupe or in class every other night. My nanny and pappaw used to do ballroom dancing even into their old age…I guess it runs in the family. I would love to teach my own classes eventually.
My goal from modeling is to find more creatives in the Orlando area to work with. I have a core group of people, but I know there is more out there & I can’t wait to meet them.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @Mel_Gingerbaby
Image Credits
Credit for all the images goes to Tessa Williams (@photo.asset)
