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

Hi Melanie, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
This is a tough question for me. As a Latina, growing up in NYC I’ve always been taught to work hard. To prioritize the grind and making money over my own well being. Since becoming a mother, I now look at time very differently. I realize that it is the most precious resource that we have and that we truly don’t have a lot of it. So I am more intentional with how I spend my time. I still value the grind and work extremely hard but my priority is my family. This doesn’t mean I don’t struggle when I feel like I’m not being productive. I constantly grapple with the fact that being an entrepreneur means my success is tied to how hard I work and how consistent I am. But being a parent means accepting that my time is sometimes better spent reading books, kissing booboos and wiping tears. Ultimately, this fuels me and has made me even more productive in the end.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Inspired by my daughter, I started illustrating as a means to navigate my experiences through motherhood. I strive to provide representation for the BIPOC community, amplify the voices of womxn and normalize breastfeeding through my art. When I started illustrating, I had just became a mother and was lost in the 4th trimester. I didn’t receive enough support on my breastfeeding journey which prompted me to turn to art as an outlet. My first creation was an illustration inspired by my daughter and I surrounded by a sea of unsolicited advice. I was reluctant to post it but Instagram has served as a great marketing source and it was well received. From there, I started to receive many family portrait inquiries which then turned into brands and companies reaching out to work together. Since starting, I have worked with restaurants, non profits and clothing brands to name a few. The hardest part about managing your own business has been time management. setting pricing models and learning when to say no. As an entrepreneur you want to say yes to everything. Be it for the money or exposure but I’ve learned that it’s important to take on jobs that are meaningful and work with people who are respectful of my craft and time.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Im a born and raised New Yorker and have lived pretty much everywhere. Food is my love language so if you are looking for some great eats check out the following:

EL Gallo Taqueria (Mexican)
Mimi Chengs Dumplings
Artichoke Pizza
Duzan (Middle Eastern)
Bar Taco (upscale street food)

One of my favorite getaway spots in The Bronx is called Wave Hill which is a huge estate dedicated to preserving plants and flowers from all over the world and serves as the best place to meditate and slow down.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My husband and daughter deserve all the praise. My husband is my partner in parenting and mentor in life. He has inspired me to be better, do better and work harder. My daughter is my why. Her existence fuels me and in the end, all I want is to make her proud.

Website: melanieespinosa.com

Instagram: @melaniemespi

Image Credits
Headshot image: Cheril Sanchez

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