Meet Melanie Lee and Brooklyn Sample | Podcast Hosts and Producers

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

Hi Melanie Lee and Brooklyn Sample, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
We have been producing and directing for theatre companies for the last ten years and realized we wanted to start our own creative community that would include other media that we also work in. These include our podcast, television development as well as top-notch theatre. Being busy moms of multiple children, it is important for us to make our own schedules as we build our own careers and balance family. In the past, we have had to decline some projects because they interfered with our priorities as mothers and that was really hard to do. Having our own business is hard work but it’s on our time.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Blind Toe is our multifaceted production company that houses our Podcast, theatrical storytelling, and creative development in digital media. We originally started the podcast, Moms Art Too, to help us stay creative and inspired during the pandemic. Since it has taken off, we have found that the hunger for inspiration goes way beyond just the creative community, and they sure as heck aren’t just moms. We are most proud of this because it has allowed us to grow a community of people who want to laugh and not take themselves too seriously while continually learning and growing as human beings.

We have learned so much about ourselves too, but it has not been easy. Balancing work and home for anyone is a skill. What we’ve learned is to stay present and take one step at a time while maximizing our work time. As professional women, we have to stop beating ourselves up if not everything can be done in a day. We have to be kind to ourselves.

Ultimately, we are in the business of storytelling whether that is directing, producing, writing, or podcasting with a focus on inclusivity and community. Our main goal is to inspire others with our forward-thinking approach and high production standards with a splash of ridiculousness. We don’t take ourselves too seriously, have you heard our podcast?!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
LA is home to countless amazing eateries, bars, art, and culture. We find gems all of the time. The Cat and Fiddle on Highland hold a special place in our hearts even though it is at a newer location. They have an amazing brunch and such incredible rock and roll history. Catching a show at the Fountain Theatre is a must. A focus on social justice stories paired with a unique stylized visual presentation does not disappoint. You’ll probably catch a famous face there too. After visiting China Town, go visit Highdef Brewing Company. They have a beer for every type and always have a unique food truck out front. Any museum in LA will not disappoint, but if you’ve been to all of them, try the Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena. It has the finest collection of impressionist and post-impressionist art on the West Coast as well as European paintings and a diverse sculpture collection. One must experience a West Coast sunset! Head to the Whaler’s second-floor dining space for dinner and a spectacular view. Then, finish the night at Hinano for darts and a late-night burger.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Having the support from our husbands to follow our dreams has been such a blessing. It’s hard when some projects pull us from our regular home routine for long stints but having the backup at home allows us to create without as much worry and guilt. Our creative partnerships also contribute tremendously to our successes. We are so lucky to work with some of the most talented folks in their field.

Website: momsarttoo.com, brooklynsample.com, Blindtoe.com

Instagram: @momsarttoo

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melanie-lee-725488200/, https://www.linkedin.com/in/brooklynsample/

Twitter: @momsarttoo, @brooklynsample, @melbatoeastlee

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/momsarttoo

Youtube: Moms Art Too

Other: Join our community at patreon.com/momsarttoo