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

Hi Melissa Michelle, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I’m originally from Boston. My journey didn’t begin on stage — it began with poetry. At twelve, I started writing to process what I couldn’t always say out loud. It gave me a place to be vulnerable before I even knew how powerful that was. Writing became my way of navigating the world, and over time, that vulnerability gave me a voice not just on the page, but in everything I do.

I grew up doing pageants because it was something my mom encouraged — and while I’m thankful for those experiences, I quickly realized being called “pretty” wasn’t enough. I had more to say. I found myself not through crowns or compliments, but through characters, verses, and eventually, comedy.

Comedy came as I came into myself. It allowed me to explore identity, awkwardness, desire, and contradiction — all while laughing through it. As I embraced my own messiness and humor, I realized it was actually one of my strongest tools for connection.

Acting entered my life like fate. I was in an elevator when a stranger told me, “You should be an actor.” I hadn’t even spoken. But after moving from Boston to New York, that moment started to make sense. I began booking commercials, appearing in music videos, and working on indie films.

Since then, I’ve published two poetry books, built a lane for myself as a screenwriter and performer, and leaned into a voice that’s bold, soft, funny, and unfiltered. My content keeps evolving — whether it’s skits, scripts, or a song. I’m always exploring new creative avenues.

This summer, I’m releasing a track called “Summer Lover” — a poetic, sultry R\&B vibe that blends my love for lyricism, mood, and rhythm. It’s just one more chapter in a journey that started with a notebook and grew into a multidimensional career rooted in truth, creativity, and fearless self-expression.

And the best part? I’m just getting started.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art lives at the intersection of storytelling, emotion, and genre-bending expression. I’m a published poet, screenwriter, and actor who moves between comedy, romance, and even horror — often in the same breath. What sets my work apart is that it’s rooted in honesty and vulnerability, whether I’m making people laugh, think, or feel deeply. I don’t create to fit into boxes — I create to reflect the full spectrum of what it means to be human.

One of the things I’m most proud of is that I’ve continued to grow across platforms — from poetry books to indie films, tv series, commercials, music, and sketch content. I recently recorded a song called “Summer Lover,” a sultry, poetic R&B track that blends spoken word with melody — a reflection of how I like to blur lines and keep my work fresh.

But getting here wasn’t easy. There was a time when the “no’s” felt louder than anything else. Rejection after rejection chipped away at my confidence — until I decided to shift my mindset. I started to see each no as a stepping stone to the right yes. I reminded myself that you miss every shot you don’t take. So I kept showing up. Kept auditioning. Kept writing. Kept creating.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that resilience doesn’t mean you’re never discouraged — it means you feel the weight of it and still keep going anyway. And every time I do, something opens up that reminds me why I started this path in the first place.

What I want the world to know about me — and my brand — is that I’m building a creative life rooted in authenticity. My work may look different across mediums, but the mission is always the same: to move people. Whether I’m making you laugh, pay attention, reflect, or lean in closer — I just want you to feel something real.

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.
Day 1: Arrival + Rooftop Vibes
We’d kick things off with an Aperol spritz on the rooftop at PUBLIC Hotel — it’s the perfect welcome. Then head to Fish Cheeks for Thai food that hits every time. We’d finish the night with dessert at Spot Dessert Bar — that Honey Toast? Unreal.

Day 2: Classic NYC Energy
Morning walk through Central Park, then get lost in the Met — it’s honestly magical to me. Later, we’d hit some Chelsea galleries then grab dinner at Zou Zou’s or Chez Zou in Hudson Yards, followed by rooftop drinks at Nubeluz for the best views of the city.

Day 3: Brooklyn Day
We’d walk the Brooklyn Bridge in the morning and hang around DUMBO for coffee and cute photos. Then chill at Fort Greene Park before heading to Fresh Kills Bar, where they’ll literally make a cocktail based on you. It’s a whole vibe.

Day 4: City Escape
We’d hit Tompkins during Open Streets — so much energy and good people-watching. Then head to Tan — it feels like a little Tulum escape right in the city.

Day 5: On the Water
Brunch at Grand Banks* — oysters, cocktails, and you’re literally on a boat. After that, maybe just wander the Hudson piers and soak up the sun.

Day 6: Art + Spontaneity
Visit a museum or see a show, maybe BAM or a pop-up gallery. The night could go anywhere — comedy, jazz, or a film. We’d just follow the vibes.

Day 7: One Last Moment
Slow morning, take a train ride to Coney Island to bring this whole trip to a close with a nostalgic moment on the boardwalk. One last toast somewhere cozy before they head out.

NYC has a million ways to impress, but I’d want them to feel the version of the city I’ve fallen in love with — the one that’s creative, soulful, spontaneous, and full of heart.

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?
Absolutely — my biggest shoutout goes to my mom. She’s been my cheerleader and my reminder that anything God puts in your heart is already within reach. Even when my dreams felt too far-fetched or out of the ordinary, she never let me believe they were impossible. She never questioned the path — even when it wasn’t clear — she just told me to keep going. Her belief in me, even in the quiet moments, gave me the courage to believe in myself. Every win, every creative leap, every “yes” I’ve earned — it’s rooted in the love and faith she poured into me.

Instagram: @beautifulmel330

Soundcloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/l2JR7tNW603m2WPumH

Image Credits
Harvey Jackson and Sub-Urban Photography

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