Meet Melody Siyami | Business Owner & Marketing Strategist

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

Hi Melody, is your business focused on helping the community? If so, how?
My business operates on a foundation of complete sustainability. Each item is hand-selected, curated, and photographed by me before being made available for sale. In response to the rise of TikTok’s haul culture and the excessive shopping it promotes, I decided to champion a change. I believe shopping should fill a genuine need in your closet, not contribute to overstuffing it.

All of my inventory is 100% second-hand, and I like to think each piece has its own story. Perhaps it once belonged to a fabulous New Yorker strutting down the streets in her Manolos, reminiscent of Carrie Bradshaw, or to an iconic collector who cherishes high-quality, enduring pieces.

I firmly believe that when it comes to shopping, less is more. I strive to embody this principle daily, preferring that my clients fall in love with a pair of vintage heels or an off-the-runway dress rather than aiming to sell out my entire store. This mindset not only distinguishes my business from others but also helps mitigate its social and environmental footprint. Although the tagline for sourced by Mel is “thx, it’s my shopping addiction,” I strive to counteract the addictive nature of shopping by encouraging purchases of only items you absolutely love!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
What sets me apart is my dedication to sustainability and storytelling through fashion. With my business, sourced by Mel, I curate a collection of unique, second-hand pieces, each with its own history and character. In addition to this, I bring my creativity to life as a costume designer for short film sets, where I use clothing to tell stories and bring characters to life. I’m most proud of building sourced by Mel into a brand that not only promotes sustainable fashion but also resonates with people who value individuality and quality. I’m excited every time I find a piece that has a unique story to tell, knowing it will become a cherished item for someone else. As a costume designer, I’m thrilled when I see my work come to life on screen, contributing to the narrative and helping to create memorable characters. My journey has been a blend of passion, creativity, and perseverance. It wasn’t easy, but the support from my parents and my educational background provided a solid foundation. I’ve always been passionate about fashion and storytelling, and merging these interests has driven me to pursue both costume design and my sustainable fashion business. Starting sourced by Mel with little experience was daunting, but I learned quickly by staying adaptable and seeking advice from mentors and industry professionals. In the world of costume design, the challenges included long hours and high expectations. I overcame these by staying organized, being open to feedback, and constantly learning from each project. The key lessons I’ve learned include the importance of perseverance, the value of community, and the impact of staying true to my values. Whether it’s sourcing unique vintage pieces or designing costumes that enhance a film’s narrative, I’ve learned that passion and authenticity are crucial. I want the world to know that fashion and art can be both beautiful and sustainable. I am dedicated to making a positive impact through my work.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’d start in Laguna Beach with an early morning Pilates class, followed by a trip to my favorite cafe (keeping this one a secret) and then heading down to a local beach in South Laguna for a relaxing day soaking up the sun. The next day, I’d venture to Costa Mesa to explore some of my favorite resale consignment shops, with a delicious pit stop at Work in Progress for a coffee or matcha. The evening would wrap up perfectly at Semi Tropic Wines, enjoying great vibes and good wine. A visit to South OC wouldn’t be complete without a trip to San Juan Capistrano to soak in the cool history and browse through some local thrift stores. You can’t visit California without hitting up In-N-Out. I’d spend the next day in Newport Beach to grab some amazing poke from Bear Flag Fish Co. and stunning ocean views. To cap off the week, we’d end in Dana Point with a scenic beachside hike, authentic Mexican food, and a fun bar crawl around some charming local spots.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My parents deserve the utmost recognition for being my unwavering support system. Their constant love, encouragement, and belief in me have been pivotal in my journey. They have stood by me every step of the way, offering invaluable guidance and strength. I wouldn’t be where I am today without them.

From a young age, I’ve been passionate about fashion. Instead of steering me towards another field, my parents have wholeheartedly supported my dreams. The fashion industry is demanding, often characterized by disordered eating, judgment, and long hours. Despite having little experience, I decided to start my own business. It has been a challenging journey, but with the support of my parents and the knowledge gained from my various degrees, I have found success.

Website: https://sourcedbymel.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sourcedbymel/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sourced-by-mel/

Image Credits
Emilio Fermin & Mathias Madsen