Meet Nadi Moss & Melissa Wonder | Co-founders

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nadi Moss & Melissa Wonder and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nadi Moss & Melissa Wonder, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
The Moonlight Community emerged from the deep bond between Melissa and me, both as friends and creative partners. With my five years in event production and 13 years in professional photography, alongside Melissa’s 15 years as a skilled makeup artist, we discovered an opportunity to merge our talents. Our mission is to create a welcoming space that is open to everyone, allowing all to explore their creativity and forge meaningful connections.

We envisioned an experience that transcends the typical photoshoot or retreat. Our goal is to cultivate an environment where every detail is intentionally crafted, harmonizing luxury with self-expression and personal growth. The Moonlight Community reflects this vision—a place where individuals can unite, feel inspired, and partake in an unforgettable journey filled with beauty and connection.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
What sets us apart is our distinct visions for creating experiences that go beyond the standard. We’re not interested in the usual approach; instead, we strive to craft something truly unique and special that you won’t find anywhere else. Our backgrounds give us a refined aesthetic and understanding of beauty.

Through these years, we’ve gained invaluable experience working with diverse individuals, learning to be flexible, and approaching challenges with a positive mindset. We believe that both good and bad experiences shape us into true professionals. Each challenge we face only makes us stronger and wiser, and we genuinely enjoy the process of connecting with people and building relationships.

Our goal is to create a special community filled with unique experiences, always in beautiful, upscale locations. We started in Los Angeles, but our vision is to take this journey around the world. We’re excited to share our upcoming projects and continue building the Moonlight Community, one unforgettable experience at a time.

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?
If our best friend were visiting Los Angeles for a week, we’d want to create an unforgettable experience filled with creativity, beauty, and adventure. We’d dive into the world of art and culture by exploring the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, appreciating the magic of film through captivating exhibitions. After that, a visit to The Getty Villa would allow us to enjoy its beautiful architecture and stunning art collections.

If the timing is right, we’d also look for interesting private art collector exhibitions, where we could meet passionate collectors and experience their curated collections. And if there’s a big music show happening during their visit, we’d definitely want to catch that as well, enjoying the vibrant live music scene Los Angeles has to offer.

Another place we’d visit is Lake Shrine in Pacific Palisades. This peaceful meditation place is perfect for a calming walk around the pond, where we can admire the swans and enjoy the tranquility right by the ocean.

For dining experiences, we’d love to have dinner at Vespertine, where the chef creates a unique culinary journey. We’d also enjoy a romantic evening at El Cielo, and stop by the charming French restaurant Petit Trois for their delicious escargot, French onion soup and other delightful dishes. Additionally, we’d head to Santa Monica to indulge in fresh oysters by the ocean.

After savoring these incredible meals, we’d take our friend to Petit Ermitage, an exclusive and artistic spot where we could enjoy the vibrant atmosphere. We’d definitely catch the night show, which features dance elements and theatrical touches, making for a truly immersive experience. During the day, we could relax by the rooftop pool, taking in the stunning views and mingling with interesting people.

If our friend wants to get some work done, we’d head to Soho House, a fantastic spot with a cool working atmosphere, beautiful views, and delicious food. It’s a great place for networking, where they could meet interesting individuals from various industries.

We’d also plan a day trip to Joshua Tree to soak in the stunning desert landscape. Alternatively, we could relax at Laguna Beach or Manhattan Beach, enjoying the ocean and the sun.

A lovely picnic in Santa Barbara would be on our agenda too, where we could stroll through local shops for cool souvenirs and soak in the charming atmosphere.

Exploring Greystone Mansion in Beverly Hills would be another highlight, with its French-inspired vibe and picturesque grounds lined with beautiful pine trees.

To wrap up the week, we’d take a hike to Point Dume in Malibu for breathtaking ocean views or venture into Topanga Canyon to enjoy the serene nature. The area is dotted with quirky shops, crystal stores, and unique boutiques that we’d love to explore.

Throughout the week, we’d make sure to stop by Erewhon for their famous smoothies and healthy snacks to keep our energy up. Each experience would be a chance for us to connect, share stories, and create lasting memories.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
While we haven’t had formal teachers guiding our journey, we’ve found profound inspiration in a few books that resonate deeply with our mission. One such book is Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert, which beautifully explores the magic of creativity and encourages us to pursue our passions without fear. It reminds us that creativity is a journey meant to be shared.

Another influential book for us is The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron. Its focus on nurturing the creative spirit has helped us cultivate a mindset of openness and self-discovery, essential for building the Moonlight Community.

However, the greatest inspiration comes from the incredible people we’ve met along the way—friends, collaborators, and community members who have shown us the power of connection and support. Each interaction teaches us something valuable, helping us grow both personally and professionally. We’re endlessly grateful for the love and encouragement we’ve received, which has shaped our path.

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

Image Credits
By Tanya Nesta