WEEN Woman of the Month: Melody Ehsani

Although she was born into a creative Los Angeles household, Melody Ehsani found that breaking out and embracing a nontraditional art form wasn’t the easiest thing to do. “It was challenging for me to be seen as an “artist” because I wasn’t drawn to things like painting, like my mom. [Neither of my parents really] had any luck making money off their art; and [since] they come from parents who didn’t see much practical value or nobility in art, I was always discouraged from taking [it] seriously. They made it clear to me that [my pursuit of art] should only be a hobby.”

When law school called, Melody defied tradition and at the age of 23 decided to pursue her hunger for design. Since stepping into her calling, the stylish creative has launched not only jewelry and shoes, but has also taken her skill into the world of nail art.

How rewarding has it been making a living doing what you love? It’s rewarding in the most indescribable way! It feels like I’m in alignment with something greater than me; that it’s not even about me. I just get to show up and do what I love. The process is usually way more rewarding than the results.

What has been the greatest challenge for you as an artist? Have you had to overcome any gender discrimination? Yes, unfortunately [gender discrimination is] still present in the workplace. When I started, it was especially difficult because I had to find manufacturers that would work with me to bring [my designs to fruition]. Most of the factory owners I came across were male and I had a very hard time getting them to take me seriously as a businesswoman.

What are 3 pieces of advice do you have for young women who, like you, may be growing up in a family where their dreams of designing are against the norm? (1) Only share your dreams with people who you know will see you, understand you and encourage you. You need to protect your ideas fiercely, [because] it’s so easy to be discouraged out of your dream…especially by people who are closest to you. (2) Trust your gut. (3) Remember that there is only one of you. You are rare, and your interpretation or way of doing things is not going to be like anyone else’s (regardless of how many other people are trying to do the same thing(s)). Because you are creating and designing a new path in this world that is uniquely yours, you will go up against inertia….and it will be worth it.

As her the Ehsani brand has grown, the Melody has had her work featured and worn by celebs like Lauryn Hill, Alicia Keys, Eryka Badu, Rihanna, Keri Hilson – and countless more. In most recent years, she has teamed up with Reebok and has been cranking out phenomenal sneakers inspired by and created just for women! In addition to being the first woman to design a Reebok pump, a portion of each Ehsani shoe purchase goes towards the advancement and education of women in society.

Many artists gather inspiration from music or film when creating. What song or film best embodies your most recent “Love Me” Reebok Classic? Brand Nubian – love me or leave me alone.

It’s often said that a person’s personality can be determined by the type of shoe they wear. What type of shoe are you? Depends on when you ask me, I have commitment issues. [laughs]

Looking into the future, where do you see yourself and the Ehsani brand in the next five years? I’m not a big planner, so it’s hard to forecast. However, I think I have a solid brand. I hope to continue collaborating with other brands [because] I believe in expanding into other products that I’m interested in learning about.

To sum her up, Melody is definitely one who lives to empower and inspire. She says this on the official Melody Ehsani website, “I want to become my true self and be a vibrant member of a family and a community. I want the women who wear my shoes to have the same opportunity for equality, wholeness, and self-expression. My style is inspired by paradox, controversy; justice and pushing the envelope in showing that you truly cant judge a book by its cover. I design to upset the equilibrium. I design to inspire. I design to serve. I design because I was created to do so.”

 

 

 

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