![Our Founder Featured in ESSENCE Magazine!]()
by desing | About Maria, Our Legacy, Our Media
Being on this journey of pursuing purpose, I have my “dream” moments” but I’m so focused on doing the job that I forget to embrace those sweet victory moments. I’ve been humbled to know that I don’t do what I do for the “fame” or to cover up some lack of self-worth issues but the truth is I do it because I know MUST honor the call of my life, I am serving others with my gifts, talents and abilities and provoking others to do the same. So when I was notified that Glade and ESSENCE magazine wanted to feature me as a “Women of Note” in the March 2014 issue of ESSENCE (which is their Hollywood issue and one of the most coveted issues of the year), I kinda had a “Are you serious? Are you sure? OH MY GOD” moment! What’s been harder is keeping it a secret because you guys know I’m a talker 🙂 
How did this happen? I’m glad you asked! Someone took noticed of what I was doing, knew my story and the rest is history. And that’s the most magical part here. So many times we focus on going after the big opportunities (which is totally fine), however, I’m learning to remain focused on doing my best and allowing the opportunities to come my way. You never know who is watching you, so I want to encourage you to keep doing your best. Be a person that people remember and share your story because truth is you never know who is listening. 
I practice what I preach. I preach the message of fearlessly pursuing your purpose by using your gifts to serve others, being fabulous and your best self while you do so and intentionally building a legacy that is so great that it speaks volumes for itself. Â I am a firm believer that you have to first become the change you want to see and it looks like it’s working for me so I am hoping I can encourage you to do it too!
P.S. – I’m a Afro-Latina from the projects of East New York, Brooklyn who is pursuing her dreams on her unwavering faith, so can you 🙂
by desing | About Maria, Our Legacy, Our Media
Our founder Maria I. Melendez talk about what makes her an empowered woman. Thanks to Overture for providing this incredible video.
What do you think makes you an empowered woman? Let us know in the comments below!
by desing | Classes, Our Media
Learn how to transition your make-up from day to night with Shameika Bowman, our guest celebrity make-up artist.
by desing | Events, Our Legacy, Our Media, Services
Watch our exclusive footage from our “Igniting Your Legacy” event with guest-speaker, Gilt Groupe executive and marketing extraordinaire, Rashana Hooks.
by desing | Classes, Our Media
We had the pleasure of hosting an empowering beauty makeover created by Hutch By Design. Watch this transformative experience!
by desing | Our Media, Tools
What exactly is  mask and how many of us can admit to wearing one at any point in your life? As a woman I can attest to the reality that no matter how I may be feeling on the inside, I almost feel expected to go out, perform and make “it” happen no matter what the circumstances. We are all putting our best foot forward but are we healed, whole, free from those insecurities that challenge us on the daily? Everyone talks about how great they’re doing, but are you whole? This is why we decided to put an honest conversation to the forefront.
We hand-selected a group of (8) respected, professional women to discuss their journey of success and the price that they have had to pay in order to achieve their success. “The UnMasked Effect” is a sincere and thought-provoking discussion proctored by leadership and empowerment advocate, Cordelia Abrokwah, where women discuss the implied “masks” that they have worn while hiding truths about their character, insecurities or personal hardships due to fear, lack of self-worth, guilt, shame or embarrassment. Throughout the conversation, our cast of women learn wisdom and motivation needed to remove any unnecessary masks and triumph over fears, doubts or insecurities that may have hindered them on their journey.
And then this happens…
The climax of the series is when each woman partakes in an innovative yet effective exercise where they remove their implied masks. What happens next is the confrontation and honesty with oneself that leads each woman to share her truth, remove her mask and give someone else the courage to the same. We like to call it “The UnMasked Effect.”
WATCH THE TRAILER HERE
How did this happen? I’m glad you asked! Someone took noticed of what I was doing, knew my story and the rest is history. And that’s the most magical part here. So many times we focus on going after the big opportunities (which is totally fine), however, I’m learning to remain focused on doing my best and allowing the opportunities to come my way. You never know who is watching you, so I want to encourage you to keep doing your best. Be a person that people remember and share your story because truth is you never know who is listening. 
