Meet Melissa Mercedes

Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Mercedes.

Melissa, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I’ve always been a lover of fashion. I remember being four years old being very picky about what I wore. I remember telling my mom the outfits she picked out for me didn’t match. I also remember looking at my mom in complete admiration as she got dressed to go to work. I was fascinated with her blazers, pumps, and stockings.

I thought it was all so magical. I remember thinking, WOW, now THAT’S what a WOMAN looks like.” It wasn’t until later my journey would lead me to fashion. I spent four years working alongside youth who struggled with behavioral issues and social obstacles as a counselor for Freeport Pride, a Non-Profit Organization. I also prepared students for job interviews during their career search and conducted style tips on dressing for success.

After spending some time preparing numerous students for their big moments, I realized it was time to concentrate more on empowering people through fashion. There was such a huge lack of representation in the plus size market. I was attending the Latin Grammys and couldn’t find a dress that fit my body type. It was that moment when I took matters into my own hands and designed the dress I wore to the 2017 Latin Grammys. I got so many compliments that it helped me to create a line of dresses to empower women.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
There have definitely been many obstacles. The biggest thing for me has been finding the right team. It takes a village to run a successful corporation. And it takes time to find the right people who find value in our vision.

There are a lot of people out there who do bad business or are looking to scam. Its been interesting, to say the least trying to navigate through the bs. I’m lucky enough to say that I now have found a great team I adore working with.

We’d love to hear more about what you do.
Empowering women of all sizes to overcome their fears and build confidence through self-love and fashion.

Here at Melissa Mercedes, all fabrics and cuts are made to compliment your physique. Rather than being held to the current standard of fashion, Melissa Mercedes guides clients to develop their own image and empowers their sense of self.

My goal has always been to help heal people. With my background in counseling and designing, I have helped people heal from the inside to the outside. Psychology is an understated part of fashion. Each garment and design at Melissa Mercedes will present you with good feelings, with more personality, and with more character in each style.

What is “success” or “successful” for you?
If one girl finds self-love wearing one of my dresses, I feel like I succeeded in my mission.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.melissa-mercedes.com
• Phone: 805-738-3305
• Email: melissa@melissa-mercedes.com
• Instagram: @_melissamercedes_
• Facebook: @melissamercedes
• Twitter: _MMercedes_

Image Credit:
Photos: Cecile Boko
Models: Erica Lauren, Arissa LeBrock, Ileana Estevez, Lorna Litz
Makeup/Hair: Sergio Paez, Jennifer Wright From April Love Makeup Academy
Clothing: Melissa Mercedes
Assistant: Mariah Garcia

Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.