Today we’d like to introduce you to Melody Rae Kandil.
Melody Rae, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I am originally from Cincinnati, Ohio. I have my hand in many different pots. I grew up acting in theater and playing basketball. I gave up acting to pursue basketball and ended up getting a D1 scholarship to the University of Tennessee Martin despite my injuries. I left my scholarship after a year to pursue a modeling career. I have lived all over the world from Thailand, Germany, and France, to NYC, Miami, Chicago, and Los Angeles. I’ve been blessed to have a flourishing modeling career for so long. My journey lead me back to acting where I got the lead role in my first movie called She Ball that came out in 2021. I love diving into the depths of characters and bringing them to life. Timing is everything. I have also always been involved in the fitness world. Working out is my favorite release and safe space. It takes me into another realm and I wouldn’t be who I am without it. I started a company with some business partners called the total body band. We are an e-commerce-based business. We sell on our own site as well as Revolve, Urban Outfitters, Nordstrom Rack, and Brookstone. The total body band is basically a Pilates reformer in a resistance band. I am also a yoga sculpt instructor at Corepower Yoga if you ever want to come dance around and get your butt kicked into shape. I am a believer in bringing light and love into the world no matter what. Every job I do, I ask myself how can I be of service to people? How can I add value to people’s lives? I am here to not only support myself but to support others in their journey as well.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Oh, how I wish it could be smooth but honestly you learn a lot in the rough patches. My life has been a plethora of ups and downs. I’ve endured heartbreak time and time again. I’ve traveled this world solo so that in itself is a great feat. I believe in being honest and forthcoming. I believe in justice and peace. I believe that God has got my back no matter how tough the situation will be. My faith is what has gotten me through the trials of my life. I am in a business that is full of rejection and our world in general has no problem in doling that out as well. What I’ve learned is to try your best not to take it personal. That is easier said than done but if you have exhausted all options to show up at your best then that is more than enough. Trust me if you do that it will always be the other parties loss and not yours in the end. I use the motto of if I can lay my head down at night peacefully that’s all that matters.
I am someone who shows up with love, generosity, compassion, and commitment. I will always give everything I’ve got. I’m an all-in type of person once I choose something which is why I’m extremely picky on what I choose. Life will not always hand you what you think you deserve but if you can learn from those trials and stay true to yourself it will hand you much more than you expected. The only judge we have is our lord above and he sees what we choose each and every day. We can’t expect others to be how we are. We have to evaluate what people show us not what we want them to show us. I see the good in every person I meet. If they are 90 percent bad and 10 percent good I’ll find that 10 percent. It’s something I never want to change about myself because maybe it will keep hope alive for people that they can do and be better. I just have to remember that I am just here to be a good example and it’s someone’s choice to grow. It may not be an easy road but it’s a road that’s worth the trip.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am an actress, model, and entrepreneur.
I have modeled for various brands throughout the years… Alexander Wang, Ralph Lauren, Badgley Mischka, Nike, Lululemon, and Fabletics to name a few.
I starred as the lead in my first film “She Ball” alongside Nick Cannon, Ced the entertainer, Rebecca De Mornay, and many more.
I am a founder of a company called The Total Body Band. It’s a Pilates reformer in a resistance band. It weighs less than a lb and can get you a full-body workout anywhere and everywhere.
I am most proud of my character. I am proud that no matter what I face I still remain kind, humble, loyal, and loving. I have an old soul and a heart of gold. I want the best for people. There is no selfish bone in my body; I’m here to serve and be a beacon of love & light. It’s not easy because I feel I go through a lot of unnecessary pain but I know that I am helping others along the way. If I can impact and inspire others to be better even at the cost of myself at times that’s okay. I don’t believe in retaliation and revenge. I believe that we must look within and understand that we have been given these beautiful attributes for a reason. Sometimes we may not be appreciated or understood but we never know the impact we are truly making. So if we stay true to ourselves and pour from our hearts, we will continue create the greatest impact. We have to believe in what we don’t see sometimes. God is working behind the scenes as long as we stick to our principles and values. These are the things that set me apart from most. I love to entertain and create. I love to express my talent and feelings. I am a creative I create by storytelling but I’ll never let creativity deplete my soul. My soul is more important than any accolade you could ever give me.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
My website is momentswithmelody.com Oops, I forgot to tell you I also write. I write poetry, stories, and messages that literally just flow through me. It happens so fast that I know it’s divinely guided. Sometimes I’m woken up in the middle of the night and just start typing and have no idea what I’m writing until I go back and read it. It’s pretty neat.
My business website: totalbodyband.com
My Instagram: msmelodyrae
Business IG: thetotalbodyband
My email is: [email protected]
Contact Info:
- Website: Momentswithmelody.com also totalbodyband.com
- Instagram: Msmelodyrae
- Facebook: Msmelodyrae
- Twitter: Msmelodyrae
Image Credits
Angie Silvy Toby Tiet Bray Barnes Martin Rusch
