Today we’d like to introduce you to Cara Federici.
Hi Cara, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My career in hospitality (and love for it) began over 15 years ago when I graduated from Tulane and moved to Los Angeles. I was actually pursuing a job in Broadcast Journalism, hoping to be the next E! News Anchor, but I needed quick cash to support myself in the meantime.
My sister told me about a hotel called The Standard, which she described as a hot spot with an awesome design. I noticed they were having an open call for servers and hostesses, so I immediately applied. I was hired shortly after and never turned back. I couldn’t believe people got paid to work in such an exciting environment, and I felt so lucky.
Meeting new people every day, making others smile, and being part of a team that worked hard 24/7 was a career opportunity I could not have imagined without seeing it happen in real time! It was such an inspiring moment in my life. A time where my creative expression was embraced, and my hard work truly paid off – ultimately leading to multiple promotions during my time there.
From then on, I dropped journalism and made hospitality my baby. I managed numerous hotel properties across the country, working in all disciplines to gain a full understanding of the business – leading teams and creating compelling, innovative brands.
Today, I am proud to have a team of my own at The Madison Melle Agency. Developing the firm nearly a decade ago, drawing upon my wealth of design, marketing, technology, and leadership expertise, The Madison Melle Agency and I work hand-in-hand with clients to provide seamless experiences from start to finish.
Recently, I relocated our headquarters to an ideal spot right on Abbot Kinney in Venice Beach, CA (nicknamed the “coolest street in America,” by the way!). I wanted to inspire the firm to be creative, think outside the box, and stay motivated by their environment and other like-minded brands. While my exec team and I are consistently jet-setting to New York, Dubai, London, Mexico City, and beyond, having a home base in Venice Beach ensures that we remain rooted in a community known for its innovation and creativity. This stability allows us to maintain our focus on pushing boundaries, collaborating with local talent, and staying ahead of the curve in our industry, regardless of where our travels take us.
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?
Great question. Over the last several years, The Madison Melle Agency has grown significantly, which comes with moments of pure joy and celebration, along with inevitable challenges and growing pains. I’m lucky to have surrounded myself with an extremely talented team who have shown incredible resilience and dedication in navigating these ups and downs alongside me.
We’ve been impressed with The Madison Melle Agency, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
The Madison Melle Agency is a global branding & lifestyle marketing firm operating and ideating one-of-a-kind hospitality, real estate, food & beverage, and technology brands. Shaping the landscape of invention, inspiration, and creativity across the hospitality industry and beyond, The Madison Melle Agency’s thoughtful contributions are admired by clients across the globe. With over 25 years of expertise in branding & marketing, website & app development, and revenue growth strategies – The Madison Melle Agency exceeds expectations with every endeavor.
The Agency’s proven track record of success is derived from collaborating with a multitude of the world’s most notable names in their respective industries, including Los Angeles Athletic Club, Carmel Partners, The William Vale, ModernHaus Soho, Two Bunch Palms, Fast Company, The Aster Social Club, Lemon Grove Restaurant, Intercontinental Hotel Group, Sunset Marquis, Bett & Ollie Cocktail Bar, The Palmetto Hotel, Eden Roc, Marram Montauk, Dawn Ranch, Aimbridge Hospitality, Brookfield Properties, and many more.
The Madison Melle Agency is published regularly in national and industry press publications – and are honored to work with a stunning portfolio of clients who have been featured in Forbes, Travel & Leisure’s It List, Business Insider, New York Times, Condé Nast Traveler, The Washington Post, Vogue, and more.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
That’s a loaded question! I love so much about Los Angeles. There’s always something to do, somewhere to be, or something totally new to experience. There are endless possibilities, and at the end of the day, living and working right on the beach is amazing. For my least favorite part (aside from the cliche answer of traffic), I would say feeling like I’m missing out by not being based in my other favorite cities, such as New York, London, etc… which leads to endless traveling and very little sleep!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.madisonmelle.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themadisonmelleagency/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cara-federici-029879a/
- Other: https://www.behance.net/madisonmelle?locale=en_US
